RotoZip Saw

[Grampa]

A real man would have just punched the holes in it with his fists

[Vindingo]

Thanks for all the help, guys.


So why the make the beast with two backs do they advertise it as cutting plywood easily?

I guess because it is advertising and schmucks like me fall for it.

It is a 5amp, 32,000 RPM model.

I figured that'd be enough.



I know dick about routers or even how to turn one on.

Time to read.

Essentially it is a router, without the capacity for real bits.  Unless they have changed since I have used them, I didn't think you could use a 3/8" shank bit.  I don't think there is a problem with the power as much as flexibility with bits. 

Before you go crazy returning it and buying new stuff, it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.  Its fun to play with new toys. 

[cyrus buelton]

Essentially it is a router, without the capacity for real bits.  Unless they have changed since I have used them, I didn't think you could use a 3/8" shank bit.  I don't think there is a problem with the power as much as flexibility with bits. 

Before you go crazy returning it and buying new stuff, it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.  Its fun to play with new toys. 

It was make the beast with two backsing McNair who scared me last night. He is very handy and it scared the shit out of him. Maybe he had a different model, I have no idea.

One of his friends has a craftsman with some sort of flexible end on it. The best I can find on the website is that attachment like dremels have and based on the picture, it doesn't have that flat platform at the bottom to aide in the precision.



I think I am going to keep it and say "make the beast with two backs it"

hope I dont lose a finger.

[SacDuc]

+1000 

A RotoZip is garbage unless you are using it to cut drywall. 

Make a template and screw it to your workbench.  Rough cut your pieces with your jigsaw and screw the new piece to the template. (put the screws where the holes will be) I would use a bottom bearing bit.  Then when your outside is finished, remove the screws and drill a hole big enough for your router bit to fit through.  Clamp your top piece down and have at the circles.  Screw sanding the edges and get yourself a 1/4" roundover bit for the edges and you wont have to worry about the sharp edges. 

THIS!

[rgramjet]

I would use a top bearing bit.  It will allow you to do the cut out in a couple passes if the wood is hard.

[cyrus buelton]

I would use a top bearing bit.  It will allow you to do the cut out in a couple passes if the wood is hard.

I got a pretty soft wood so it should cut easily.


I am not using real high quality wood here. Whatever is cheapest, as it gets painted and polycrylic over it.

[rgramjet]

Birch Plywood?  Or CDX?  Is one side smooth?

[Porsche Monkey]

A real man would have just punched the holes in it with his fists

This is Juddd we're talking about.   

[RAT900]

This is Juddd we're talking about.   

LOL  I think he sealed his fate 

[cyrus buelton]

Birch Plywood?  Or CDX?  Is one side smooth?

I have no idea.

It was 13$

I know it isn't Pine. It was some weird name I couldn't pronounce but felt pretty soft.

This is Juddd we're talking about.   

 

LOL  I think he sealed his fate 

I hope you both knock your two front teeth out.

Love,

Judd

[Speedbag]

Odd, I used mine to cut both CDX and regular 1/2" plywood with no issues. Granted, appearance wasn't a concern, so a scroll saw would be it if you were after some craftsmanship.

As stated, the Rotos are The Shit for cutting outlet box holes in drywall....

[rockbender]

ditto that the Rotozip squirrels all over the place with no guidance.  Think you sanded a lot before?  Just wait!  That being said, since you have the sweet technology of having your template plotted out, simply have it sized out smaller by an amount equal to the distance of the bit to the router (rotozip) guide edge.  Trace or attach your template to a piece of cardboard and cut out with heavy shears.  Now you can use that template as a guide or 'fence' to run the edge of your tool on and the actual cut will be spaced out the offset distance you are looking for.  There are obviously tons of different ways to do this, but like others have said if you take the time to make a nice template, it should make it systematically easier to produce a good finished cut.

[ItsaDuc]

I have one and have used it for a bunch of different things around the house. As for "scared", just make sure you have a good grip on it and go to town. Hmm, that sounds kinda bad, but same premise.

i will say i like it more than a jigsaw, but you need to go slower to stay on your lines or its easy to go astray.

Erik

[ducpainter]

Judd
Duly noted
RATT

I'd tell him to put the baby food away.

[cyrus buelton]

what's the difference between a scroll saw and a jigsaw?



Good advice on the cardboard template to act as a "guide"



I can totally see this thing flying all over the place if not used properly.


I have some test wood I am goign to play with first.

I was going to try last night, but got home from work and had a beer, so figured that would be a bad time to try.