DIY Nubie questions. learning as i go.

[Revtech]

I'm really new to this and excited about building my first router. I have learned so much just from reading here it a great forum! I've been reading for a month or so and figured it was time to get my feet wet. I purchased the Solsylva plans because I wanted the open bottom. I would love to do some inlays when I become more than a novice. But I need to ask a few questions.

First off I have not seen anyone talk about the brand or model of trim router they use. So which trim router is the best to use or the most popular? Also is there a place I might find the plans for brackets I don't want to use plumbers strap as in the plans.

Second is there a place where you can buy patterns/designs etc. ready to go. I have seen some awesome carvings of pictures along with sign borders, cabinet engravings and other ideas.

Third what software do you think is the best for a novice to cnc? Design and cnc control. I work on computers everyday but not in the graphic area. So any help would be great. I'm not against spending money if it's worth it. I was thinking of vcarve for the photos. Any other ideas or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your time. Rev

[ger21]

I haven't used one, but I'd look at the variable speed version of the Bosch Colt. It's a little bigger than a trim router at 1Hp, but not as big as a router. And varaiable speed will definately come in handy.

It's hard to beat V-carve wizard for a novice. Use that and get a $20 copy of CorelDraw from Ebay.

Mach3 to run the machine. www.machsupport.com

[js11110]

I purchased the Makita RF1101 router. Vcarve wizard at www.vectric.com is the most easiest software to use, and puts out AWESOME results in minutes. As far as premade art models go to www.vectorart3d.com/ For some really cool models that work hand in hand with Vcarve Wizard. Hope this helps!

Jason

[Revtech]

Thanks for the info! I need to ask another question! When you are cutting out (Completely through the wood) a circle from a wood blank. how do you hold the center inplace while the last of the cut is made. I would think that as the last portion of the cut is made to seperate the two pieces of wood the center one would move around and may get damaged by the bit.
Thanks! Rev

[randyf1965]

I know using Sheetcam you can use tabs to hold pieces in place. When the piece is done I use a sharp knife to cut the tabs and remove the parts

[ger21]

You can cut almost all the way through, and use a flush trim router bit and trim them out by hand. Or, depending on the size of the part, use vacuum to hold them down.

You'll find that holding the part's still can be more difficult than actually cutting them.

[js11110]

VCarve wizard 3.0 which should be out sometime in late June has the ability to leave tabs in place wherever you would like at whatever thickness you like. You can then just cut through the tabs with a knife or a small saw and sand the edge alittle bit. Perfect parts every time!!

Jason

[Revtech]

Great! thanks for responding. Rev