Routers (Not wireless ones, silly! The ones with bits!)

[Trace]

I have a router which my Grandpa gave to me a while before he passed away. I have never used it ever. I know that you can do designs in wood with it such as channels. Can I use it on a piece of think Plexi? If so, does it take a special bit or will a standard wood bit work?

Thanks
-=- Trace

[SgtM]

You sure can use it on plexi. I'm not sure if a special bit is needed or not though.

[calumc]

a standard wood bit will do fine, just make sure to keep it moving so the plexi doesnt burn

[Outlaw]

When I was cutting plexi, I used a bit like THIS (http://www.hardwarestore.com/media/product/115254_front200.jpg) (until it broke) and it worked very well. The plastic didn't build up right behind the bit and melt itself back together. When I was using a standard drill bit, it would cut the plexi fine, but the plastic started to melt back together. Maybe I wasn't using the right RPM. It was at 2500ish for using both types. I was using a Dremel with an adapter which allowed it to be used like a router. I'm not sure on the bit diameter for your router but here is a 1/8" shank bit (http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PROD/dremel-spiral/D-BQ22http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PROD/dremel-spiral/D-BQ22). Yes, I know it says drywall, but it's what I used and it was awesome for cutting this.

Hope this helps.

[calumc]

Those dremel bits are mill bits rather than router bits, router bits are a different kettle of fish.
And since you were talking about drilling plexi with a standard HSS bit they arent suitable for the job without modification (the angle of the tip must be ground to an angle that I cant remember at the moment)

[Trace]

Thank you, I guess I'll have to try this.

<Off Topic>I just tried using a jig saw for cutting the plexi...it worked great!</Off Topic>

[Airbozo]

I have used my router with a normal wood bit on plexi and it left such a nice edge I will not have to sand.

[SgtM]

BTW, I was thinking about this. The other kind of routers have bits too.

[Trace]

Yes, I guess your right. Of course your right. You always are.

[SgtM]

Yes, I guess your right. Of course your right. You always are.

Not always, but when I'm wrong, I blame my wife lol..