Preferred laminate trimmer or router for flutes

I use the Dewalt.

john lucas

Not sure what model mine is I've had it for more than 10 years and it's had a lot of use as both a trim router and on my lathe. With my new set up using the router at 45 degrees instead of flat I can also use my full size Porter cable. To use them mounted flat I think a trim router would be much easier to build the carriage and bed unless you have a 16 to 20" swing on your lathe.

I started my early fluting done on spindle on a 12" swing lathe but I had the router on a jig mounted above the lathe and in that case any size router would work.

I have built cradles to hold the router flat, 45 degrees and 90 degrees. This is to accomodate different router bits or metal cutting bits. I like the 45 degree mounting because it uses the outer edge of the router bit and gives the cleanest cuts. However that won't work for all shapes of cuts which is why I tried the 90 degree angle using metal cutting bits.

Re: Preferred laminate trimmer or router for flute

David Walser

Both the Rigid and the Trend trim routers get consistently high reviews as routers. The makers of the Flute Master and the Spiral Master jigs also recommend these routers for making flutes and spirals. The Rigid is on sale at Home Depot with a free 1/4 sheet sander for $99. The Trend comes with a plunge base.

Of course, if you're going to be doing flutes on Christmas ornaments and similar sized items, a rotary tool (Foredom, Dremel, etc.) might be a better choice.

Re: Preferred laminate trimmer or router for flute *LINK*

Dave Paine

The DeWalt 6000 seems to be a single fixed speed, 31,000 rpm. This is faster than I would want. Also looks to have a plastic body. I prefer metal body.

I prefer variable speed routers. I use a DeWalt DWP611 for routing on the lathe and hand held routing for inlay work.

Think about the design of the jig as you look at routers. I made my jig to hold the body without the base.

I have not tried using the router for flutes. I will need to make a platform for the side of the lathe and some method to control depth of the cut.

So far I have used my 90 deg and 45 deg jigs for routing on the rim. These mount on a compound table bolted to the lathe bed. The compound table controls depth and width of cut.

Someone mentioned the FluteMaster. Link below. This is designed to hold a rotary carving tool like a Foredom or Wecheer. They also make a holder for a Ridgid and Trent palm routers. Interesting and looks like it works well for flutes, just a bit expensive for me.


http://www.flutemasters.com/

Re: Preferred laminate trimmer or router for flute

Jimmy Edwards

Thanks for the replies and the info. This is going to be a fun new project.

Re: Preferred laminate trimmer or router for flute

john lucas

Jimmy I've use the router a lot of different ways on ornaments, bowls and vessels. If I can be of any help just ask.

Re: Preferred laminate trimmer or router for flute

Jimmy Edwards

I'm sure I will if you don't mind. I'll think this through for my initial application and make a jig. Looking at the Dewalt, a grade above the 6000 or ridgid brand. Have an idea to rig something up to have the jig follow the curvature of a curve. Just have to think through,

Re: I use the Dewalt.

Tom Albrecht

Do you have shareable plans?

Re: I use the Dewalt.

john lucas

Alas, no. I just build things as I go. Each jig is a more or less one of a kind. I can provide some photos with more details if anyone is interested in one of the jigs or router platforms. Mostly you just have to devise a way to hold the router. Then you decide whether to mount it flat or at 45 degrees and just build something. I made various bases for the router holding jig so that I could swap them out for experimentation purposes. I have one for following convex shapes, one for concave shapes and one that pivots so that I can route an arc. I have one that holds the router at 45 degrees, one flat and one at 90 degrees. The 45 is the most used but it depends on the bit I'm using and for what purpose. Each one of these angled bases also accepts the bottom plates for following convex or concave shapes.