Replies

1. 
   SgianDubh | Sep 05, 2002 04:50pm | #1

   For smaller routers, ~2HP and under the vertical bits require less power, but the cut may be a little more scalloped, and they'll only work straight edges and ends. Larger routers, over about 3HP have a bit more guts and can handle the horizontal cutters better. These cutters leave smoother cut-- not scalloped-- and will also handle curved edges, such as arched tops, but there will still be some hand carving at internal corners if you you are producing an arch in the middle of an edges run. I think it goes almost without saying from a safety aspect that all thes bits should be used in a table mounted router, an inverted router for the horizontal type, and the vertical type bits can be used with an inverted table mounted router, or a horizontally mounted router table.

   All the big name router bit makers should be reliable, Freud, Amana, Whiteside, etc.. I use all three, with more Amana samples than any of the others in my box, but that's because my saw doctor carries Amana. If you're in the UK, Trend bits are good, and I have a few of those too. Slainte, RJ.

   RJFurniture
1. 
   AlanTurner | Sep 05, 2002 05:06pm | #2

   MLCS (or is it MCLS?), which has a web site, and free shipping, is where I usually go.  I have one of their panel raising bits, about 3 1/2" in diameter, and it works well.  MLCS is about as inexpensive as there is.

2. 
   DP | Sep 05, 2002 05:56pm | #3

   I use a CMT horizontal bit (don't know whether or not they make a vertical bit) which I got from Woodhaven.  Have been well satisfied with both the bit and the source. 

1. 
   dovetail3 | Sep 05, 2002 10:02pm | #5

   Thanks much. With a horizontal bit is it best to make several

   shallow passes or is it designed to make the full cut in one

   pass?

   Ken

1. 
   DP | Sep 06, 2002 04:21pm | #8

   You should make the cut in several passes.  If you try to hog off too much at once you will likely experience severe tearout.  Also you may want to do some checking before you use a speed control device with your router.  I'm not sure but I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere that such devices can damage the motor.  I'm not sure if this is correct however; perhaps someone with more knowledge of the subject will comment.

1. 
   dovetail3 | Sep 06, 2002 05:45pm | #9

   Many thanks for your assistance. I'm leaning toward biting the

   bullett and buying a big variable speed router. I have a Porter

   Cable plunge router. Will it serve my purpose?

   Ken

2. 
   DP | Sep 07, 2002 05:14pm | #10

   Certainly the big PC plunge router will work well.  I have a PC 690 and an Elu 3339 (3hp).  I use the Elu dialed back to 8000 rpm with my panel raising bits.   You might want to call the technical service folks at Woodhaven and ask them about the specific router you have.  My experience has been that they're quite knowledgeable and are willing to help.  Phone number is 800-344-6657.

3. 
   Danford_C_ | Sep 07, 2002 05:25pm | #11

   Dovetail,

   FWIW, I have a PC 690, the fixed base is attached to the router table (I use the plunge base for free hand work).  Any who, I use CMT verticle panel raisers without any problems what so ever.  I have an auxilary fence that is about 14" high and a feather board that I use for raised panel work, no variable speed.  I make multiple passes and the wood type determines the feed rate; glass smooth raised panels without fail everytime, all the time....

   Dano"Form and Function are One" - Frank L. Wright

4. 
   dovetail3 | Sep 10, 2002 01:44am | #12

   Thanks to all for the help. I'm embarrased to admit

   I have a variable speed router and didn't even realize it.

   Mine is Porter Cable 7529. Does anyone know if there

   is a fixed base available for this model so I could use it

   in my table to make the raised panels?

   Ken

5. 
   AlanTurner | Sep 10, 2002 02:19am | #13

   I use a big Bosch in my table, and posted some Pix of the jig I made to raise it.  Forest girl cleaned them up so they were not so big.  I think my post was a response to another; it was not a new thread.  Maybe a month ago or so.  I think that a plunge router is best suited for a table application, though others will doubtless disagree.

6. 
   riverr1 | Sep 10, 2002 02:30am | #14

   You can go to your attachments and see where they are all at.

7. 
   AlanTurner | Sep 10, 2002 03:37am | #15

   How do you do that?

2. 
   MarkRoderick | Sep 05, 2002 07:16pm | #4

   But you have to run those big bits at a very low speed. Someone can correct me, but something like 7,000 rpm seems right (?). So you need a variable speed router.

1. 
   dovetail3 | Sep 05, 2002 10:05pm | #6

   Thanks Mark: I'm using a two horse router. Would it work to

   apply a speed control instead of purchasing a variable speed

   router as you suggest?

   Ken

1. 
   MarkRoderick | Sep 05, 2002 11:10pm | #7

   I believe it would.