Re: [ATM] Suggestions on a Router?

[Adam Perkins <scopeguru@yahoo.com>]

I did the large trunnions and single-ring upper for my
(still unfinished) 12.5" dob with my $70 Ryobi
Fixed-base router (1/4" collet only). Circles are easy
with routers if you make a decent jig. I found no
affordable commercial jig in my casual search for one.
The thing that sold me on the model I bought was the
presence of two well-placed holes cast into the base
which allowed me to build a very rigid circle jig. 

My previous 6" f/8 dob was built with only a circular
saw, a drill, and my router. I've gotten comments on
the "Clean" workmanship, and grumbles from guys who
said they could do it too, if they had a big shop...

I can send some pics of my jig whenever I get home,
Hurricane Katrina sent me running. I may have plenty
of time and dark skys when I get there, maybe no job
or power for a while... 

Only use carbide-tipped bits. Nothing else. Make it a
rule. One 1/4" single-flute carbide bit can build a
lot of stuff, get one of these instead of a case of
HSS bits. 

I'd be the last one to recommend cheap tools, but
don't spend $200 on a tool you'll use twice. When
building a strip-planked canoe, I ran hundreds of feet
of 1/4" cypress strips through my cheap router on a
simple shop-built table, the result was accurate and
quick cove-and-bead profiles.  You are not a cabinet
shop, you are an Amateur Telescope Maker, Vladimir
made some very stong points about cheap tools in an
earlier post.  I love good tools, I own a few.  I've
also accumulated a couple of cheapies, which I can
coax good products from if I'm thoughtful and patient.


My 1-1/4" thick Alt-trunnions were done by cutting and
sanding a very accurate template from hard-board. This
was traced onto 4 pieces of good plywood and
roughed-out with a little sabre-saw. Two rough blanks
were stacked and glued per trunnion. The final shaping
was done with a carbide flush-cutting bit (the kind
with a little ball-bearing wheel) following the
template. Multiple shallow cuts make for accurate
work. 

I admit I've had my eye on the Porter-cable dual-base
unit for a long time, I have no current need for a
plunge base, but its a good tool, and would
undoubtedly get some use. Just don't over-buy if you
don't need it. 

Buy some hearing protection when you get the tool. A
router is the loudest woodworking tool there is. They
will destroy your hearing with constant use. I also
find it easier to concentrate with my "mickey-mouse"
ears in place. Saftey equipment is part of the budget
for any tool purchase. 

Whatever you get, routers are great for ATM's. 

Adam Perkins 

--- "Dowd(s)" <kd14349@alltel.net> wrote: 
> I'm getting ready to take the "plunge" and buy a 
> router. It will be used 
> to cut circles in wood for altitude and azimuth 
> bearings for a COT 
> scope. Mel B. has indicated that a 1/32" tolerance >
is the accuracy level 
> to shoot at for this project. 


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