Paying for basic functioanality

[brdad]

The keyhole bit add-on is indeed necessary if using the CarveWright CNC to do it. That add-on calculates the toolpath for the keyhole bit to plunge into the material, move the bit whilst still plunged under the material surface to create the undercut slot, then move backwards along that same trajectory, then retract the bit to exit the material at exactly the same spot it had entered. The Keyhole add-on assures this is done safely and accurately.

This is very handy and reliable, when a user wants to use their CarveWright CNC to perform this procedure for them instead of using a hand-held router and bit. (I admit, using a hand-held router is a lot quicker and is likely the most practical method for folks who can hand-route a keyhole slot with reasonable precision.)

My "other" $$$$ CNC software has special gadgets for calculating toolpaths for keyhole bits, too, BTW.

I wasn't saying the keyhole bit doesn't need special programming (though early on users did find ways to do it with basic software, understandably not as safe that way). I was saying IMO the keyhole bit ability alone was not worthy of it's own add on, and if it was, perhaps the other 20 or so CW-programmed bits should be as well, since many users only use two or three different bits anyway.

[lynnfrwd]

The Keyhole Function software is $39.99 regular price and includes the bit. Most of the decorative routing bits are in that range. In this case, the bit can be purchased for $24.99, so the software feature is $15. Can you buy a keyhole bit for less than $24.99 and do it by hand? Of course, you can.

For those that might ask, can I just buy the software feature for $15 and buy my own bit...no you cannot.

[brdad]

The Keyhole Function software is $39.99 regular price and includes the bit. Most of the decorative routing bits are in that range. In this case, the bit can be purchased for $24.99, so the software feature is $15. Can you buy a keyhole bit for less than $24.99 and do it by hand? Of course, you can.

For those that might ask, can I just buy the software feature for $15 and buy my own bit...no you cannot.

Ah, I totally missed that it came with the bit, despite reading the description a few times - that does make the price reasonable. Well, if you need the bit...

[DickB]

(I admit, using a hand-held router is a lot quicker and is likely the most practical method for folks who can hand-route a keyhole slot with reasonable precision.)

A simple jig makes keyhole slots with a handheld router precise, quick, and easy.

[brdad]

I thought up a jig to make a triangular-shaped keyholes (Though I might not be the first to come up with it). It works great for heavier items as it allows the use of cabinet type screws or the like. But more importantly, it was designed for items that would be repeatedly hung and unhung from a wall, like this cribbage board. The few I have made have held up great.

Also might be interesting, the slot for the peg storage I also cut with a cheap steel keyhole bit, ground down so it would make a 1/16" slot.

[fwharris]

I do my key holes on the router table and run them horizontally on the board. I mark the center of the board and a line on each side of center that is 1/2" to 3/4" from the center.

https://youtu.be/t5TXVzlAuzw