Anyone here knowledgeable about woodworking?(routers specifically)

[AmosMoses]

I want to install butcher block coutertops this year and do an undermount sink. I need to carve out a nice cutout the size of my sink opening. The countertop will be 1.5" hardwood of some sort. Iam wondering if I can get away with using a palm router with 1/4 collet or do I need to step up to a 1/2" collet router?

Iam guessing a 12-15 amp router with 1/2" collet would be better, especially with the plunge base. Menards has a bosch plunge router with an on off switch on the handles which is nice. I think a palm router would be more maneuverable though. Any advice is appreciated.

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[Hootbro]

Is your cutout pushing up to a back base board? That may determine what you get due to the base size. I have done linoleum covered particle board countertop cutouts with a 1/2" collet plunge router with no issue.

I cannot comment on hardwood nor would I consider myself a professional wood craftsman but I can say the right sink will cover some minor sins on the cutout.

I will also say that unless you have realistic plans of needing a router in the near future, I would not spend to much for a one time job and maybe even suggest renting one.

 

[AmosMoses]

Is your cutout pushing up to a back base board? That may determine what you get due to the base size. I have done linoleum covered particle board countertop cutouts with a 1/2" collet plunge router with no issue.

I cannot comment on hardwood nor would I consider myself a professional wood craftsman but I can say the right sink will cover some minor sins on the cutout.

I will also say that unless you have realistic plans of needing a router in the near future, I would not spend to much for a one time job and maybe even suggest renting one.

No there will be no back baseboard and the cutout is for an undermounted sink so finish and cut quality will need to be good. The cutout will be done before installing the countertop.

Here a good example of what Iam talking about:

 

[Hootbro]

Yeah, got nothing else constructive. The Googles show about 3-4 different ways to do this from using Jigsaws, hand miter saws and even circular saws after the corners were hole saw cut.

 

[AmosMoses]

Yeah, got nothing else constructive. The Googles show about 3-4 different ways to do this from using Jigsaws, hand miter saws and even circular saws after the corners were hole saw cut.

Thanks for responding anyways. Yea I think a router is the way to go.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

Thanks for responding anyways. Yea I think a router is the way to go.

Provided you can keep your cutting speed slow, a 1/4" will work. If you don't have the control to do that, then you need to go up to a 1/2".

The 1/2" gives you some better cutting tools to use for other jobs as well.

I have both, my 1/2" is mounted in a router table, while I use the 1/4" for hand work.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Saber saw for rough cutout, router for the cleanup cut. I've done our kitchen sink and twice redone my wife's sewing table for increasingly larger sewing machines to fit down into an opening to make them level with her cutting table.
I have 4 routers, including palm router, plunge router, and a couple of others.
I keep one mounted in my router table.

Provided you can keep your cutting speed slow, a 1/4" will work. If you don't have the control to do that, then you need to go up to a 1/2".

The 1/2" gives you some better cutting tools to use for other jobs as well.

I have both, my 1/2" is mounted in a router table, while I use the 1/4" for hand work.

Both of my Bosch routers will take two collets for the two main tool sizes. Only my Bosch palm router will take only 1/4" cutters.

I prefer variable speed as you need to slow down the bigger cutters (like making raised panel doors - the big panel bits or slot cutters and so on)
Also love the "soft start" where they ramp up speed when you pull the trigger instead if instantly jumping to the set speed as quick as you pull the trigger.

The other routers are behind the larger door. Bits in the top drawers.
If you weren't so far away, I'm otherwise occupied so I'd loan you a router or two, bits and a variable speed saber saw to make the rough cut. There's a lot of ways to approach it, depending on what you have and the materials being cut.
Be aware of running a router the right direction inside of a hole, keeping moving to keep from burning and so on. Sneak up on it.

 

[Alfonz]

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