I was making some drawers out of 3/4 birch plywood and routing the dovetails for half blind joints. I totally burned up one bit and chalked it up to being dull. Then by the time I finished using a new bit it too was in bad shape.
1. Can’t you route plywood for drawers?
2. Is there a better bit to use?
It seems that cabinet plywood would be a good choice since it is so stable.
Any insight would be welcome, since I have a lot of drawers to do soon. Should I use another type of wood, etc.
Thanks,
Four Runner
Replies
Dear 4runner,
You can use a router with plywood; the material shouldn't cause problems. But without knowing what type or brand of router bit you were using, it's difficult to try to figure out why the bits seemed to dull so quickly.
Hey Good morning!
The first bit was a Porter Cable issue that came with the 4212, the second bit was a Rockler that was a Porter Cable replacement bit. I like 5/8 thickness material for drawer sides and can't seem to come up with any. Just short of planing it myself do you have any suggestions?
Thanks again
4 Runner
I'm afraid I'm still at a loss to explain why those router bits seemed to dull so quickly. Perhaps you could post your question in the "power tools" forum on Knots to try to find out if others have had a similar experience. You could also contact Porter-Cable's customer service department to tell them what befell you.
As for finding 5/8-in.-thick stock, I'm unaware of a source for material that thickness. You're probably better off milling your own. It may not be quicker, but it's almost certainly bound to be cheaper than paying for someone else to do the milling.
Hope this helps. Thanks for your interest in FineWoodworking.com
David Heim
Thank you!
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled