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Posted: 1/4/2016 11:52:48 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ModulusArms]
Folks,
We have received countless questions about what router should be used to finish an 80% lower receiver with their Modulus Arms Heavy-Duty AR-15 Jig, Standard AR-15 Jig, and our AR-308 / AR-10 Jig. We have compiled a list of routers we recommend and do not recommend and why. Unlike some other companies we bought all of the recommended and almost all of the non-recommended routers to compile this list. We have used all of these routers and determined the following. Recommended Routers: Dewalt DWP611 This is out favorite router. This is a very rugged and quality unit. It is a mostly metal construction with a big base size. It is variable speed and has an LED light. It is a good purchase but on the higher price point from $120-$140.Link Craftsman 28212 This router has a powerful 1.25 HP motor. The base size of the router is a little small but it comes with an attachment with two handles for added control. Can be purchased at Sears for $90. Link Ridgid R24012 This router has a powerful 1.5 HP motor. The base size is smaller than the above but it still a good router. It is a little more flimsy than some of the other recommended routers. It can be found for $80-$100. Link Makita RT0701C This is a quality and powerful router. It has a 1.25 Hp motor and a mostly metal construction. It is a good purchase for $90-$100. Link Porter Cable PCE6435 This is a quality router. It has a normal sized base and a pretty powerful motor. It doesn't feel as sturdy or as stable as its bigger brother the Porter Cable 450 and costs the same. It can be bought for $120-$130. Link Dewalt D26670 This is a good router. It is a little less powerful than the others but still quality. It has been discontinued and can be hard to find. Porter Cable 7310 This is the same router as the Dewalt D26670. It is a good router but a little less powerful than the others. it has been discontinued and can be hard to find. Not Recommended Routers: Harbor Freight and Black And Decker Routers. All the Harbor Freight and Black and Decker Routers we have found are all junk. The spindles don't run true. Some of them are not variable speed and the overall quality is bad. These are typically labeled as DrillMaster, Chicago Electric and Black and Decker. We do not recommend them but you could use one if you were so inclined. Dewalt DWE6000 This is a flimsy router with a mostly plastic construction. While all the recommended routers have metal bases this one is all plastic. If you were going to purchase a router for this price you should get one of the recommended ones instead. It costs $100. Link Porter Cable PCE6430 This is actually a pretty decent router. There isn't anything wrong with it and it is very similar to the recommended Porter Cable PCE6435. The reason for not recommending is that it is not variable speed and it is less powerful. This will work if you want to save a few dollars but for the same money I would buy the Makita RT0701C. Cost is $90-$100. Link Bosch PR20EVSK People are surprised when we do not recommended a Bosch tool. This is a quality router with a good sized base but it has a couple of drawbacks. The depth adjustment is a little weird and if you do not do it correctly the height can slip. It also has a tendency to let the router slip in the collet. We used to recommend this but based on customer complaints and problems we don't anymore. Cost $110. Link Bosch PR10EV This looks identical to the Bosch PR20EVSK and has the same drawbacks of slipping end mills and poor height adjustment. It also does not have variable speed which is why it is cheaper than the PR20EVSK. Cost $100. Link Porter Cable PC450 This is very rugged and feels study in your hands. Has a large base size. The reason it is not recommended is that it is not variable speed. It is very similar to the Dewalt DWP611 but isn't variable speed and doesn't have an LED light. Can be found from $100-$120 Link Full Size Routers Many people use full size routers but we do not recommend them if you are purchasing a router to do this work. They are more powerful than necessary and can be large and cumbersome making them harder to control. Many of them are also not variable speed. Full size routers also come with a 3/8" chuck instead of a 1/4" chuck that is needed for the end mill we sell. You need to purchase a 1/4" collet to use a full size router. |
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Thanks,
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In reference to variable speed routers. You can buy a speed control for about $25 if you have a router already that isn't variable. I would also reccommend a foot switch as some routers have funnky switches and this allows you to keep both hands securely on the tool at all times. JMHO from using routers for 30+ years.
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I used the Bosch PRV20 and can echo the complaints about the collet can slip if you don't make sure the end mill is fully seated and fully tightened down.
The adjustments on it I don't find troublesome, however there is a learning curve with it for sure. |
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Would a full size plunge router work if it was built into a table? And will nfa billet lowers fit in your jig?
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Originally Posted By z0n3d0u7: Would a full size plunge router work if it was built into a table? And will nfa billet lowers fit in your jig? View Quote Yeah it could work but it would be very awkward and really not a good idea. I have a Bosch full size router mounted in a table and there's no way I would want to do it. And yes the NFA billet will fit. I have one and checked it against it already. |
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I used an old full size Craftsman, without a table and have completed both aluminum and poly receivers successfully, Sure, it's a bit bulky, but works fine.
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DEWALT DWP611 has been an absolute trooper. I'm not in love with the friction depth adjustment, but it's fast and I use a sharpie to mark
it so I can see quickly if it moves. Solid little tool. |
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There are a bunch of routers that will work. This was just a recommendation if you were buying one to use for doing 80%.
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Thank you!
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“In times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act” ~ George Orwell (attribution questionable)
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I bought the Makita, because it was the only variable speed trim router that was in stock at my nearby Home Depot at the time. It works well and feels like a quality built tool, I am quite satisfied with it. Price was right in the range stated.
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Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I bought the Makita, because it was the only variable speed trim router that was in stock at my nearby Home Depot at the time. It works well and feels like a quality built tool, I am quite satisfied with it. Price was right in the range stated. View Quote Yeah, We bought ours a Home Depot. I think that's the best option for a purchase at Home Depot. |
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Originally Posted By ModulusArms: Yeah, We bought ours a Home Depot. I think that's the best option for a purchase at Home Depot. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By ModulusArms: Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor: I bought the Makita, because it was the only variable speed trim router that was in stock at my nearby Home Depot at the time. It works well and feels like a quality built tool, I am quite satisfied with it. Price was right in the range stated. Yeah, We bought ours a Home Depot. I think that's the best option for a purchase at Home Depot. FWIW you may want to try using Harbor Freight 20% off coupons at Home Depot. Some of them will accept them, some will not. For me there's 1 in the city that will, of course it's clear across it so it's 45min away. |
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Originally Posted By ModulusArms:
Yeah, We bought ours a Home Depot. I think that's the best option for a purchase at Home Depot. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By ModulusArms:
Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I bought the Makita, because it was the only variable speed trim router that was in stock at my nearby Home Depot at the time. It works well and feels like a quality built tool, I am quite satisfied with it. Price was right in the range stated. Yeah, We bought ours a Home Depot. I think that's the best option for a purchase at Home Depot. They are supposed to carry the Rigid one on the recommended list as well, but they were out of stock when I bought my Makita. I will take your word for it, and consider myself fortunate if you say the Makita is better. |
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Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
They are supposed to carry the Rigid one on the recommended list as well, but they were out of stock when I bought my Makita. I will take your word for it, and consider myself fortunate if you say the Makita is better. View Quote You would have been well served either way. Personally the Ridgid is my favorite, but the boss likes the Makita. Both are excellent choices. |
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Originally Posted By maxxx93:
You would have been well served either way. Personally the Ridgid is my favorite, but the boss likes the Makita. Both are excellent choices. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By maxxx93:
Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
They are supposed to carry the Rigid one on the recommended list as well, but they were out of stock when I bought my Makita. I will take your word for it, and consider myself fortunate if you say the Makita is better. You would have been well served either way. Personally the Ridgid is my favorite, but the boss likes the Makita. Both are excellent choices. Maxx, As usual... I am a little confused. I thought that you guys were recommending a variable speed units and I see in this thread... " the Porter Cable 450 This is our favorite router. It is very rugged and feels study in your hands. Has a large base size. Can be found from $100-$120" I followed your lead and purchased the Ridgid unit that was previously recommended because the PC laminate trimmer that I already owned was not variable speed. It appears when looking at the vague specs posted on the HD site that was liked to above, the PC 450 is not variable speed either. From the HD website details of the 450.... "Variable Speed - No" http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-1-25-HP-Max-Torque-Compact-Router-450/203054718?cm_mmc=CJ-_-6151265-_-11210757&gclid=CNnBipfXkcoCFYIlHwodcFcA7w&gclsrc=aw.ds&AID=11210757&PID=6151265&SID=ij6zxu4t6z00b0av001rw&cj=true When going to the Delta/PC website it says... Amps: 7.0 Amps, Power: 1.25 HP, No Load Speed: 27,000 rpm, Motor Diameter: 2.70 ", Collets: 1/4 ", Switch: Rocker, Base Dimension: 4.00 ", Weight: 4.1 lbs http://www.portercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=24107 Am I missing something? Thanks in advance. |
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http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/speed_control.html?zoom_highlight=router+speed+control
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Thanks for helping me with that Maxx. I thought I was loosing it!
Are you ever not at work????? |
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Originally Posted By Fatboy148:
Thanks for helping me with that Maxx. I thought I was loosing it! Are you ever not at work????? View Quote You can't pin that one on me.That was a miscommunication between two of the marketing weenies. LOL You know me, I'm a Ridgid R24012 guy all the way. If you don't see me around in the future, you will know that I got sacked for calling my boss a weenie LMAO |
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Originally Posted By ModulusArms:
You are correct. That was an oversight by us and we corrected it in the original post. I am attaching an image that shows the two routers side by side. The Dewalt has the variable speed dial at the top and an LED light. The Porter cable doesn't View Quote Do your guys easy jigs work for NFA billet 80s? |
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Originally Posted By z0n3d0u7:
Do your guys easy jigs work for NFA billet 80s? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By z0n3d0u7:
Originally Posted By ModulusArms:
You are correct. That was an oversight by us and we corrected it in the original post. I am attaching an image that shows the two routers side by side. The Dewalt has the variable speed dial at the top and an LED light. The Porter cable doesn't Do your guys easy jigs work for NFA billet 80s? We don't sell an easy jig. We sell Modulus Arms Universal Jigs! Yes, all of our jigs fit NFA lowers. |
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Originally Posted By maxxx93:
You can't pin that one on me.That was a miscommunication between two of the marketing weenies. LOL You know me, I'm a Ridgid R24012 guy all the way. If you don't see me around in the future, you will know that I got sacked for calling my boss a weenie LMAO View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By maxxx93:
Originally Posted By Fatboy148:
Thanks for helping me with that Maxx. I thought I was loosing it! Are you ever not at work????? You can't pin that one on me.That was a miscommunication between two of the marketing weenies. LOL You know me, I'm a Ridgid R24012 guy all the way. If you don't see me around in the future, you will know that I got sacked for calling my boss a weenie LMAO The Ridgid is a very quality router. |
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I picked up the porter cable 6435 at Menards for $85. It was on sale for $99 and they had an additional 15% bag sale last week. Waiting for my jig to attempt my first lower.
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...believe in me, I'm with the High Command.
MO, USA
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And you WERE recommending the Bosch, which I purchased.
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"When trading bullets it is better to give than to receive"
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - George Orwell |
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Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor: As long as you are careful with the depth control and keep checking it, it should work fine... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor: Originally Posted By PursuitSS: And you WERE recommending the Bosch, which I purchased. As long as you are careful with the depth control and keep checking it, it should work fine... Yeah pretty much. Here's all you have to do to ensure success.... 1. Ensure the end-mill is bottomed out completely in the collet. 2. Ensure you have the collet as tight as you can get it 3. Ensure you have the depth adjustment fully seated into the find adjustment channel and have it tightened down fully. If you experience ANY chatter stop the router and check your bit against the depth gauge provided with the jig. If it didn't move then go back to milling. If it did move adjust it back to where it should be and resume milling. The depth will NOT change at all while in use UNLESS you experience chatter when milling so long as you have the collet tightened down fully (use both wrenches provided with the router). |
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If you don't mind reconditioned (I know people who swear by reconditioned because they say at least they know someone checked it to make sure it worked)...
This place online has the Makita like I bought for $69 and free shipping: http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-makita-rt0701c-r-1-1-4-hp-compact-router/mktrrt0701c-r,default,pd.html?start=13&cgid=laminate-trimmers I've never ordered from these guys so I can't say anything good or bad about the experience... but I do like the Makita I bought at Home Depot... Or they also have the Dewalt DWP611R for $99.99 http://www.reconditionedtools.com/factory-reconditioned-dewalt-dwp611r-premium-compact-router/dewrdwp611r,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=dewalt-routers |
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Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
If you don't mind reconditioned (I know people who swear by reconditioned because they say at least they know someone checked it to make sure it worked)... This place online has the Makita like I bought for $69 and free shipping: http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-makita-rt0701c-r-1-1-4-hp-compact-router/mktrrt0701c-r,default,pd.html?start=13&cgid=laminate-trimmers I've never ordered from these guys so I can't say anything good or bad about the experience... but I do like the Makita I bought at Home Depot... Or they also have the Dewalt DWP611R for $99.99 http://www.reconditionedtools.com/factory-reconditioned-dewalt-dwp611r-premium-compact-router/dewrdwp611r,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=dewalt-routers View Quote I just picked up the Makita and a Ridgid reciprocating saw. I think,I'm gonna try an 80% soon. |
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Originally Posted By PursuitSS:
And you WERE recommending the Bosch, which I purchased. View Quote Yeah, we used to recommend the Bosch. We have seen it is really hit or miss with the Bosch routers. Some people swear by them and some people have trouble with the depth adjustment and slipping end mills. The Bosch routers we have work great but we have had quite a few complaints from customers about them so we decided to stop recommending them. |
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I can't recommend Porter Cable routers for milling 80 percent lowers. I had the PCE6430 and sent it back due to the collet slipping and letting the end mill advance. I tried the PCE6435 and experienced the same thing, so it is going back as well. I bought the Makita from Home Depot and it has a much better overall design, especially the collet. The only issue it that the range of adjustment is not as great as other routers so you will have to pull the end mill out of the collet a bit to mill out the trigger slot. Also, the base size is on the smaller size and it doesn't have the clear base plate so it is more difficult to see what you are doing. Also no led light.
The Dewalt DWP611 looks like it might be the ticket. Does anyone have this router and if so, can you take a picture of the end of the collet? I would like to see what the collet looks like before ordering one. If one compares the collets on the rigid or porter cable router to the makita you will see what I am talking about. ETA: I looked at the Dewalt today while at Lowes. I think I'll stick with the Makita. I like the fact that it has wrench flats on the spindle in addition to the spindle lock feature. I tighten the collet down using the spindle lock first and I am able to further tighten it by utilizing the wrench flats. The collet holds the end mill so tight that I've had to grasp it with channelock pliers before to get it loose after removing the spindle/collet lock nut. I ruined one lower with the porter cable before I realized the end mill was slipping in the collet, so I am anal about it now. |
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The Ridgid R24012 works beautifully for this application. I have done several lowers with one with 0 collet issues.
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Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I've never ordered from these guys so I can't say anything good or bad about the experience... but I do like the Makita I bought at Home Depot... View Quote I ordered the reman Makita from CPO a couple weeks ago. Their free shipping code wasn't working online so I called to order, quick process, super nice rep, they gave me free shipping and even had my order out the door in the same day. They have a warehouse in my area so I had my router the next day. Great experience. The Makita seems to be a very high quality tool and there is no sign of wear or use, all around happy. I'll be using CPO for sourcing my tools from now on. |
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Originally Posted By suburbanlegend:
I ordered the reman Makita from CPO a couple weeks ago. Their free shipping code wasn't working online so I called to order, quick process, super nice rep, they gave me free shipping and even had my order out the door in the same day. They have a warehouse in my area so I had my router the next day. Great experience. The Makita seems to be a very high quality tool and there is no sign of wear or use, all around happy. I'll be using CPO for sourcing my tools from now on. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By suburbanlegend:
Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I've never ordered from these guys so I can't say anything good or bad about the experience... but I do like the Makita I bought at Home Depot... I ordered the reman Makita from CPO a couple weeks ago. Their free shipping code wasn't working online so I called to order, quick process, super nice rep, they gave me free shipping and even had my order out the door in the same day. They have a warehouse in my area so I had my router the next day. Great experience. The Makita seems to be a very high quality tool and there is no sign of wear or use, all around happy. I'll be using CPO for sourcing my tools from now on. Glad I could help! Seemed like a good deal so I thought I would pass it on to y'all! |
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Originally Posted By suburbanlegend:
I ordered the reman Makita from CPO a couple weeks ago. Their free shipping code wasn't working online so I called to order, quick process, super nice rep, they gave me free shipping and even had my order out the door in the same day. They have a warehouse in my area so I had my router the next day. Great experience. The Makita seems to be a very high quality tool and there is no sign of wear or use, all around happy. I'll be using CPO for sourcing my tools from now on. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By suburbanlegend:
Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I've never ordered from these guys so I can't say anything good or bad about the experience... but I do like the Makita I bought at Home Depot... I ordered the reman Makita from CPO a couple weeks ago. Their free shipping code wasn't working online so I called to order, quick process, super nice rep, they gave me free shipping and even had my order out the door in the same day. They have a warehouse in my area so I had my router the next day. Great experience. The Makita seems to be a very high quality tool and there is no sign of wear or use, all around happy. I'll be using CPO for sourcing my tools from now on. CPO's are usually a good deal. |
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So I read that you recommend a variable speed router,do you have a recommendation as to what speed to run it at?
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Modulus Arms won't answer that question (what speed is ideal for the router).
I've asked that question myself. I don't know the correct answer, but the fastest settings on my DeWalt seem to work the best. G. |
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Originally Posted By Blindeye: Modulus Arms won't answer that question (what speed is ideal for the router). I've asked that question myself. I don't know the correct answer, but the fastest settings on my DeWalt seem to work the best. G. View Quote The reason is because every router is slightly different and depending on how big a bite and how much pressure you apply to the router/bit it'll change the required speed. You just have to play with the settings to see what works best. Too fast and you can heat up the bit causing the aluminum chips to melt and stick to the bit (also will "gouge" into the aluminum on the receiver.). Too slow and it'll stall and chatter really bad. Even on my Bosch your speed settings don't directly correlate to a specific RPM range, I just adjusted mine till it felt and sounded like it was in the sweet spot |
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Originally Posted By ModulusArms: CPO's are usually a good deal. View Quote Yup generally are. Now if your local Home Depot or Lowes accepts HF 20% off coupons then they're not quite as good of a deal . One thing you should never buy from CPO are Ridgid brand power tools because they are not eligible for Ridgid's Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) or warranty. The discount from new pricing rarely makes it worth while. I like Ridgid stuff specifically because of the LSA and warranty, but it's not the be all and end all. I just move too often to have really nice tools which are likely to get damaged in the moving process. |
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Originally Posted By K1rodeoboater:
The reason is because every router is slightly different and depending on how big a bite and how much pressure you apply to the router/bit it'll change the required speed. You just have to play with the settings to see what works best. Too fast and you can heat up the bit causing the aluminum chips to melt and stick to the bit (also will "gouge" into the aluminum on the receiver.). Too slow and it'll stall and chatter really bad. Even on my Bosch your speed settings don't directly correlate to a specific RPM range, I just adjusted mine till it felt and sounded like it was in the sweet spot View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By K1rodeoboater:
Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Modulus Arms won't answer that question (what speed is ideal for the router). I've asked that question myself. I don't know the correct answer, but the fastest settings on my DeWalt seem to work the best. G. The reason is because every router is slightly different and depending on how big a bite and how much pressure you apply to the router/bit it'll change the required speed. You just have to play with the settings to see what works best. Too fast and you can heat up the bit causing the aluminum chips to melt and stick to the bit (also will "gouge" into the aluminum on the receiver.). Too slow and it'll stall and chatter really bad. Even on my Bosch your speed settings don't directly correlate to a specific RPM range, I just adjusted mine till it felt and sounded like it was in the sweet spot I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. |
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Originally Posted By Blindeye:
I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Originally Posted By K1rodeoboater:
Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Modulus Arms won't answer that question (what speed is ideal for the router). I've asked that question myself. I don't know the correct answer, but the fastest settings on my DeWalt seem to work the best. G. The reason is because every router is slightly different and depending on how big a bite and how much pressure you apply to the router/bit it'll change the required speed. You just have to play with the settings to see what works best. Too fast and you can heat up the bit causing the aluminum chips to melt and stick to the bit (also will "gouge" into the aluminum on the receiver.). Too slow and it'll stall and chatter really bad. Even on my Bosch your speed settings don't directly correlate to a specific RPM range, I just adjusted mine till it felt and sounded like it was in the sweet spot I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. The learning curve on a handheld router in regards to speed and feed rate is not something easily put into words The sound and feedback is something that needs to be experienced more than once on any single project, (be it wood or metal) to achieve a satisfactory finish. I really can't blame Modulus in this instance for not committing to an actual number setting. A $100 router, while able to achieve a decent milling job, is certainly far from a precision tool. |
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I strive to be the man my dog thinks I am.
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I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. View Quote Even within the same product line, no two rheostats will produce the same results and when milling aluminum a 100 RPM difference can be the difference between disaster and success. Rarely will you ever see a company or experienced craftsman make recommendations based on the numbers of a speed wheel on an adjustable tool. |
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Originally Posted By wagonwheel1: The learning curve on a handheld router in regards to speed and feed rate is not something easily put into words The sound and feedback is something that needs to be experienced more than once on any single project, (be it wood or metal) to achieve a satisfactory finish. I really can't blame Modulus in this instance for not committing to an actual number setting. A $100 router, while able to achieve a decent milling job, is certainly far from a precision tool. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By wagonwheel1: Originally Posted By Blindeye: I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. The learning curve on a handheld router in regards to speed and feed rate is not something easily put into words The sound and feedback is something that needs to be experienced more than once on any single project, (be it wood or metal) to achieve a satisfactory finish. I really can't blame Modulus in this instance for not committing to an actual number setting. A $100 router, while able to achieve a decent milling job, is certainly far from a precision tool. Exactly. If you have never used a router before you cannot quantify exactly how to use it in words fully. You just have to do it and feel the way the tool reacts in the material and by the sound of the bit cutting. It's kind of like MIG welding and when you have it set right it sounds like bacon frying in a pan (and sometimes well off the suggested settings). It's really not as ominous or hard as you're making it seem. I'm a dumb infantryman and I figured it out If you are a very literal type of person who needs exact speeds and settings you will be much happier with a mill, DROs and a tachometer. If you insist on an unofficial recommendation for the rheostat setting for a Bosch Colt I used somewhere between 4 and 5. I also went as high as 6. It just depended on how much of a bite I wanted to take out of the material on each pass. My buddy completed a few and he had to use different settings thanks using the exact same router and lowers. |
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Originally Posted By Blindeye:
I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Originally Posted By K1rodeoboater:
Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Modulus Arms won't answer that question (what speed is ideal for the router). I've asked that question myself. I don't know the correct answer, but the fastest settings on my DeWalt seem to work the best. G. The reason is because every router is slightly different and depending on how big a bite and how much pressure you apply to the router/bit it'll change the required speed. You just have to play with the settings to see what works best. Too fast and you can heat up the bit causing the aluminum chips to melt and stick to the bit (also will "gouge" into the aluminum on the receiver.). Too slow and it'll stall and chatter really bad. Even on my Bosch your speed settings don't directly correlate to a specific RPM range, I just adjusted mine till it felt and sounded like it was in the sweet spot I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. We will give suggestions. We own every model that is listed above and have used them all at one point or another. The problem with giving an "exact" setting is that different people do the job a bit uniquely. Some people go very slow and soft while other peoples only tool is a sledge hammer. The speed setting is intimately dependent on the end mill used, how aggressive the user is, how deep they decide to take each pass and on the exact router they have. Many people use our end mill, which is a solid carbide american made tool. A lot of other people use our competitors tool or something else which is not of the same quality or specifications which will adjust the optimal speed of the router. I know some people said we won't give recommendations. This isn't true. If you are having trouble with anything whether it's the jig you purchased from us, a router you bought from Home-Depot or the lower receiver you bought from our competitor to use with our Jig just give us a call or an email and we will get you straightened out. On our website, in the FAQ section, we have some recommendations regarding routers and how to use them. Here is a piece of the FAQ's Q: What router should I use? A: We recommend the Dewalt DWP611, Craftsman 28212, Ridgid R24012, Makita RT0701C, Porter Cable PCE6435, Dewalt D26670 and Porter Cable 7310. Harbor Freight and Black and Decker have been known to have poor results. There are many that will work and the important thing is that is has a 1/4" chuck and is variable speed. For more information check this link. Q: What speed setting should I adjust my router to? A: Each router is different. We recommend a setting of "5" or towards the middle for most routers. You should start slow and ramp it up until it feels smooth and relatively easy to move. Take your time. You will know when it is right. Q: What's the best way to mill with the router? A: You should always start in an open hole without touching any material. This is why you drill the holes. You are very likely to break the end mill if you start touching a side or turn the router on before you place it into the jig. The router should never be spinning when pulling it out or putting it into the jig. When the router is fully up to speed in the jig you should first try to join all the drill holes taking small semicircular cuts trying to cut with the side rather than the front of the end mill. Continue doing this until all the holes are joined. When they are joined go around the larger hole you created until you are touching the template. Q: My router isn't cutting very well, what is wrong? A: Check to make sure aluminum isn't clogged in the end mill. You should check after each pass or if you hear an audible change in the noise or feel of the router. Use more cutting fluid. Attach a shop vac and suck out the chips as you cut them. Check to make sure you did not break the teeth off your end mill. Take shallower depth of cuts. Slow down or speed up the router speed. |
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I just got an email from Lowe's showing the DeWalt DWP611, one of the Modulus "recommended" routers is on sale for $99, $40 off their normal $139 price. If you bought it with a Lowe's card you would get an add'l 5% off that price so it would be around $95 and they also offer a 2 year replacement warranty for about $12 if you are concerned about the damage milling aluminum might cause. Amazon has it for $110 so appears to be a pretty good price. No personal experience with the unit but thought it was a good buy if one were to be interested in it.
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Originally Posted By zload:
I just got an email from Lowe's showing the DeWalt DWP611, one of the Modulus "recommended" routers is on sale for $99, $40 off their normal $139 price. If you bought it with a Lowe's card you would get an add'l 5% off that price so it would be around $95 and they also offer a 2 year replacement warranty for about $12 if you are concerned about the damage milling aluminum might cause. Amazon has it for $110 so appears to be a pretty good price. No personal experience with the unit but thought it was a good buy if one were to be interested in it. View Quote Go to the Post Office and get a " moving packet" . Thy typically have a 10% off from Lowes coupon inside. |
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I strive to be the man my dog thinks I am.
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Originally Posted By Blindeye:
I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Originally Posted By K1rodeoboater:
Originally Posted By Blindeye:
Modulus Arms won't answer that question (what speed is ideal for the router). I've asked that question myself. I don't know the correct answer, but the fastest settings on my DeWalt seem to work the best. G. The reason is because every router is slightly different and depending on how big a bite and how much pressure you apply to the router/bit it'll change the required speed. You just have to play with the settings to see what works best. Too fast and you can heat up the bit causing the aluminum chips to melt and stick to the bit (also will "gouge" into the aluminum on the receiver.). Too slow and it'll stall and chatter really bad. Even on my Bosch your speed settings don't directly correlate to a specific RPM range, I just adjusted mine till it felt and sounded like it was in the sweet spot I don't buy that argument. Modulus arms recommends a particular router; they could simply say: "Setting 5 on the speed control is what we find the optimum for the Bosch router". They won't even do that. I've completed several lowers using first the original Modulus jig and the last couple with the new HD jig... I'd have to agree with the people who say that what speed settings work best depend on the individual. It really isn't that hard to play with it a little and figure out what works for you. FWIW, on my Makita I've been running between 3 and 4. |
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Don't bottom out a router bit or end mill in a router collet. It needs some space for the bit to move back when tightening the collet, and if you bottom them out they will either not tighten correctly (resulting in automatic random height adjustment) or the bit will get stuck in the collet and will never come out.
Carbide end mills can be run at very high speed with no ill effect... |
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