Has anyone used any of Freud’s recoverable bead glass door router bits? Here’s a link to one of them: https://www.freudtools.com/products/99-283 Diablo also makes a similar type of bit set. I’m building some new cabinets in my 1925 bungalow and would like to replicate the door style of other cabinets in my house. They have a matching profile on both the outside and inside of the door, which is exactly what these router bit sets allow you to do. Unfortunately, Freud’s documentation is a bit sketchy – for example there is no indication of the range of thickness the stock can be, i.e. 3/4″, 7/8″ 1″, etc? I also can’t find a review or video online by anyone who’s used them, hence my question. They look like they might be very finnicky to set up and use, but I’m always up for a challenge. Thanks in advance for any info.
Larry
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I have not used these, but I have used cope & stick sets many times. The best plan is two dedicated router tables that can be left set up until the project is done-done.
The carbide height is 7/8" so that's your maximum stock thickness, they are likely set up to work on 3/4 stock, but as you go thinner you lose profile depth at the top and the bottom. You'll dial the up & down to be centered in your stock and then dial in the single wing one to cope in the ends. Mill plenty of extra stock, there will be lots of of test cuts.
There's a couple YouTube videos that will give you the general idea of what you need to do. They don't use Freud bits, but the bits used are somewhat similar. Both videos have some selling going on but they also have a few good tips and tricks on how to produce a glass door profile. Good luck with your project.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDQG1QYbOKs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IPjkzhSEYc
They are clearly intended for 3/4" stock and single strength glass, fairly typical for kitchen and similar cabinets. The second cutter is for profiling mullion ends if you intend to use them.
Thanks for the replies. I had already found those videos - they both do have some good tips. Good advice on two router setups, but unfortunately I only have one router table and don't want to add to the cost of the project just to make four doors. Didn't know about the carbide height - that will be very useful going forward when buying other bits. Given that my first attempt at some simple cabinet doors for my workshop was, shall we say, problematic, I'm looking forward to giving it another go. Definitely planning on lots of extra stock. :)
Doors are hard. It takes a while to figure out a system that works for you.
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