I am building a router table and need a means to route the cord to the outside of the box the router will be housed in. I have a desk grommet and used a hole saw to drill a hole for it. The hole is slightly larger than the grommet. It would not be a problem in a horizontal surface, but in a vertical surface, I expect the grommet will not stay put. Seems like my choices for securing the grommet are hot glue or epoxy. Which is the better choice? Is there another alternative that would be better?
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Replies
Have you considered using RTV?
I did not know anything about RTV before your response. What advantages do you see for RTV over epoxy or hot glue?
RTV aka silicone sealer is my goto adhesive for filling gaps. It sticks to most materials, it is very viscous therefor won’t run, can make various bead sizes with included nozzle, long work time before it cures therefor can make sure the entire gap gets filled.
Thanks!
Mount an outlet inside the box, run a wire to a switch on the outside.
You'll get very tired of bending down switching the router on and off.
No, there's no problem with saw dust unless something shorts maybe :-0
My first table I routed the cord through a hole and used it for 5 years. If for some reason your' worried about the cord wearing, round over the hole!
Thanks. That is the plan. I bought a switch with a magnetic stop switch and big paddle button that I am mounting in the front door of the router compartment. Sending the cord out the back. The plug is about 1 1/4" wide while the cord is much smaller. So a grommet seems appropriate. Been using the table to make the table and at present the switch is screwed to a scrap of plywood that I clamp to the table top. Works for now.
Wrap the grommet in tape until it is a snug press fit.
Doh! Simple, cheap, low tech, and obvious. No wonder I didn't think of it. (Snark directed at self 😀)
Rig it so the switch and receptacle power up router and dust collection.
Once I upgrade the circuits in the garage I can do that. Right now my shop vac and tools have to be on separate circuits so the breaker doesn't trip.
From my point of view, in this situation RTV is more suitable for the router.
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