I’ve been using 1/4″ CMT slotting cutter to cut grooves for splines on stock for a large panel.
The bit’s max depth of cut is 1/2″ and the first few boards were fine and produced perfect grooves.
However, now only the first few inches of the board are okay and then the bit starts to wander up into the sides of the groove and ruin it. The bit also occasionally binds and then grabs during the cut.
I can’t figure out what the problem is here. My router technique is fairly consistent and the edges and tops of the boards are jointed and smooth. The bearing on the bit turns smoothly also.
Perhaps the bit isn’t at it’s full cutting depth through the whole cut and I to press the router more into the stock?
I would REALLY appreciate any thoughts. These are long boards and having grooves that don’t line up is a big problem.
Thanks!
Patrick
Replies
Patrick,
Two possibilities to consider:
* the bit may be moving in the collet - ie coming out or even going in - because it is not tightly gripped enough or is not well-fitting between the CMT standard diameter and the router collet's. (There are often small differences in a single "standard" like 1/2" or 1/4" shaft/collet dimensions.
* the router may be raising or lowering in its frame as you haven't got it locked tight enough; or the locking mechanism has worn.
Given you are getting the odd snatch, I suspect that it is the first of these. Any wobble in the bit, because it is slightly loose, would cause a snatch.
Lataxe
Should be done on the router table for your safety.
Symptoms appear to be:
1) Bowed stock
2) Router is wobbling. You only have 30% of the casting on the work with a 1-7/8" cutter!!
Routers
Dear Patrick,
It sounds like you have a dull bit. It starts off OK, heats up and then wanders all over the place. That's sounds dull. Being pretty dull myself, I think that I may know what I am talking about. Get a new bit, preferably 1/2" shank and see how it goes.
Best,
John
Edited 10/17/2007 6:09 pm ET by Jmartinsky
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