I am making a molding out of 1 x 2 oak strips to put on the edges of the plywood shelves for my bookcase. These strips will be both decorative and to help strengthen the shelf. I like the Roman Ogee profile, and the router bit kit I have has a 5/32 bit. I have been experimenting with this on my router table with scrap 1 x 2.
I am confused as to the proper protocol for using this bit. Should I purchase a ¾ bit? (Although the ¾ ply is actually not a full ¾). How high do I adjust bit vertically? How far back do I adjust the fence? I have played with several combinations, but there certainly must be a correct way to use this bit instead of arbitrarily selecting a height or depth.
Obviioulsy I am a rank newbie to router use. Thank you again for all your help.
Mark
Replies
I'm a little confused by your question. I think you have 2 different thing going on. One is a decorative edge. The other is a dado for the plywood to sit into for attaching. Personally, I'd attach the oak using biscuits. No dado, no nails. The roman ogee is done by riding the router along the edge of the oak while the wheel rides along the face of the oak. You might want to rout the oak first. Then cut it up and attach it to the plywood. When I mess up with the router it's always where I start or end. Doing the routing first means you can cut off the ends if need be.
I hope this has answered your question.
Thank youfor your reply. I need even more basic advice than that. When I route the oak strip on the table how high do I set the bit and how deep is the fence? The strip is cover 3/4 plywood, so do I need a 3/4 bit? I am routing the scrap 1x 2 now, but the dsign changes depending on the bit's vertical and horizontal position. What is the "right" way to do it?
Mark
Hey Cossack, I sent an E-mail with a phn # for easier discussion....will that work? ~Z~
Set it to get the design you like. I often use only part of a router bit to form a shape I like. Personally, I like the square edge for a book shelf. Routing fancy edges can get too busy looking.
I agree with Joe, Only I like to use a roundover to ease the edge. Generally I use a 3/8" round over, but size which one to use to the thickness of the project. My most common sizes are 1/8" - 1/2"
I like the round over - it is clean and simple and when cleaning does not catch as much dust and debris. If there are any small children about it is a safer edge for them as well1 - measure the board twice
2 - cut it once
3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go
4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
Get a small piece of ogee and match the height with this piece.This will give you the standard height. Usually the full depth of the bit is standard,if your stock is 11/16" thick.I forgot the exact height, you can download a picture or sketch from any millwork company on the web.
mike
Most decorative edge bits I've seen come complete with a guide bearing; I set the fence so that the workpiece slides past the infeed side, kisses the bearing before bearing against the outfeed fence.
As for height, experement with your offcuts; fine a height that mills the edge by the amount you want and she's done...
Just remember to keep your router speed high, feed rate steady and use push-sticks.
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
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