Thread: make a 5" recessed hole?

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How about a Forstner bit........a really big one

I'd think a router & template would be the quickest way - depending on the exact shape of the hole you wanted there are special 'bowl carving' bits that would leave a radiused edge to the hole, or you could just use a large, short end cutting bit like a dado clearing bit - Lee Valley, CMT , Carb-i-tool and doubtless others all make suitable bits, either with a template follower built in or for use with router mounter template follower.

Does the wood need to be solid or would a laminant work? YOu could use a piece of 1/2 thick wood and there are any number of hole saws that can accomplish the deed, then laminate the piece to a 1.5" thick piece and you would have a 2" thick timber with 1/2" recessed 5" hole....

Aside from that, the router and template seems to be the best answer. For a hole that size, you might need to attach a larger foot to the router base so it doesn't topple over the hole edge while finishing the cut.

Originally Posted by bsrlee

I'd think a router & template would be the quickest way - depending on the exact shape of the hole you wanted there are special 'bowl carving' bits that would leave a radiused edge to the hole, or you could just use a large, short end cutting bit like a dado clearing bit - Lee Valley, CMT , Carb-i-tool and doubtless others all make suitable bits, either with a template follower built in or for use with router mounter template follower.

The router bits are called dish cutters and what you describe is similar to how I made this, see http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=35740