Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 29, 2010 03:43pm | #1

   Are you trying to make this cut  in one pass instead of multiple manageable passes? 

1. 
   nickgrant21 | Mar 29, 2010 03:49pm | #2

   No. The total width is 61/4 by 24 inches so i have tried using a 3/4 diameter bit and a 1/2 diameter bit to take it out. Once i get the first outline done i will only take half or quater of the bit size. I have tried adjusting the speed of the router adjusting the depth several time till i get to 3/8 and still the bits generally last two or three treads then break.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 29, 2010 10:18pm | #3

   Plung router using multiple passes or use a shaper! Maybe a solid carbide 0.5 inch shaft spiral bit?

3. 
   ring | Mar 30, 2010 01:26am | #4

   Depending on the equipment you've got, you could get there via different ways:

   Rip the tread in 2 parts, plane down the 3/8" on one part, glue it back together.

   Set up your shaper with a wide straight blade to take off the 3/8" depth using multiple passes, holding the tread vertically against the fence.

   Use the tablesaw to make repeated 3/8" deep kerfs in the area, knock them out roughly, then use the router to clean up only.  If going this route you must remember to leave some strips for the router base to ride along, and chisel them out at the very end.

   Just routing the whole area, as you've been trying, is so painstakingly slow that you're losing patience and pushing it too hard.  Rethink the strategy.

1. 
   AZMO | Apr 05, 2010 09:37am | #8

   Nice David

   McGuyver always has more than one option...

   I would use a skill saw, or if available a plunge saw like Festool inside a template of plywood. Easy to set the depth, easy to stay within the guidelines. Repetative cuts and knock out the waste. If done right a few passes of a block plane to clean up the bottom with a chisel plane for the corners and edges.

   Morgan

1. 
   ring | Apr 05, 2010 09:43am | #9

   McGuyver could probably build the stairs using only his car keys...

   And you're right about the plunge saw.  I own one and that option didn't even occur to me!

4. 
   SawdustSteve | Mar 30, 2010 11:36am | #5

   Ploughing

   Nick... You need to make the rabbet cut in several passes. 

           You should not be cutting (removing) more than 3/16" of wood on each pass.  Take your first pass at 1/8" depth, then add another 1/8 to 3/16 for each of the 'next' passes until you reach the depth you want.

   A 1/2" shank cutter will help, but if you try to force the depth, you WILL snap the bit.

        SawdustSteve   Long Island, NY   (E of NYC) 

5. 
   davcefai | Apr 03, 2010 05:10pm | #6

   It could be that you are forcing the bit, trying to cut too fast. I assume that your cutters are sharp as you are probably buying new replacements.

   You could try plunging a a lot of holes first and then just rout out the wood between them. Better still, make the holes with a Forstner bit.

   Could it be that you are using too slow a router speed?

6. 
   royernst | Apr 05, 2010 12:30am | #7

   Ploughing

   This would be a piece of cake on a radial arm saw I think.

7. 
   James R. | Apr 05, 2010 02:13pm | #10

   Tom:

   I'm just butting in to say what a beautiful staircase that is.  That is a jaw dropping design.

   Very nice work.

   Jim

   My memory's good, it's just short.