Overarm router

[Eagle Boats]

I am going to start building wood rudders and teak hatchboards. I need tools that will build them with the least amount of fuss but maintain a high degree of finish and consistency on a production basis. I have an industrial size shaper, but I am wondering if an overarm pin router would be better. Any insight would be much appreciated.

[john92021]

If you are going to be doing production what you really want is a CNC router. They have come down in price over the past few years and pay for themselves. I employee on a CNC can do the work of 3 working by hand, and you can lease one for the price of 1 employee so you are still ahead.

[Eagle Boats]

John, thanks for your response. I build fiberglass boats with a minimum of wood trim. I could not justify the expense based on the amount of work that would be necessary. In addition, space is at a premium at my shop. The pin router has a smaller footprint.

Due to many shops switching over to CNC, there seems to be a lot of pin routers on the market. I have a chance to buy a SCMI R9 in very good condition for $900. The price seems too good to pass up.

I will still investigate CNC machines, as I am a firm believer in using tools that will reduce the amount of manhours it takes to perform an operation. When time, and especially money permits, I may go for it. I would like to hear about your experiences with CNC.

[alan white]

The hatchboards are easily done with a rabbeting bit on a common router, hand held, and then stacked, clamped, and cross-cut both sides with a fine-tooth carbide saw blade on a skilsaw run against a clamped-on angled template.
A rudder requires bevelling, and a jig can be made that uses an air or electric (offset grinder/polisher, etc.) and a vee that the rudders are drawn through. A 36 grit disc makes short work of the bevel, which can be finished with a hand held 6" RO sander.
The leading edge can be shaped with a round-over router bit, hand held.
Unless thousands are being made, stay low-tech and stay away from expensive equipment. It isn't cost-effective at typical sailboat production runs unless you will be competing with the very biggest competitors.

Alan