Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 10, 2005 05:09pm | #1

   All of the ones that I have have 1/4" shanks. I usually use mine in the drill press. There is no reason they wouldn't work in the router with a bushing adaptor. however you would want to plunge and come back up fast to avoid over-heating.

   I know a lot of books show popping the plugs out with a screwdriver, but I like to clean the face good the apply masking tape before re-sawing the board along the bottom of the plug depth. When you peel the tape, all you have is plugs attached to it if you left enough wood together around them.

   If you have ever had trouble telling the grain direction when they are covered with glue at the time of insertion, you can mark the top end with a fine-line marker while they are on the tape, and the grain is still lined up.

1. 
   macalex | Jun 11, 2005 01:42am | #2

   Thanks

   I've got a few of the drill-press variety, and don't like them - can't seem to get clean plugs (probably because I'm running a cheap POS Ryobi drill press). The cutter I once had was designed for use in a router and it produced perfectly round, clean plugs that fit invisibly if I get the wood characteristics matched up.

   I have heard about the tape and rip technique. If I ever manage to find a router plug cutter, I'll try it!

   MalcolmNew Zealand  |  New Thinking0.06% of the world's people are Kiwis

1. 
   jackiechan | Jun 11, 2005 06:32am | #3

   K,'

   These are available from Lee Valley, strictly for use in a drill press.

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=42292&cat=1,180,42288

   View ImageDan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   macalex | Jun 11, 2005 09:22am | #7

   Dan

   If I can't find anyone making a router-compatible plug cutter, I'll go with the Lee Valley option. Thanks for the link. I have seen their catalogue.

   MalcolmNew Zealand  |  New Thinking0.06% of the world's people are Kiwis

2. 
   philip | Jun 11, 2005 07:03am | #4

   Rootburl,
   The ordinary plug cutter meant for drill press use will not be happy in a router-far too much speed and chance of "walking" at initial contact!

1. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 11, 2005 08:08am | #5

   Yea I know, that was why I was saying to get in and out in a hurry, and it would be good to slow the router down also.That is a good looking set that jackie posted. I don't think any of my drill presses are tight enough to handle those larger cutters without doing a little dance as the tooth goes from with the grain to against it. I think I will just use my lathe when I need those larger size plugs, and save my money.

1. 
   philip | Jun 11, 2005 09:19am | #6

   Hi Root,
   The answer is to have a set of those that do a tapered plug-they are tungsten and expensive. They cut smoothly at slow rpm, so you don't have plugs with a black ring .
   I have never had to do a large number , but it has often been critical that they are as near to invisible as possible - that's when I turn them on the lathe -like you.