lablover

So I finally had time to put the incra together...WOW...That is some cool gear for sure.

Observations...........I HATE LAMINATE...Nuff said. Dad taught be many moons ago and I figured I'd ask if anything changed. Edging the core sucks..That simple. I was using my Bosch Colt and the chips come right up in my face..Am I doing something wrong? This is with the router between me and the laminate..Thank god I had specs on I don't remember those old trim routers pops had ever doing that..But then again that was like 25 years ago..or 30 years.ewwww. Filing is no fun either..But to pass the DAD fingernail test..It's the only way to go as far as I know.


Questions.

Decided to wait on the 3 HP router for the lift. the Bosch 1617 should be fine for just rails and styles (no panel raising yet) With a tongue and grove set (CMT) will the bosch handle doing the cut in one pass? Should I use 2 or more passes? I don't want to overload my router. Thats one reason I wanted the 3 HP but after input from Mike..Guess theres no that much difference.

Dust collector. The shop vac aint cuttin it. My Delta contractor saw has a dust port on the bottom and the shop vac aint workin so hot on it. For single tool at a time i.e TAble saw, Router table, Planer..Will the 1 hp 650 cfm units suffice? If I decide to duct the shop at each tool and leave the DC in one spot..Will it have enough ummpphh to do each tool? Longest run might be 20 feet. Or am I better getting the bigger 100 cfm units?

Hope to have a few pics of the RT in the next day or so.

Thanks in advance for the help all..

Joe

Still pickin out the laminate chips from my ears and hair

EDIT.....
Do I need the big 3HP for the somerfeld cabinet making bits??

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bobj3

Hi lablover

"I HATE LAMINATE"
Use a insert on the Colt so the chips can't come up in the center hole.

"Do I need the big 3HP for the somerfeld cabinet making bits??"
Yes and no, yes for the big dia. bits no for the Vert.bits.

http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/item....2542a&d=71&b=1

http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/list.asp?d=71&p=

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PodCast videos
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Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
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lablover

Bob..For say the rail and style cutters only..3 hp recomeded?? God, I hope not 2 1/4 wont do it?? HP Wise

kp91

Don't go cheap on dust collection. If there is a 1-1/2 or 2 hp unit in or around your price range go for it. Especially if you're using it from machine to machine and have any real length of flexible hose. I went cheap at first, and regretted it!

__________________
Doug
1 John 1:9

bobj3

Hi lablover
2 1/4Hp sure will and I do it all the time with the PC router

Bj

__________________
PodCast videos
RWS on YouTube

http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail
Machine Cut ▼
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm

Bob J.

Mike

Joe, your 1617 should have no problem with the rail and stile bits. Horizontal panel raising bits have to be used in steps, this is where a 3+ HP will make a difference. If you use vertical panel raising bits no problem. Please dont misunderstand why I said not that much difference. The average user does not need the extra bit of power. All the lifts I have seen are very slow to adjust, and I would much rather be routing instead of cranking and cranking and cranking.

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Mike
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lablover

Thanks Bob..Thats what I wanted to hear.

Mike..For now I have a project that is making shaker style doors..so no panel raising needed yet. I'd rather dump the money in a 1. HP dust collector right now.

Awesome news for sure..As long as I can get those T&G rails and styles done and other smaler stuff I'm good to go. Last time I tried I did 2 passes anayway..


The laminate trimmer..the chips are coming from the side. For trimming the edge banding, I have the trimmer sideways (Horizontal) and those chips come right up at me. Held the way it should be...up and down, works fine.
Joe

harrysin

Lablover, I'm not sure if you are using Laminex strips for the edge or the self adhesive edging strip, if the latter, the method of trimming it to use a 12" steel rule at a slight angle so that there is downward pressure and slide it along and the strip will be trimmed in one long length only leaving a couple of strokes of the sanding block to finish.

__________________
Harry

Mike

Note: Laminex is a brand name in Australia for plastic laminate, like Formica is in the US.

By the way, one reason why you may be getting chips tossed in your face is an angled or spiral bit? Odds are your father used a straight bit.

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Mike
Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.

lablover

Ahhhhhhhhhh..I bet it was. I remember him using vasoline on the edges too so the bit would not burn the laminate. The bit I'm using is a bearing CMT laminate bit..Straight. Might try one of those euro bits with the square bearing. I'm gettin a dust attach for it as well.

Yes..It's formica