[rockdrummer]

Hello all. I am looking into tools for building my first GR kit. I see a craftsman table router for sale in my town for $60. I know specs matter, but I'm starting knowing nothing. Should I pay around that or more for a decent one. Also, what bits would I use while building GR ob7?  After reading back, this question is pretty vague. Any info is helpful. Thanks.
Ben

[rockdrummer]

I just realized it may not have a router in it. I may just be the table.

[geezer]

Well, you would pay about $200 and up for a new one. You probably could find cheaper ones, but they would most likely be junk, and maybe dangerous. $60 would be a good deal, but only if it's not junk which, as a neophyte, you might find it hard to determine.

Look for sturdiness of course, and see how easily and accurately it can be set up for the kind of jobs you expect to do.

[newportcycle]

Hello all. I am looking into tools for building my first GR kit. I see a craftsman table router for sale in my town for $60. I know specs matter, but I'm starting knowing nothing. Should I pay around that or more for a decent one. Also, what bits would I use while building GR ob7?  After reading back, this question is pretty vague. Any info is helpful. Thanks.
Ben

Check out YouTube, there's some good videos there that can walk you through router basics. As for bits, you will need a 1/2" or 3/8" round over bit for the front baffle, a flush cutting bit for squaring up the sides after glue up comes in handy and makes super edges, depending on your how you finish a veneer trim bit comes in hand. If you use a jasper jig to cut your baffles, it will come with a bit. If your really that unsure how check the local night schools some still offer wood working class's and you'd have access to some good tools and instruction to boot.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/search_10155_12602?vName=Power+Tools+%26+Equipment&cName=Power+Tools&prop17=plunge+router&keyword=plunge+router&sLevel=1&i_cntr=1315221254718 Craftsman has a good sale right now, looks like $75 for a plunge base router, If your not making a living with it, it should do you fine.

[DougSmith]

If you have a table saw, get one that attaches to that.

[django11]

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-carbide-tip-router-bits-46832.html

While usually not the highest quality buying bits in kits is far and away the best deal and they are still very good...
A router table is nice to have but not a necessity for building speakers.  A table saw and a plunge router will be a better combo.

http://www.reconditionedtools.com/factory-reconditioned-skil-3310-01-rt-10-in-15-amp-table-saw/sklr3310-01-rt,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=saws

[rockdrummer]

Thanks so much for all the info everyone. I didn't have a plan before, now I am ready to shop. Will borrow a table saw and probably buy a plunge router.  Now onto the speaker cutouts.  Thanks again everyone.

Ben

[django11]

The Craftsman router above is a pretty decent tool at a good price.  You'll probably want to buy a circle cutting jig as well.  Jasper is a good model.

[Hank]

MDF dust is nasty stuff and will coat your entire garage/workshop.  That's why I always recommend a router with built-in dust collection port, like my main one, a Dewalt DW621:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW621-2-Horsepower-Plunge-Router/dp/B00005S7TD/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1315330117&sr=1-1