Mike

Trim routers can be purchased for as little as $12 and yes, you get what you pay for. The Bosch Colt trim router is top quality and you will need to add more than $100 to that $12 to get one. Since you are interested in CNC routing here is a link to view one of the most common CNC router applications. This uses a Bosch 905: http://www.routerforums.com/lobby/43...uplicator.html

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macg

Wow thanks you guys have really been helpful to get me back on track, I have seen some really low cost trim routers out there, and it has been tempting, but I will for sure look at something with more quality, and one that can be table mounted, the final use will be used on my CNC Router but I am sure I will find a use for it when mounted into a table , a table router sounds like a great tool for any woodworker, made from MDF CNC Router I am building can use a 5amp trim router with 1/4" collets

Mac

Woodnut65

Hi, Macg: A 1 1/2 HP router should do it. It will handle a 3/4 " bit with no trouble.
If you don't have a router table, you are going to need a guide to mount onto your router to kepp the cut straight. If the MDF is 3/4" thick or more it would be a good idea to take it in 1/4" cuts until u get through the material. Since you are going all the way through don't for get to place some scrap material under the mdf to avoid damage to you bench or whatever you are using. Hope this helps Woodnut65

macg

Hi Woodnut65
the CNC machine I am making is made from 3/4" MDF
see rockcliffmachine . com the grooves are only 3/8" deep
I know that a trim router is small for the job but I want to use the trim router later in the cnc machine, the cnc machine I am building has only the capacity for a smaller trim router or dremal tool.

bobj3

Hi macq

You may want to back off with the "dremal tool" they are made for light duty, I have a router bit set (1/8" shank ) for the Dremel but they will cook bits in a heart beat,the VS Dremel will help but then you have no power to do the job ...
rpm = HP they spin at 30,000 rpm the norm.
You may want to take a hard look at the link below, this tool will come with all the add on items you can use to get the job done.
Most trim routers don't have or come with the add on items at a good price.
I have one and they do have the power to run most 1/4" and 1/8" router bits.

Marvel 40 3-in-1 Router Kit
A 1 HP COMPACT ROUTER, LAMINATE TRIMMER AND CUT-OUT TOOL IN ONE TOOL
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...ir_router.html

Good Luck with your CNC setup you are about to take on a big JOB

Bj

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Bob J.

macg

hopefully I will get it right here's the plan I am going to try and cut the 3/4" grooves (MDF CNC MACHINE only 9 table slide grooves needed) with a 3/4" core box bit #6418 with 1/4" shank I will cut the grooves 3/8" deep in MDF with a small trim router mounted in a table as a table router with a fence for guiding.

it sounds like you guys agree it might be possible to cut the 3/4" grooves with a smaller 1/4" collet trim router

macg

We have home depot and lee valley for tool selection up here in canada I think the core box bit will be the hardest part to get, we have a good selection of routers Bosch, dewalt, hopefully I can buy the cutter locally too

macg

Does anyone know where in canada I can buy a core box bit 3/4" diameter with a 1/4" shaft ?