I was attempting to pattern route some small hardwood pieces using the router table and only gouged the wood to a non-usable scrap. I tried using both top and bottom bearing bits, but, neither were successful. What went wrong? I was not using any type of holdown device and I entered from the counterclockwise direction.
Edited 12/30/2008 6:27 pm ET by birdwatcher
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Forget clocks. In a mirror frame routed topside, when I rout the inside of the frame I rout clockwise. When I rout the outside of the frame, I go counterclockwise. So please forget clocks.
On the router table you must move from right to left into the rotation of the bit. If you don't do this, then the bit grabs the work and throws it. Generally speaking, I stand on the right side of the bit facing the table and work on the side of the bit closest to me.
Try cutting just a long straight piece with one of your bits in the direction you've been cutting and see what happens. If you're cutting in the "wrong" way, the bit wants to grab your work and throw it. That is, you're cutting with the direction of the cutter. If you're cutting in the proper feed direction, your bit will cut into the work and you will have to have pressure feeding the work in.
But perhaps this isn't the issue at all. Perhaps it's a mix of grain directions on too small a piece causing your tear-out issues. If you have to rout uphill against the grain, most likely you'll have tear-out. Your only hope for success then is to use a spiral flute pattern bit.
Gary Rogowski
http://www.northwestwoodworking.com
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