Not sure which way to swing with this blog… I think I’ve boxed myself in,
Should I post it as a project or a tip… Decided to change the heading from “Cookie Cutter Might not be Sweet.” and after opting for a tip, I was faced with another conundrum… whether it is a
Up for a good hint or Down ‘cause a bought one could possibly be cheaper if you costed the process accurately.
Let’s ass_u+me that we chose,
This is how I made a not so cheap bench cookie.
I measured a Mr./Ms. Pat Pend designed Rockler cookie, as 76mm in diameter. Not having a 76mm holesaw, I decided to purchase one of these yellow TCT ones, as I will only be using it in timber and not metal.
What a mess,
(bottom side and endgrain of the cookie cut)...
I’m not going to say I used it correct, maybe I used the wrong speed instead of some secretive Imperial fractional value, the end result was worse than a messy dog's breakfast. Immediately went back to Bunnings and purchased a 76mm bi-metal one, performed a similar operation with the same settings and finished with a perfect circles,
(after sanding)...
Comparing the two cookies cut with different cutters, after sanding,
Based on my results, I’m not gonna play favourites here, however, if you’re going to cut both metal and wood, go for the Bi, but if you’re only going to cut wood, then go for the Bi.
I will add that I used my secret recipe on the cookie while using the Bi… and can only sum this experince up by stating that if you ever use one of those TCT holesaws, do not dare to say it was on my recommendation.
This decision to try my own cookies was brought about by my quick visit to our local Clark Rubberpool supply store, some 50km away, after my "chat" with Ross Leidy on hisGRR-Ripper style push block with retracting stop project, that had me questing to find this alternative Anti-Slip Foam Matting in lieu of my Fe$tool Rail Guide rubber strip suggestion. I purchase 1 lm, 3mm thick, for $20Aus.
Placing some timber on top of that rubber made it almost impossible to move, at least by Psychokinesis, and still bloody hard just using my good hand.
I’ll cut to the chase and summarise what I did;
Cut the circles with the 76mm Bi cutter (cookies can be square).
Cut some 75mm dia. rubber discs using my laser (for square cookies, can be cut by blade)
Tapped the cookie using The Wood Whisperer’s (now distributed by Eagle)... optional.
Cut some 8mm threaded rod to 30mm lengths and threaded into the cookies… (these were produced for a specific project to be published at a later date... optional.
Glued the rubber pad (laser cut to 75mm dia. or square cut) to one side of the cookie (and epoxied the 8mm bolt into the cookie thread)... optionally pad both sides.
After this exercise I had a change of heart and gave 3 thumbs down for the cookie and 3 thumbs up for the rubber matting for grip.
The harsh score for the cookie was because when I considered consumables, labour and availability of tools used, it would have probably been much, much cheaper to buy a set of 4 Rockler cookies locally from CarbaTec., however, square cookies would be a big money saver.
The thumbs up, is for the potential I can see for that rubber matting. Would be ideal for RossL’s style grr-ripper or any non-slip incorporated into sleds, benchtops and jigs. At $20 (Aus) plm I believe you’ll get big bang for your bucks on the spot, without movement.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Unfortunately that "Sutton" brand is about the only type available to us downtrodden Aussies.
I concede that it might perform better in hardwood or a better more expensive brand would be different, however, when the cheap Bi does better for me I'll stick to them... I'm not necessarily saying don't buy TCT all I'm saying is I wont recommend them.
I can only talk about my experience.
I will recommend a Rolls-Royce, only because I've actually driven one (about 40 years ago) and liked it.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
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