Thread: Help: Router & Router Table

router table the best way

Originally Posted by fubar

router table the best way

Thats what I thought. Say for example I want to do a 10mm rebate into a bit of MDF... if I don't have a router table, just using a hand held rotuer, I have no way of keeping the rebate at the same size is that correct? ie. hand shaking etc you won't have a straight 10mm rebate?

There are jigs and machine attachments that could help.
Have a search of the router forums here and many solutions to your problem have already been detailed

Originally Posted by electric-green

Say for example I want to do a 10mm rebate into a bit of MDF... if I don't have a router table, just using a hand held rotuer, I have no way of keeping the rebate at the same size is that correct? ie. hand shaking etc you won't have a straight 10mm rebate?

There are a number of ways to cut a 10mm rebate. If you cut it with a straight cutter, then you'll need a clamped straight-edge for the router to run against, set at the correct distance from the edge. Multiple passes may be required, depending on the diameter of the bit.

Secondly, you could use the router's fence instead of the clamped straight-edge, but you need to watch that it doesn't "dive inwards" at the end of the cut. Same applies on multiple passes depending on bit diameter.

Finally, you could use a bearing-guided rebate bit. This will have a fixed width, but variable depth. HTH

Ray.

Thanks Guys,

Its been years since I've used a router, last time was in High School but I've always worked with wood.

In regards to the router rebate bit, can you only do a rebate in certain sizes.. ie. do you buy like a 6,9,12, mm rebate bit etc. or can you buy a rebate bit that can do something between 6 - 20 mm rebate?

Originally Posted by electric-green

... can you buy a rebate bit that can do something between 6 - 20 mm rebate?

I use a rebating set - one cutter, guided by a number of different-sized bearings. The smaller the bearing, the larger the rebate. Here's one example that cuts rebates of 3.2mm, 6.35mm, 8mm, 11.1mm and 12.7mm.

Ray.

Why not a table saw with a 60 tooth blade ?

Or for that matter a circular saw with a fence of some sort ?

To cut that rebate you make the inside cut first, nice and clean, then you clean out the waste by tilting the saw in the horizontal plane.

I was cutting rebates and lap joints for years before I ever owned a router.

2c.