New/ old question.

[danrush]

Hi guys,

I'm sure this is covered here somewhere, but my limited computer/net skills are an obstacle today.  Also I'm really short on time.

Problem:  a VERY good customer called today and needs about 200 cabinet doors installed on Monday.  No problem, I can do that.

The catch:  All doors need to be bored for cup hinges on site.

I have drilled plenty of doors 1 or 2 at a time, but 200 is a lot.  I have never really needed a newer router for my work, so have just ignored all the info.  Now I'm wondering, should I spring for a Festool set-up?  I really need dust control for this one.

P.S.
Money is always an issue.... but for this job, expenses are covered.  So please suggest a system that will work for this situation only.  I may grow into more router work, but I don't need/want bells and whistles.

Many thanks, Dan

 

[Michael Kellough]

MFT 1080 and guide rail longer than the doors.

Festool router and guide rail stop.

Appropriate router bit.

Stops on MFT and guide rail to register door to router
so both ends of door can be drilled one after the other without moving door.

 

[danrush]

Thanks Michael.. I knew I was going to get sucked into getting a table.  I was hoping that I may be able to get a router/bit/etc. and create my own jig.  It may be wishfull thinking though.  Looks like some quality time with the Festool catalog tonight.

Any other thoughts?  I do appreciate the help guys,

Dan

 

[poto]

What about something like this:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32263&cat=1,180,42311

I know it's not Festool, but Veritas is very high quality. I think there are other good jigs out there...

Poto

 

[poto]

or this...
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/12745

 

[Steve Jones]

You didn't mention whether you went the metric route with the doors, I just acquired the rail with the 32mm hole system, the router mounting plate and offset stops (didn't go the whole hole set (scuse pun)

Plate fits the Bosch router (don't remember model, it's about $219) with fixed and plunge base - I cut the mushroom spacers which came with the base plate in half on the bandsaw, added one washer on each pin to make up slight difference in height and the Bosch plunge base fits perfectly on the clamps designed for the 1400 - HAH!

(Bosch even has pretty good dust control)

Did one complete set of kitchen cabinets with it (last night) and everything works perfectly, I'll probably eventually end up with a festool router, but this gets the job done right now on a tight budget.

 

[Dan Clermont]

Hi Dan

How about this:

- using a drill press drill out the holes (32mm) with the proper spacing between hinges in a plywood template
- use a guided router bit set to the proper depth to then rout the holes from your template in all of the doors

Dan CLermont

 

[danrush]

Thanks Poto,

Yup, I can get jigs (or make one)  I know I could use my bench top drill press. I'm more interested in dust control on this one (and increased production)  I just wasn't sure if it warranted a router purchase or not.  I'm not a big user of routers, but hope to expand my horizons.  

Thanks again, Dan

 

[Fred West]

Dan, I have used this setup from Rockler and it works like a charm. Certainly worth a look.  Fred

JIG IT

 

[danrush]

Dan, Thanks.  Thats kinda sorta what I have done for the smaller jobs in the past.  Works well.

I should have pointed out that this gig is in a completed house, and dust control is IMPORTANT.  If I can carry a setup from room to room, time will be saved compared to setting up shop in the garage, etc.

Thanks again

 

[Dan Clermont]

Get the OF 1400 or OF1010 with either a hose for the shop vac or buy the Festool vac.

With a template and the Festool router you should be dust free or close to it!

Dan Clermont

 

[ccmviking]

If I had to do 200 I'd get this...  Jig  and a drill press if you don't already have one.  I wouldn't try that many doors any other way.  I use the BLUM ECO Drill now, but for onesey twosies.

Chris...

 

[danrush]

Fred,
Yea good jig.  Have it / used it.  I might have to break out my cottage cheese cup again, though. ;D

 

[Fred West]

Dan, I must say that breaking out the cottage cheese cup for a second time may put you over the top against Poto.  However, his most timely review of the t-shirt was one of the funniest things I have read in a long time and he may just squeeze ahead of you.  ;D I have probably used the Rockler jig on 350-400 doors and really do love it but have never done more than 40-50 at a time so I am not sure as to how you would feel about using it for a production run of 200 doors by Monday. On the other hand if you already have it, have used it before and only have until Monday well then what the freak are ya doin on the computer man???? : Fred

 

[danrush]

Fred, I'm on the computer hiding from doors!!!!! 

Actually, doors are on site and the job happens on monday.  I'm just trying to either justify another tool purchase tomorrow or go with what I already have.  Again, dust control is a big one here. (unless I want to schlep doors through a gi-normous house 2 ways.)

 

[Fred West]

Dan, if that is the case I would go with the LR 32 system and the OF1400 but you are looking at some moola out the door.  ;D However a great system and NO schlepping.  Fred

 

[danrush]

Fred, THANK YOU, finally....  now I can buy the tools, have fun, be clean,            and have you to blame when I bring home a smaller check next week.  Just kidding, I do think a router is in my future, this may be the chance to get some help paying for it.

Thanks, Dan

 

[ccmviking]

Dan, The router is going to be a huge pain in the neck trying to do this.  Do you actually plan on doing two setups... One for 5mm and the other for the 35mm? If you do a couple of pics doing the job would be nice. 

Chris...

 

[danrush]

Chris, I think the plan is going to be drill for the 35mm cups, and use auger screws.        ( maybe a pre-drill will be neccessary, but I'm not sure as of yet) 

I'd be glad to take pics, but there probably won't be much to see.  (besides, I would have to go to K-Mart and buy a disposable camera, take pics, out of focus, then go to the photo shop to get them developed, then take the pics to Kinkos to get scanned and ready for submission to the forum, only to discover that they are too big, or too many gigs, or whatever, then I get yelled at for being what I am.... A dinosaur.) :'(

 

[ccmviking]

The biggest problem with the auger screw approach is getting the hinges aligned.  You can use something to draw a line I suppose.  If you're off very much you can bind the hinges a little causing some issues with alignment and of course opening/closing. 

Chris...