chadmiha

Hey everyone, new here and got a couple of questions. I was given a Porter Cable 100 and it doesn't have a collet wrench, can I use a regular wrench to change out the bit? If not, where can I get one from? I believe the model # of the OEM wrench is #42157. Also, I read a how to on making a router table in a book and for the opening (where the bit comes through) it said to "put a large straight bit in, start up the router and push through." So, how "large" of a bit will I need to create this opening? I was just going to use a hole saw, but the book stated that the hole shouldn't bee too big. How big is too big, and how small is too small. Thanks in advance for ANY help.

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bobj3

Hi chadmiha

To start with any wrench will do the job the norm,just as long it fits the nut right.

The PC 100 is a bit to small for the router table it's only 7/8HP, makes a great trim router. (or light work)

Not to sure what you mean by "start up the router and push through" are you saying you want to make and use the router in a router table. ?
You may want to look at a PC or other routers that's are 2HP or more for a router table.
Sears sells a great router combo setup for 110.oo bucks.

More info needed

Bj

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Bj

challagan

Welcome to the forums. As Bob said, as long as the wrench fits on the nut. You should be able to find out what size the collet nut is from the manual I would think.

Corey

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Mike

The Porter Cable 100 router is a duplicate of the original Rockwell router, after the company split into Delta for stationary tools and PC for portable tools. It is as BJ said not powerful enough for working with hardwood but you should be ok with pine. You can use a 1" hole saw for your opening. It will be close enough for most jobs. I own one of the original Rockwells and it is mounted as an overarm router. It's a nice little machine as long as you don't ask too much of it.

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chadmiha

I will be using the PC100 for just making speaker rings for now. I will be using 3/4 MDF for these rings. I bought a Jasper 200 circle jig and a 1/4 spiral up cut to cut the rings. I plan on making a simple router table just to roundover the edges, will the router/ work piece be okay with only 7/8 HP? Also, How far can the roundover (1/4) protrude from the collet? I noticed that if it is mounted under a table, the bit would have to be pulled out a bit to be used from the top of the table. Is there a better way to roundover the circles edges? Thanks so much for the support guys.

bobj3

Hi Chad

"roundover the circles edges"
Use a round over bit with a bearing on it then you don't need to use the router table.
7/8Hp should do a find job

Bj

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Bj

chadmiha

The roundover I bought has a bearing on the bottom, I treid to post the link to home Depot, but it wouldn't work. Will this be okay to use w/o a table? If so, do I just use the Jasper to cut the outside of the circle, change bits (from spiral to roundover) then still use the jasper and roundover the edges? Thanks so much for ya'lls patience.

curiousgeorge

chadmiha you won't be able to post a link until you have made at least 10 posts. This is a preventive measure against spammers.
As to the round-over bit with the bearing, you don't have to use the circle jig with it. That's what the bearing is for. After cutting the circle simply run the round-over bit around the circle and the bearing limits the depth of cut and will follow around the circle. You will need a non-slip mat or some other method to hold the piece to keep it from moving on you while routing. Just in case you didn't know, If you are routing outside the circle you go in a counter clockwise direction. Inside the circle is clockwise. Always rout against the rotation of the bit. That's all there is to it.
Maybe you could post some pictures so we can see how it turns out.

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Joe Lyddon

W e l c o m e . . A b o a r d . . . Chad !!

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chadmiha

Alright guys, I'm pretty confident in attempting to rout these rings. As soon as the Jasper comes in (in a day or two) I'm going to try and whatever the outcome I will post some pics. Any suggestions on what I should set the depth for the roundover and spiral, or is it trial and error? Once again, all your help in helping me is appreciated GREATLY, thanks again.
Chad