Router for Cutting Window/Door Openings

tenon0774 · Aug 13, 2014

As a trim carpenter, let me just say:

"What you framers do with routers is sacrilege!"

On a truthful note:

I don't think I would try this with anything less than a 1 3/4 HP, and a sharp 1/2" upspiral bit.

Timuhler · Aug 13, 2014

Wow a lot of responses. I posted the question and then went outside to read and fell asleep.

I think I'll go with a smaller 2 1/4HP D handle router when this guy dies. I have tried 1/4" bits before and they were great, but broke easily so that is a good point.

As to cutting out with a router vs a saw....I won't get into that debate anymore. It is a no brainer for me having done it a long time with a saw before switching to a router.

Next frame I'll take video of the router cutting sheathing. Its just too easy and fast.

BTW we are having way too much fun with the GoPro!! http://instagram.com/p/rlZC0yq-8k/?modal=true

http://instagram.com/p/rlYaMqK-7s/?modal=true

wnc viking · Aug 13, 2014

Why do you frame with out a chop saw . It is so much faster to cut 3 or 4 pieces at a time .

Warren · Aug 13, 2014

wnc viking said:
Why do you frame with out a chop saw . It is so much faster to cut 3 or 4 pieces at a time .

I disagree. When you count up the time setting up and breaking down vs how much time you save cutting multiples, I think it's a wash at best. Maybe if your doing strictly cookie cutters it might save a little time.

wnc viking · Aug 13, 2014

No cookie cutter 4000 sf plus 3 minutes of set up time is not worth it for you it is for me . It is so much faster to cut parts for Windows and doors .

Inner10 · Aug 13, 2014

Xtrememtnbiker said:
That's the most profound, grown up thing I've ever heard you say... Lol.

Uhh thanks...

brhokel606 · Aug 13, 2014

I must be in the minority here: Recip saw from the inside, slow start to plunge through and then use the framing as the guide during the cut.

Fast and easy in my book

totes · Aug 13, 2014

I think the router method really shines when the siding with sheet goods. The outrigger cut outs can be made without plunge cutting or cleaning the corners with a jig saw.

I just use a crappy spade tip bit w/o a collar. Im sure there are better options, but ive had the collared ones overheat and somewhat explode.

BNL Builders · Aug 17, 2014

I read a thread on different router bits but can't seem to find it again. I have always used a bearing bit. I am wanting to try a fluted pilot bit.

Tom M · Aug 17, 2014

I never use one for cutting openings. It looks great if I did more of it. I would also think a spiral bit may wear better than a fluted one.

I have that little Dewalt and the plunge attachment. Its very nice. Soft start too. I dont think this is the correct apllication for it.

Sabagley · Aug 17, 2014

This is the bit we've always used. These bits last a long time if you don't hit any staples or nail heads.

pizalm · Aug 18, 2014

Sabagley said:
This is the bit we've always used. These bits last a long time if you don't hit any staples or nail heads.

That's what I use as well. The router makes the openings idiot proof, a sawzall works but it's easy to butcher if the wrong guy does it.

wnc viking · Aug 18, 2014

That is the bit I use

fatty · Aug 18, 2014

We use that bit in some pretty old Porter Cable routers. The bits always last a few months at least when no one tries to cut metal with them.

kyle_dmr · Aug 18, 2014

We do mostly foam board walls.
When we do osb or ply wood, call me a hack, cut them out with a chainsaw more often then not.

slowsol · Aug 18, 2014

brhokel606 said:
I must be in the minority here: Recip saw from the inside, slow start to plunge through and then use the framing as the guide during the cut. Fast and easy in my book

Doesn't work real well if you wrap your walls on the deck.

duburban · Aug 18, 2014

brhokel606 said:
I must be in the minority here: Recip saw from the inside, slow start to plunge through and then use the framing as the guide during the cut.

Fast and easy in my book

This is how we do it.

totes · Aug 18, 2014

slowsol said:
Doesn't work real well if you wrap your walls on the deck.

Por que no?

slowsol · Aug 18, 2014

totes said:
Por que no?

If you cut the sheathing from the inside and the wall is wrapped over the window, you'll cut through the wrap and not be able to turn it into the opening. Unless you don't want to turn it into the openings.

asgoodasdead · Aug 18, 2014

Warren said:
We don't use a router on ours. We tried it once and I just wasn't that impressed. Another single use tool to drag out of the truck, bits to replace, etc. I generally stripe the opening with my pencil dragging my tape along. Rarely do I leave one hanging, and if I do, I shave it right then. We rarely set up a miter saw for framing either. I know, I know, most of the framers do, but we do just fine with a circular saw.

we never use a miter saw for framing, and we cut our windows and doors out ( usually just sheet around the opening rather than through) from the inside with a sawzall.

Router for Cutting Window/Door Openings

tenon0774

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Timuhler

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