As the number of classes left in the semester gets smaller, the amount of progress made on my TV stand gets larger. Last night I learned to use a new power tool, the plunge router.
I want to hide the components (DirecTV, Wii, etc) in the TV stand but be able to use their respective remotes without having to open the doors. So my solution is to cut out a section and attach a perforated metal screen to the back of the cut out, to allow usage of the remotes. Great idea, right?
So how to cut it out and make it ultra straight? That’s right, use a plunge router!
First, I measured and plotted out where I wanted the cut out to be. I would have liked the wood border to be thinner, but my instructor advised me to keep it at 3 in, otherwise the wood would be too weak. You can see the metal screens in the background and find them here.
Next I made a template out of scrap wood 1/8 in larger than the actual cut out, screwing it together using pocket screws.
I then placed the template over the door,
Clamped it all up,
and then got to work!
It should be noted, you don’t just go through the piece of wood all in one go; you should go about a 1/4 in deeper each pass until you’ve gone all the way through, as you can see in this ACTION PACKED VIDEO! (Warning, it’s a bit loud.)
Don’t adjust your monitor. I’m a brunette now.
I was super nervous to do this; I did NOT want to have to start all over again and make all new doors. I only had one chance to get it right with a tool I had never used before. Plus, everyone was watching. And unbeknownst to me, filming. Big thanks to my classmate Kim for this video and photos!
End result:
You may be looking at my super cool safety glasses and feeling jealous.
I’m very happy with the results and glad I took the plunge!
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