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Dennis Hill
21st August 2001, 06:49 AM
I just built myself a finger joint /comb joint jig for my router but the cut-outs have rough edges from tear-out. I am working with soft wood (pine etc). The problem is not as bad with hardwood. I see that the Hegner machine ($900!!!) uses a spiral pattern bit, and that these bits are available as "up-cut" and "down-cut".
Which one do I need so that the work is pulled down onto the bit rather than pushed away from it?
The router is mounted in a router table and will be dedicated to cutting finger joints.
All advice apreciated.
Dennis

Rod Waddington
21st August 2001, 01:51 PM
Dennis
I use a JDS multirouter (dedicated joinery machine) that recommends using 'upcut' spiral bits for the purpose of 'pulling' the waste away from the cut (especially for mortising). It has nothing to do with repelling or pulling the timber away or towards the bit. The tearout can be easily solved by using a sacrificial piece of ply etc. attached to the timber being cut.
Regards Rod