Router bit or end mill drill bit for weight pockets

[M Tull]

Hi Everyone,

We have been using a router and a double fluted 1/4 bit to create weight pockets. The obvious problem is the 1/4 diameter requires us to chisel out each corner. I'd like to use a smaller diameter bit and avoid dealing with the corners. I think an 1/8th inch router bit or end mill bit would do the trick? For such a small diameter would single fluted router bit or end mill be better? I've never used an end mill bit ... if that is the preferred method are their any issues with using it in a router?

Thank you all.

 

[Skywalker Racing]

I've never used an end mill in a router. Either way you go, pre-drill your corners a hair deeper than your pocket walls so you don't need to chisel a 90 degree angle - as seen in the photo below (not my car - just the most recent one I'd seen that kept me from digging up or posting another pic).

I'll have a product on my website soon to make this whole process a breeze. My kids cut their own bodies and weight pockets by themselves this year using the prototype. Keep an eye out!

 

[M Tull]

Thank you Skywalker ... I considered drilling holes in each corner first. I thought an 1/8 inch thick template with just the corners drilled out for the weight pockets would be easier than using a tape measure for my son. He could then trace the holes and use the drill press. I can't remember why I didn't follow through this year ... although my son was loosing interest with all the details that go into the builds so maybe that was it.

I usually have him start with a forstner bit in the drill press to do the bulk of the work and then we use three router jigs to route each of the weight pockets ( we do something similar to the car pic you posted). We work together with my hands on his when using the router (at least for this year ... he's still pretty young).

How can I learn more about your upcoming product? Sounds exciting. Will you be announcing its release when ready?

Thanks again.

 

[Skywalker Racing]

Yep, they lose patience/get bored pretty easily. I've found that I have to have all the tools and supplies laid out before we start. If I begin an explanation and then have to get up to retrieve and/or setup a tool, I lose them. As long as I can keep their hands busy, things go fairly well.

I have no magic bullet to make wheel and axle prep quicker or less boring (though at least derbydad4hire kits put everything in front of them in ready-to-use sizes) - but I hope to make everyone's body work easier and more consistent. I'm not sure when I'll be ready to release because I need to shoot some instruction video and Scout season has me busy, but go to www.starcarsderby.com and sign up for the email alerts or like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/starcarsderby

 

[cmoney atrain]

I’m very interested in your product for cutting the bodies. Can you give us a teaser, Skywalker?

 

[Skywalker Racing]

I’m very interested in your product for cutting the bodies. Can you give us a teaser, Skywalker?

Sure. I'm actually giving away two at this month's NPWDRL race (before they're even released to the public):

http://npwdrl.boards.net/thread/1756/prizes-star-cars-derby

It's a spinoff of Bulldog 's homemade router jigs. I designed a way to combine all the jigs for various cuts into one jig and the ability to have endless options for body templates with the same base system. So basically, you'll buy one jig that comes with my standard body template, and you'll have the option to buy additional templates (perhaps even custom ones).

Sometime over the next month, I will post them for sale on my site, along with those demonstration videos I mentioned.

 

[gWebber]

Maybe this will mean I can stop using a chain saw

 

[Skywalker Racing]

I guess I should have said for those who are unfamiliar with Bulldog's Jigs - it's made for use with a handheld router. I'll either sell or link to the bits you'll need to work with it.

 

[Thinkin'Bout Racin]

Maybe this will mean I can stop using a chain saw

I have always called that my "gas powered trim saw". I normally use it for "detail" work!