Vonrek
4th April 2002, 11:08 PM
Just thought I'd share my 2c worth on what i think is a nifty (perhaps under-used) idea.
Using the router as a planer/thicknesser is not an original idea but I can report having quite a bit of success. As an amateur, home woodworker I could never justify the expense of a jointer and planer or a combi (besides the more affordable ones seem to be tinny and prone to sniping) but the added work of dressing, truing and straightening warped timber is arduos with hand tools and can lead to frustrations and be very disheartening.
I first came across the idea of using the router to true timber in "The Workbench Book" by Scott Landis in which Tage Frid describes a jig for truing solid benchtops. Bill Hylton in "Router Magic" gives a good description of a "sled base" which can be used for this purpose and the Popular Mechanics site (popularmechanics.com) has an article by Rosario Capotosto who descibes a device/jig for planning timber (a search using Rosario Capotosto's name will also elicit some very nice and quite advanced jigs for routing and sawing).
Combining all of the sources above i have built a "machine" using MDF which is adjustable and capable of flattening and thicknessing timber, even from a rough, split state. This has allowed me to raid firewood piles and create smallish pieces/boards of very unique timber.
I've had success using 3/4 inch planer/mortising router bits with downward shear grinding but also with basic straight bits.
My first prototype is only short, capable of handling only lengths up to 900 mm but my plan is to extend this capability with the next model.
I've found this type of routing to be safe- the router is in an overhead position, the added bulk and slight friction of the sled decreases the chance of kickback and allows safe climb cutting if desired and the entire workpiece and router bit is enclosed within an MDF "box" (formed by the sides of the jig) which ensures that even on the slight chance that the workpiece comes loose, it cant do much damage.
I've even made a sled for use with an angle grinder and Arbotech Carver to commence dressing of very rough timber.
Anyway, thats mt 2c worth. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience (good/bad) or other ideas with this concept.
Please, share your thoughts.
Cheers
Tim
Using the router as a planer/thicknesser is not an original idea but I can report having quite a bit of success. As an amateur, home woodworker I could never justify the expense of a jointer and planer or a combi (besides the more affordable ones seem to be tinny and prone to sniping) but the added work of dressing, truing and straightening warped timber is arduos with hand tools and can lead to frustrations and be very disheartening.
I first came across the idea of using the router to true timber in "The Workbench Book" by Scott Landis in which Tage Frid describes a jig for truing solid benchtops. Bill Hylton in "Router Magic" gives a good description of a "sled base" which can be used for this purpose and the Popular Mechanics site (popularmechanics.com) has an article by Rosario Capotosto who descibes a device/jig for planning timber (a search using Rosario Capotosto's name will also elicit some very nice and quite advanced jigs for routing and sawing).
Combining all of the sources above i have built a "machine" using MDF which is adjustable and capable of flattening and thicknessing timber, even from a rough, split state. This has allowed me to raid firewood piles and create smallish pieces/boards of very unique timber.
I've had success using 3/4 inch planer/mortising router bits with downward shear grinding but also with basic straight bits.
My first prototype is only short, capable of handling only lengths up to 900 mm but my plan is to extend this capability with the next model.
I've found this type of routing to be safe- the router is in an overhead position, the added bulk and slight friction of the sled decreases the chance of kickback and allows safe climb cutting if desired and the entire workpiece and router bit is enclosed within an MDF "box" (formed by the sides of the jig) which ensures that even on the slight chance that the workpiece comes loose, it cant do much damage.
I've even made a sled for use with an angle grinder and Arbotech Carver to commence dressing of very rough timber.
Anyway, thats mt 2c worth. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience (good/bad) or other ideas with this concept.
Please, share your thoughts.
Cheers
Tim