Thread: Metric Timber and Router Bits

Newbie routerist here. As a beginner using the interwebs and trial and error to learn, the need for metric bits to match metric wood seems most important when one is trying box joints (with associated jig). If there is a way to get a good fit with 12mm wood with a 12.7mm straight bit - if so, how? Even the store box jigs like the Rockler use imperial and so the bits would also lead to small but defined gaps I guess.

Any suggestions to help a struggling paduan?

Lumpo

The size of the timber is irrelevant for box joins, the jigs are spaced according to the bit size and you can use any size timber you want.

Originally Posted by lumpo

Newbie routerist here. As a beginner using the interwebs and trial and error to learn, the need for metric bits to match metric wood seems most important when one is trying box joints (with associated jig). If there is a way to get a good fit with 12mm wood with a 12.7mm straight bit - if so, how? Even the store box jigs like the Rockler use imperial and so the bits would also lead to small but defined gaps I guess.

Any suggestions to help a struggling paduan?

Yoda - Do, or do not, there is no try....

Same for joints... practice will get you quite good in very short order. Perfection... eeeeee, time!

As for box joints, you have a few very good options.

-- Make your own box joint jig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NutwD7B6tmE
-- Buy an Incra iBox (yeah!!! They rock! I've one and use it all the time)
-- a Leigh jig (there are a few second hand on Gumtree ATM)
-- Get an Incra TSLS fence, Wonderfence, table router lifter and the Whiteside metric router bit set (Yeah! Kicks ass! Super fast and super accurate - also completely awesome for your tablesaw work)
-- Do them with a handsaw and chisel on your bench, just like dovetails (super awesome)

Ive gone full circle... Im now progressing onto the "do it by hand" method.