aquakiwi Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 This is probably in the wrong place but regarding routers for cutting slots, is there any preferred size? I have been looking at a Makita. I would probably only be doing a single lane loop, tho perhaps a two laner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermouse Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 only thing I know is make sure the collet can accept the smaller router bits - the 1/8 or 3.2mm bits have a smaller diameter shaft than standard bits (least the ones I have bought do) I had to change the collet on dad's router to accept the smaller bit. Also an attachment for dust extraction is handy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32coupe Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 You don't need much power to cut a 3mm slot, just get the best value for your dollar. Quote A man without a woman is like a neck without a pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquakiwi Posted June 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Thanks guys, I'd prefer the smallest lightest that will do the job, hopefully I might find someone in my region that can assist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeGas Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Hi Aquakiwi, I have the older version of this https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-400w-trim-router_p6210607 only 400 watts but did a great job. Just make sure you get a twin flute router bit. Quote Cheers Grant . 2025 - Mad Man Motoring (Triple M) Proxy - Group 5 - 1:32 & 1:43 https://auslot.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37451-2025-mad-man-motoring-triple-m-proxy-group-5-132-143/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If life gives you lemons, take them, free s#!t is cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalbfellp Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Over the years I have used several routers. The Bigger Makita is great I used two when doing my own track, borrowed from work. Both had dust extractor adapters fitted. But when routing my rally track I used a trimmer as the base is much smaller and fitted the narrow rally track, it had plenty of power for the 1/8 bit and easy handle, just lacked good dust extraction, so I fitted a vacuum hose to it. Quote Phil https://www.hobartminiaturecarclub.com/ Email Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
branco Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Here's a pic of my best friend. I would love to send it to you to use but could be starting a new project soon. How long would you need it for?? Quote 2019 NZ RTR Nationals Gt 3rd 2017 NZ RTR Nationals NSR Classic 2nd 2017 NZ RTR Nationals Group C 3rd 2017 NSR Classic Challenge 3rd 2015 NSR Classic Challenge 2nd 2014 NSR Classic Challenge 3rd 2015 Garden City Invitation Overall Champion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquakiwi Posted June 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Would this do the job? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalbfellp Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 That is the trimmer I have, Made by Makita and marketed much cheaper. It is OK for what you are doing. If you were going to do a big track with multiple lanes I would suggest going bigger like Branco,s. I have an old B&D router that I use as well. But the small foot print on the trimmer is good on the narrow rally track. Quote Phil https://www.hobartminiaturecarclub.com/ Email Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlotsNZ Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 One thing to consider - slot width. I saw 3mm and 1 1/8th (3.18mm) mentioned above - Alan - if you're doing a rally track and have tight curves, maybe worth using the wider 1/9th bit, as some modern guides can struggle on those tighter bends with the narrower bit. Also, try and get a "twin flute" bit if you can in that size, and if it is a fancier European brand - as opposed to an "evercut" or similar from M10, I gather you can get ones that spit the dust upwards and self clear the slot, so they are less likely to have a stick-and-burn (is that correct Phil, I'm a bit rusty) May not matter for hand routing, but I know when I used CNC machines for the modular stuff, and Oakland, the CNC shop had issues with the single flutes - 2 of them "ker-snap" Quote Custodian of many used screws (quite a few loose ) * Recovering Lapsed Slot Addict * Companion of other delusional slot addicts * Total kidder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquakiwi Posted June 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 (edited) Mark, do you know a source of suitable "bits" we have only a Mitre 10 here and they don't stock them. I think I borrowed yours last time, can probably pick one up in Auck. but don't like going there. Edited June 7, 2016 by aquakiwi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munter Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Alan, I used a Linbide brand twin flute 3.2 M4 1/8 straight cut 1/4" 6.4mm shank without any hassles on my rally loop. Go to a power tool specialist shop and talk to them....should be under 40 dollars. Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munter Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 One point about using a 1/8 slot is that if you are braiding then the recess cutting bit pin needs to match the slot size which mine does at 1/8". Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlotsNZ Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Good point on the rebating bit shaft diameter there munter. Alan, I used Linbide brand too - couldn't remember the brand till munter said the name. If you can't get one up there, I could grab one from Thomson's power tools here for you, and stick it in your next order. Would you like me to check price and availability - they sometimes need to order in non-metric sizes. Quote Custodian of many used screws (quite a few loose ) * Recovering Lapsed Slot Addict * Companion of other delusional slot addicts * Total kidder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlotsNZ Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Your best friend looks a bit stiff and starchy.... actually, he reminds me of Will Robinson's best friend, are they related. [ for those under 40, we can explain] Here's a pic of my best friend. I would love to send it to you to use but could be starting a new project soon. How long would you need it for?? Quote Custodian of many used screws (quite a few loose ) * Recovering Lapsed Slot Addict * Companion of other delusional slot addicts * Total kidder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermouse Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 "Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquakiwi Posted June 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Good point on the rebating bit shaft diameter there munter. Alan, I used Linbide brand too - couldn't remember the brand till munter said the name. If you can't get one up there, I could grab one from Thomson's power tools here for you, and stick it in your next order. Would you like me to check price and availability - they sometimes need to order in non-metric sizes. That would be great if you could get a price thanks Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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