Angle Mortise in Slab, Cut w/Router
lucjul | Posted in Jigs, Fixtures, Tips & Tricks on
Angled mortise in the middle of a slab… I’d like to cut an angled, through mortise with my router. I’m trying to figure a simple jig or some sort of angled base for the router. Anyone with a slick idea? I’d love to hear from you…
Replies
First, find a reaaaaaally long bit!
I've got it. I think. Slab is 1 3/4" thick. the bit is 4" long. I think it will work. Angle of cut is 5 degrees.
I assume you are going to want to plunge that bit, 'cause I can't think of any other way to feed a router bit into wood that thick. Try replacing the base shoe of the router with a square of plex or something similar slightly larger side to side than the router base, and screw two 5 degree wedges to the overhangs. You could even screw a fence to the wedge ends if useful.
I don't know what kind of bit you're using but I recently cut my first SUCCESSFUL through mortises using an "upcut spiral bit" from Whiteside (Woodcraft Store). I had always used the mortising chisel attachment with my drill press before and had lots of cleanup and fiddling to do after. The upcut spiral bit left a perfect cut on the "out" side even with the back up blown out by repeated cutting. If you can find one long enough, I'd highly recommend it!
Good luck with your project!
Regards,
Mack
"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
Just cut an angled mortise in 1-3/4" material. Used a mortise chisel. Frankly, not the easiest job I've ever done. With through mortises, you want to chop in from either side. You may be better off with a hand drill. Drill two small holes at either end at the precise angle. Then mark and cut your mortise with a chisel conventionally.
As soon as you get into the "first I have to make a jig" territory, I think you lose the performance advantage of the machine.
Whatever you do, I think this is not an easy task.
Good luck wit it.
Adam
I did an angled mortise for a tall cd case (a "commission" from My Young Bride). I plotted the angle and made a template for three mortises on a 1/4" piece of luan. The holes were made to match a bushing (snug fit) on my plunge router (using a 3/4" bit).
By having three slots on the template you are able to rout your first three slots, then align the bottom most template slot and rout two more. To do the facing standard, just flip the template over and away you go. Spacing will be consistent and will always match.
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