As described in the thread "Newb, picked up a used router, what next?" in the General Routing forum (can't do links yet, but here's most of the link: routerforums.com/general-routing/139195-newb-picked-up-used-router-what-next.html ), I've picked up a used plunge router and table setup. I've never used a router before, and one of the first projects I'd like to undertake is this plyometric box build - again, don't have permission to post links yet, but if you search for "3-in-1 Plyometric Box jonathan zempel", it should be the first result. I don't have any bits yet, so this will be the start of getting some bits - if one of those $20-30 bit kits is sufficient for occasional DIY use, I can do that, or if those aren't even worth that much, I'm open to getting (semi-budget) bits as needed as I tackle different projects.
The box would be made of 3/4" plywood. The author uses the router to round over edges and to make a few dado cuts. The dado cuts are as pictured in the first pic below. The dados are 3/8" deep, 3/4" wide and 6" long. So I guess I need a 3/4" straight bit? Suggestions? Also, need a roundover bit.
He uses a jigsaw and circular saw to cut notches along the edges of several piece of plywood. I can't cut a straight line with a jigsaw to save my life, so I thought this might be easier with a router table. The last two pics below show the required notches - starting with a rectangular piece of 3/4" ply, he takes 3/4" off the edge to create the notches. Seems like a router could do that pretty easily. I guess the corners of the notches could be cleaned up with a jigsaw (or hammer and chisel). Is trying to cut these notches on a router easier than using a cheap Harbor Freight jigsaw? If so, what kind of bit would I need for that?
And lastly, I need a fence. A lot of DIY fence videos seem pretty complicated (and seem to assume you already have a router table and fence or table saw to make some of the cuts). I was thinking I could start with a very simple fence and then use that to build a better fence as I start using the router more. Initially I thought I could use aluminum angle from the big box stores (with a notch cut out for the bit), but since I'm not seeing any videos where people are suggesting this, I'm guessing this alu angle isn't exactly square. How about a piece of 2x4 (sitting on edge or face, whichever makes more sense)? I've got lots of short pieces of 2x4 and could probably find one that is straight.
The box would be made of 3/4" plywood. The author uses the router to round over edges and to make a few dado cuts. The dado cuts are as pictured in the first pic below. The dados are 3/8" deep, 3/4" wide and 6" long. So I guess I need a 3/4" straight bit? Suggestions? Also, need a roundover bit.
He uses a jigsaw and circular saw to cut notches along the edges of several piece of plywood. I can't cut a straight line with a jigsaw to save my life, so I thought this might be easier with a router table. The last two pics below show the required notches - starting with a rectangular piece of 3/4" ply, he takes 3/4" off the edge to create the notches. Seems like a router could do that pretty easily. I guess the corners of the notches could be cleaned up with a jigsaw (or hammer and chisel). Is trying to cut these notches on a router easier than using a cheap Harbor Freight jigsaw? If so, what kind of bit would I need for that?
And lastly, I need a fence. A lot of DIY fence videos seem pretty complicated (and seem to assume you already have a router table and fence or table saw to make some of the cuts). I was thinking I could start with a very simple fence and then use that to build a better fence as I start using the router more. Initially I thought I could use aluminum angle from the big box stores (with a notch cut out for the bit), but since I'm not seeing any videos where people are suggesting this, I'm guessing this alu angle isn't exactly square. How about a piece of 2x4 (sitting on edge or face, whichever makes more sense)? I've got lots of short pieces of 2x4 and could probably find one that is straight.