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BEAR.
BEAR.-
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sserell
I’m starting a scratch build and want to learn to make my own centering rings like the pros do. I have seen a couple sites using a router and the circle jig 200. I currently only have a drill press, but wouldn’t mind a good “excuse” to purchase a router, if thats the best and easiest way to make them. I have also seen a rotozip with a circle cutter attachment. I guess I wouldn’t mind having a rotozip either, just want to know whats going to be the easiest in the long run.
Thanks, Sean ❓
Ed Dawson
Lots of great ways to make centering rings. The real question is what size are you thinking about. I have a plunge router and Jasper Circle jig that is great for larger rings – i.e larger than 4″. These things really work great. If I recall the jig is about $35 and the routers are not cheap. I am on my second Harbor Freight router, so perhaps it’s better to get on with a better name or warranty.
For midsize, I have a router table I use. I basically use a setup that is like the circle jig except it is placed on the table top. When I started, I just drilled a small pivot pin hole in the table itself. I then rotate the wood against the stationary router bit instead of moving the router.
For the smaller stuff, I use an adjustable circle cutting drill bit from Harbor Freight. In the drill press, with a sharp bit, sometimes I have been able to cut the inner diameter and outer at the same time.
MikeS
I have a router, table and a cumpas set up. Have not used it for
centering rings. I still just cut them out with my Dremel Jig Saw
and sand to fit.My Dad gave Me the Router and attachments So I would have
better parts and less time in the product. But I am slow to
change.I would consider all options, including some of the vendors. I needed
some bulkheads for My Mad Dog. (G10) I got them from 3 Dogs Rocketry. I knew they would be 100%edward
I use a these – circle cutters in a drill press:
http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-55-Circle-Cutter/dp/B00004T7P1
I’ve cut up to the limit of my circle cutter (8″) with no problems. I have one permanently set for ID cuts and one for OD cuts. I also have a grinder (originally for my lathe) that I sharpen the HSS tool steel bits with. I also sharped these with the grinder.
The thickest I go through is 3/4″ ply – and I go 3/8″ from each side.
With proper clamping these work excellent. I’ve tried doing them by router but it takes too much setup for me. I’ve made a set of blanks for every size so I keep those so I can index when I need to make more I just use my index blanks.
I’d say it is the best $50 I spend in rocketry – I’ve had them for over 5 years and they have cut 100’s of rings accurately.
Edward
SCOTT EVANS
I use circle cutters in a drill press too. 🙂
sserell
Thanks for the input guys. I went with the drill press circle cutter from amazon. Not a bad deal for $20. I’ll let you know how it works out!
sserell
Got the circle cutter all hooked up and it cuts some really nice centering rings, easy to use as well which I like. Thanks for the suggestion! -Sean
edward
I use a router table in conjunction with the circle cutter to put shoulders on rings so that they fit into tubes. Works very nice.
Edward
Warren B. Musselman
My favored method of making centering rings is to pick up the phone and call Kent Burnett of Giant Leap or (ack!) Curtis Turner of Performance Rocketry. Much easier on my tools and my lungs. I should say that I’ve used G10, carbon or machined aluminum rings in my last 4 birds that had them.
Warren
MLionberger
I have tried cutting rings with a Rotozip, and it is not worth a damn. The centering pin has too much play, and the rotary bits do not cut plywood cleanly. I strongly recommend the router, or the circle cutter/holesaw in a drill press.
sserell
Ed Dawson
MikeS
edward
SCOTT EVANS
Warren B. Musselman
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