i am looking for some advise on router bits when it comes to building raised panel
doors, i have never tried this before so i want to start out on the right foot. for
rail and stile there is the stacked set, the two piece matched set, or the reversible
and for the panel there is a vertical or horizontal. i would value any advise i can get
Edited 8/30/2002 1:27:48 AM ET by rickkk1
Replies
Rickkk---you can use any combination of the bits you mentioned with success. I prefer the "stacked" stile and rail sets because they offer some adjustment in the fit of the tenon-to-groove joint. But because of that adjustment they are also fussier to set up. (I find that I like the fit tighter on softwoods and looser on harder stuff). The "reversible" bits have a fixed fit that is fine for those who are not as anal about the fit.
Vertical panel raisers are good for lower-powered routers (like 1-1/2 hp or under) because of their smaller cutting diameter (there's less metal to sling around). But they cause a bit more chatter in the cut (in my experience). Most of the chatter can be eliminated with careful set-ups (feather boards, ...) and small "bites"--taking several shallow passes rather than a single pass for the whole cut. If router power is not an issue (i.e. you have 3 hp or so) I get better results (smoother cuts) with a horizontal cutter.
Hope this helps
---Jerry
thanks jerry
I apprieciate the advise, the stacked sounds like the setup for me, I am also anal.
Horizontal panel raising bits are not intended to turn at speeds of most routers. Ok if yours is variable speed and can be slowed down to the rated speed of the bit. I have a vertical bit and it works ok. Have to make several passes. Rather have a 5hp shaper.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
PlaneWood
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