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Posted: 1/13/2017 4:46:09 PM EDT
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I have searched the interwebs and have yet to find the router I have access to on any "use" or "don't use" list, so I thought I'd ask here. The router I have is a DeWalt DW673. It is the compact router, 1/4" collet, 30000rpm, not variable speed, 5.6amp and 7/8hp. It looks to be of sturdy construction, and I think if I go with small layers at a time the 7/8hp should be ok. My lower is a 7075 t6 forged Modulus, which is also the make of the jig (HD Universal AR15 Jig) and tooling.
I need to know if anyone has used one and if so am I good to go, and if nobody has used one, do the specs look like it will handle the job? Thanks in advance! |
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Have you read through this thread that was posted by Modulus a while back?
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/687466_Router_Information_for_Finishing_80__Lower_Receivers.html |
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Excellent thread DaveP1 gave a link to ^^^^^^
I've been cutting them with a little 4.5A unit and it works fine. (mine is not HP rated but I'll guess it is less than 7/8 HP) RPM is another important factor and adding a variable speed control to a single speed router is a good option. (cheaper than buying a new router) Some info about speed here |
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Thank you all for your help.
Maxx, thank you for answering my question so quickly on your site. There's a reason you guys are numero uno. Just more evidence that I chose the right place to get my lower and jig from. Keep up the great work. With the three day weekend, I can't wait to get this lower completed. |
| Before I forget, I ended up using a Bosch Colt 1hp variable speed trim router. It seemed to work just fine though I couldn't get it to go shallow enough for the initial few passes. I had to skip right to the third or fourth depth mark. Luckily there was plenty of bit to cut that depth and not create any issues. I could have just made my own plate for the router, but i was like a kid on christmas. I just went slow and used plenty of wd-40. I taped a vaccume hose to the side of the jig so it kept the shavings out of the way. The only issue I had was one of the bits were dull. Beings it was brand new I didn't think to visually inspect it. Lesson learned. The dull bit cause it to walk in the side plate (gonna have to buy a new one) and caused a slight visual defect on my lower at the trigger pin. Luckily the Spikes lpk I got comes with the KNS anti-rotation pins and covers it up. I'll post pics as soon as I'm allowed. |
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Quoted:
Before I forget, I ended up using a Bosch Colt 1hp variable speed trim router. It seemed to work just fine though I couldn't get it to go shallow enough for the initial few passes. I had to skip right to the third or fourth depth mark. A Caution. That Bosch router used to be our number one recommended router. We found that it was a great router for the job with one big exception, namely the collet. We started to get a lot of negative feedback on it. The collet was allowing the end mill to slip and would not stay at the correct depth. Some to a point that they went deep enough to ruin the lower. If you are going to be using that Bosch router, be sure to tighten the collet after every pass when you re-set your depth. It is a good idea to do that no matter what router you are using, but it is mandatory with the Bosch. |
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Quoted:
The Dewalt DWP611 and the Ridgid R24012 are without question the two routers best suited for the job. For the money I'd buy the Rigid. The DeWalt looks nice, but it is typically $20-$30 more expensive. I was looking to buy the Rigid but I ended up getting a Makita because the Home Depot near my house was out of stock on the Rigid. The Makita works well, but the transparent base of the other two would be nice. The one thing that the DeWalt really has that would be nice besides the transparent base is the LED light in it. That would be handy sometimes. |
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I remember reading on here about that exact thing from those Bosch routers. So I checked the depth often. Luckily I didn't have any issues with the end mill moving. Unfortunately it was the only router I had available at the time and I was way too excited to hold off any longer. I'm going to be getting the Dewalt soon as I have a good number of future builds on the way.
I know I've said it before, but thank you all for all of your help. Everyones help made my first lower build a success and an enjoyable endeavor. I can't wait to finish the upper and take it out to the range. |
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