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Muftobration · 06-07-2008, 11:01 PM

I decided recently that I wanted to build a desk large enough to accommodate the many things I use while at my desk. Long story short, I've completed the whole thing except for finishing touches. My step-father noticed that the edges were a little rough, but I had planned on sanding them round. He went to the basement and came up with a router, which I had never seen in action before. I was amazed when he demonstrated how effectively it could shape wood! Part two of this story brings me to my headphone obsession. I've wanted to build custom wood enclosures for some of my headphones for a few months now, but I thought it would involve buying a lathe. A friend of mine from the headphone world was showing me some of his beautiful work and when I asked him what lathe he used, he said he used a router and compass. Well, that sealed the deal; time for me to learn how to use a router!

Could anyone suggest me a place to go for information on very small-scale routing? The type of stuff I want to do involves making extremely precise cuts on a very small scale (headphone cups will be about the size of the palm of your hand).

For some awesome examples of woodworking on headphones, check out headphile. That guy (Larry) is amazing!

kp91 · 06-08-2008, 12:19 AM

I recommend getting a few reference books first for some router safety, and ideas on small parts routing. The two below are a good place to start.

http://www.amazon.com/Woodworking-Ro...2898100&sr=8-1

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movie.../product.html?

Here's a commercial jig that might be helpful

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...80&cat=1,43000

Here's an example of a commercial router circle cutter for small circles, but you can easily make your own if you're frugal.

Hope some of these ideas help,

**Mike** · 06-08-2008, 01:12 AM

Books are a good place to start, but nothing helps as much as watching a process for explaning how it works. I would suggest you visit Oak Park by clicking the recommended stores link at the top right of the page and purchasing one of the DVD's. Each of these will show you how to create several projects and give you a wealth of information on proper and safe router use. There are many projects covered in the forums which should help even more. Before you spend any money I suggest you go to our blogs section and read "Sawdust Dreams". I wrote this to be an introduction that will answer many new user questions. We will be here to assist you and hope you enjoy the forums.

Pepo · 06-08-2008, 07:47 AM

Hi Muftobration, I just found here in Kentucky a new store that is one of the better known woodworkers supply stores. When I visited, I found that they have a fully equipped wood working shop that can be used for a fee. They do insist that you take a lesson on the machine that you intend to use given at certain times by one of the store experts. After that you can rent that particular machine for your projects. Depending on where you live that might be of interest to you and others. Take care and have fun

**harrysin** · 06-08-2008, 10:24 AM

I've just checked out that headphone site and as interesting as it is, it amazes me that anyone would contemplate housing headphones in wooden cases. As someone who during my working life was deeply involved in the esoteric end of the hi-fi industry, basically in service, but also as backup for the sales consultants, light weight was one of the main criteria apart from frequency response. The major headphone manufacturers spend huge amounts of money on research and development, using not only robotic heads for fine tuning, but lots and lots of professional audiophiles, the chances of improvement are miniscule apart from which the way that sound is perceived is subjective, one man's meat is another man's poison. As an aside, the most difficult customers to sell speakers to were the ones who had been using high quality headphones for a long time, in my humble opinion, no speaker system can equal quality headphones because the latter don't have all the variables like reflective walls, furnishings that are constantly moved around by most wives!
Back to precision routing, Template Tom has a sticky on this forum, you will learn a great deal from reading it.

Here is the link http://www.routerforums.com/18422-post1.html

curiousgeorge · 06-08-2008, 11:15 AM

Free videos on line....

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/fil...layer&temp=yes

Muftobration · 06-08-2008, 11:25 AM

Wow, thank you all for the detailed replies! I was not expecting to get such specific instructions, but it's wonderful. I'll start by reading "Sawdust Dreams" and then work my way through the other suggestions. Thanks, guys!

Pepo, that would be fantastic, but I already have access to some good equipment. I got to a technical school with a fully equipped shop.

**bobj3** · 06-08-2008, 11:55 AM

Hi Muftobration

I would suggest you just jump into it with both feet,,, the best way to learn is by doing it.

It will take you a long time to get it all down, making errors is always the best..,,,you don't tell anyone about all the green lights you have gone through it's the red ones that stick in your mind...

By the way that's a great site and some neat headphones.
http://www.headphile.com/

You will not need a big router or a big table to get your job done.

Plus when you need help you will find it on this site, books are great but doing it is best.

Here's a small table I made to make small things...
http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fix...ter-table.html

Corey and Bob N. and I all made one ( they are members of the forum)
The little Colt will do it all...

=======
You also may want to think about Rosette Cutters for the job.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/sear...spx?q=Rosettes
Rosette Cutterhead
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Rose...tterhead/G2830

Plus this link
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projects/yoyo/yoyo.htm
http://www.globalsources.com/manufac...den-Yo-Yo.html

=========

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muftobration

I decided recently that I wanted to build a desk large enough to accommodate the many things I use while at my desk. Long story short, I've completed the whole thing except for finishing touches. My step-father noticed that the edges were a little rough, but I had planned on sanding them round. He went to the basement and came up with a router, which I had never seen in action before. I was amazed when he demonstrated how effectively it could shape wood! Part two of this story brings me to my headphone obsession. I've wanted to build custom wood enclosures for some of my headphones for a few months now, but I thought it would involve buying a lathe. A friend of mine from the headphone world was showing me some of his beautiful work and when I asked him what lathe he used, he said he used a router and compass. Well, that sealed the deal; time for me to learn how to use a router!

Could anyone suggest me a place to go for information on very small-scale routing? The type of stuff I want to do involves making extremely precise cuts on a very small scale (headphone cups will be about the size of the palm of your hand).

For some awesome examples of woodworking on headphones, check out headphile. That guy (Larry) is amazing!

curiousgeorge · 06-08-2008, 10:35 PM

Another video on routers:

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...ks-techniques/

Muftobration · 06-09-2008, 02:43 AM

Bobj, thanks for the table idea. I just watched the whole video that curiousgeorge linked to. It must have been an hour long, but it was very informative and makes me want to make a table.

I bought that book from amazon that kp91 recommended, so that will be nice when it arrives. Until then, I'll just fool around with it and see what I can do. I think I only have a rounding bit, so I won't be able to do anything special until I buy some more. Is there a preferred place to buy bits here, or do people just go to Home Depot/Lowes?

06-07-2008, 11:01 PM	#1
Muftobration Registered User New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3 View Muftobration's Gallery	Report This Post! I have never routed, but am going to start. I decided recently that I wanted to build a desk large enough to accommodate the many things I use while at my desk. Long story short, I've completed the whole thing except for finishing touches. My step-father noticed that the edges were a little rough, but I had planned on sanding them round. He went to the basement and came up with a router, which I had never seen in action before. I was amazed when he demonstrated how effectively it could shape wood! Part two of this story brings me to my headphone obsession. I've wanted to build custom wood enclosures for some of my headphones for a few months now, but I thought it would involve buying a lathe. A friend of mine from the headphone world was showing me some of his beautiful work and when I asked him what lathe he used, he said he used a router and compass. Well, that sealed the deal; time for me to learn how to use a router! Could anyone suggest me a place to go for information on very small-scale routing? The type of stuff I want to do involves making extremely precise cuts on a very small scale (headphone cups will be about the size of the palm of your hand). For some awesome examples of woodworking on headphones, check out headphile. That guy (Larry) is amazing!
	Top - Reply with Quote

06-08-2008, 12:19 AM	#2
kp91 Marine Engineer Forum King Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fredericksburg, VA First Name: Doug Posts: 921 View kp91's Gallery	Report This Post! I recommend getting a few reference books first for some router safety, and ideas on small parts routing. The two below are a good place to start. http://www.amazon.com/Woodworking-Ro...2898100&sr=8-1 http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movie.../product.html? Here's a commercial jig that might be helpful http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...80&cat=1,43000 Here's an example of a commercial router circle cutter for small circles, but you can easily make your own if you're frugal. Hope some of these ideas help, __________________ Doug 1 John 1:9
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06-08-2008, 01:12 AM	#3
Mike Senior Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 3,382 View Mike's Gallery	Report This Post! Books are a good place to start, but nothing helps as much as watching a process for explaning how it works. I would suggest you visit Oak Park by clicking the recommended stores link at the top right of the page and purchasing one of the DVD's. Each of these will show you how to create several projects and give you a wealth of information on proper and safe router use. There are many projects covered in the forums which should help even more. Before you spend any money I suggest you go to our blogs section and read "Sawdust Dreams". I wrote this to be an introduction that will answer many new user questions. We will be here to assist you and hope you enjoy the forums. __________________ Mike Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.
	Top - Reply with Quote

06-08-2008, 07:47 AM	#4
Pepo Registered User New Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5 View Pepo's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi Muftobration, I just found here in Kentucky a new store that is one of the better known woodworkers supply stores. When I visited, I found that they have a fully equipped wood working shop that can be used for a fee. They do insist that you take a lesson on the machine that you intend to use given at certain times by one of the store experts. After that you can rent that particular machine for your projects. Depending on where you live that might be of interest to you and others. Take care and have fun
	Top - Reply with Quote

06-08-2008, 10:24 AM	#5
harrysin Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Western Australia Posts: 3,333 View harrysin's Gallery	Report This Post! I've just checked out that headphone site and as interesting as it is, it amazes me that anyone would contemplate housing headphones in wooden cases. As someone who during my working life was deeply involved in the esoteric end of the hi-fi industry, basically in service, but also as backup for the sales consultants, light weight was one of the main criteria apart from frequency response. The major headphone manufacturers spend huge amounts of money on research and development, using not only robotic heads for fine tuning, but lots and lots of professional audiophiles, the chances of improvement are miniscule apart from which the way that sound is perceived is subjective, one man's meat is another man's poison. As an aside, the most difficult customers to sell speakers to were the ones who had been using high quality headphones for a long time, in my humble opinion, no speaker system can equal quality headphones because the latter don't have all the variables like reflective walls, furnishings that are constantly moved around by most wives! Back to precision routing, Template Tom has a sticky on this forum, you will learn a great deal from reading it. Here is the link http://www.routerforums.com/18422-post1.html __________________ *Harry* Last edited by harrysin; 06-08-2008 at 10:33 AM. Reason: to add link
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06-08-2008, 11:15 AM	#6
curiousgeorge Registered User Supreme Forum King Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Worth,Texas USA First Name: George Posts: 1,589 View curiousgeorge's Gallery	Report This Post! Free videos on line.... http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/fil...layer&temp=yes __________________ George For those who haven't already done so... PLEASE! PLEASE! Fill in your first name and location in your profile.
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06-08-2008, 11:25 AM	#7
Muftobration Registered User New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3 View Muftobration's Gallery	Report This Post! Wow, thank you all for the detailed replies! I was not expecting to get such specific instructions, but it's wonderful. I'll start by reading "Sawdust Dreams" and then work my way through the other suggestions. Thanks, guys! Pepo, that would be fantastic, but I already have access to some good equipment. I got to a technical school with a fully equipped shop.
	Top - Reply with Quote

06-08-2008, 10:35 PM	#9
curiousgeorge Registered User Supreme Forum King Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Worth,Texas USA First Name: George Posts: 1,589 View curiousgeorge's Gallery	Report This Post! Another video on routers: http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...ks-techniques/ __________________ George For those who haven't already done so... PLEASE! PLEASE! Fill in your first name and location in your profile.
	Top - Reply with Quote

06-09-2008, 02:43 AM	#10
Muftobration Registered User New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3 View Muftobration's Gallery	Report This Post! Bobj, thanks for the table idea. I just watched the whole video that curiousgeorge linked to. It must have been an hour long, but it was very informative and makes me want to make a table. I bought that book from amazon that kp91 recommended, so that will be nice when it arrives. Until then, I'll just fool around with it and see what I can do. I think I only have a rounding bit, so I won't be able to do anything special until I buy some more. Is there a preferred place to buy bits here, or do people just go to Home Depot/Lowes?
	Top - Reply with Quote

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