DIY worktop Disaster please help!!!

[olly_k]

Hi there,
Just installing new 38mm worktops, borrowed a Howdens Jig and B&Q Performance Pro router set and need help!!!
Basically - I have done a few practice runs on the old top and got some nice results - thought at time I was stretching router a bit but didn't think much of it - until I came to my new wortop and realised I need to get an extra 12mm in length out of my router bit!!!! - It is really the collet that is stopping the nut moving any further down....
I know nothing about this machine, have no instructions with it I know I shouldn't be doing this but I am committed now so could anyone please shed light on this problem and help fill the hole I am digging ( have dug) myself???
Do I need a router with a greater depth ability??? or are longer bits available???
Regards,
Olly.

 

[nstreet]

Longer bit, although that depends upon the length that you have already.

 

[olly_k]

Thanks nstreet, it may appear I hadn't read previous threads but just happened to miss the 'longer bit' bit. sorted now!
Olly.

 

[keyplayer]

Olly, take care with that router - make sure the yellow plastic locknut on the depth guage is well secure, it has a habit of shaking itself loose, which can be disastrous when cutting an upside down top, particularly the bolt holes. Each time you plunge (I'd recommend a single click per pass) make sure you lock the router firmly, and check the depth guage after every pass, otherwise you may inadvertently plunge all the way through.

 

[DP]

Router should take a 1/2" cutter (to go through 40mm worktop) with sufficient length of shank in the collet. Usually these cutters are 3 inches (or thereabouts) long so 1" of shank is in the collet and there is no chance of it coming out (spinning at some 20,000 rpm) to do some damage.

 

[olly_k]

thanks to both replys keyplayer thanks I quickly worked that out when practicing but thanks anyhow and DP you are 6 weeks too late but appreciated all the same!!!
I didn't do too badly when you consider the following.....

1. I borrowed a jig with no instructions, no collet bits (I actually wandered what went into the holes LOL.
The worst bit was that someone previously had sliped with the router and messed the jig up (not me I was VERY CAREFULL with a tons worth of template ) a bit so when routing I had to move the hole jig along by clamping 'sliders' (bits of wood) to the jig!!! Also the 'male mitre' bit of the jig was a little damaged I can't work out whether this has affected one of my joints or not or maybe that was me?!?!?

2. I had a router with no instructions and all I had was this site and another guide (copied round the web a few times and not too bad although had some gaps when no other resource) to help me...

must admit I thought the hole process would have been much easier which is why I was asking all the questions when it was nearly too late - I guess a trap all DIY'ers fall into

end result - not perfect you can see the line - more thru worktop settling than anything but think I didn't do too bad and I have learnt enough that maybe one day I *might* try again! - just with a better jig

Olly.

 

[PowerTool]

Yes,the joint is slightly visible,but I would be well impressed with that as a finished result for a first attempt.

Well done

 

[olly_k]

Hi Power Tool, thanks for the compliment
I was aligning jig and checking double checking etc for about 1 hour before each cut LOL! the other cut not quite as good but not that different really - if you look at the bend you can see where the nicked (one of the nicks LOL) jig ruined the cut.

 

[Allenm]

Get yourself over to a place that sells the worktop and pickup a tube of colour match in the same colour as your worktop, follow the instructions and your 'Slightly' visible joint should all but disappear.

I did mine recently, Hired a router and jig, was slightly disappointed that I also had a slightly visibly joint, that was until I went round a few display kitchens and saw they were far worse than mine!

Merv

 

[olly_k]

thanks Allenm I didn't see any but will have another look!