Router bit?

[jmar]

Has anyone ever seen a specialty router bit for routing the inset edge on a speaker? (So that it will lay flush with the baffle).

I've made circle jigs and a straight or mortise bit to do it in the past, but it sure would be nice if something existed that has a roller on the bottom like a trim bit.

Obviously the roller would have to be a smaller diameter than the bit itself so the bit would cut into the material.

Such an animal exist?

Thanks.

[jmar]

You know what? -- did some further searching.

A rabbeting bit ! Wasn't thinking.

[dchisholm]

The guide bearings on many (not all) rabbeting, flush-trim, and slot bits can be exchanged for a bearing with larger or smaller O.D. This allows you to cut a wider or narrower "shelf" as needed. Some of the router-bit vendors will even sell a kit containing several bearing sizes

(My apologies if you already know this; folks who are new to routers may find it useful if they stumble across this thread.)

Dale

[whgeiger]

Originally Posted by jmar

Has anyone ever seen a specialty router bit for routing the inset edge on a speaker? (So that it will lay flush with the baffle).

I've made circle jigs and a straight or mortise bit to do it in the past, but it sure would be nice if something existed that has a roller on the bottom like a trim bit.

Obviously the roller would have to be a smaller diameter than the bit itself so the bit would cut into the material.

Such an animal exist?

Thanks.

Use a micro-fence or equivalent circle jig with your router.
Cut a wide, flat groove first (multi-pass), then cut the hole last (deeper cut).

Circle Jig Attachment Use w/ Edge-Guide - CJA - Micro Fence -

Regards,

WHG

[thaumaturge]

MLCS Slot Cutter Router Bits and Stackable Slot Cutter Set

[chrish]

Originally Posted by whgeiger

Use a micro-fence or equivalent circle jig with your router.
Cut a wide, flat groove first (multi-pass), then cut the hole last (deeper cut).

Circle Jig Attachment Use w/ Edge-Guide - CJA - Micro Fence -

Regards,

WHG

I have built many speakers, and this is the best method in my opinion.

[Ed LaFontaine]

Remember you'll need ~4" diameter (or smaller) for tweeters. That puts the center pin under the baseplate of many routers. Some adaptation is required.

[creutz]

Depending on what router you have, you should be able to make a separate base plate for your router if you need a smaller diamater cut. I've done it both for my Milwaukee and a craftman router and it works great. Then you can just drill holes in your "new" baseplate and use a small drill bit or a nail for a center pin. A piece of plywood or MDF works great for a baseplate ..

[chrish]

I use a Jasper circle jig. Works great, no problem making holes for tweeters with diameter smaller than base plate. Jasper Circle Jigs

[thaumaturge]

Nobody seems to have noticed, but the cutter bit I linked to in message #5 of this thread will cut up to a 3/8" wide lip up to 1/4" deep around an existing hole. Just FYI
Doc