Flush Trim Router Bit

[Kidbee]

I have just wrapped four boards (19mm x 120mm) of New Guinea Rosewood around a 100mm square post on my porch. I have an overlap of about 2mm on the 19mm edge that I need to remove as the boards were a fraction oversize. I have considered my electric planer with the addition of my belt sander but am now leaning towards a flush cut router bit.

Any thoughts on the matter?

[elanjacobs]

I don't think I'd trust myself with a planer at 2mm, one wobble and it's all over. A 60/80 grit belt on the sander will chew through the bulk of it pretty quickly, then switch to 100/120 grit or an orbital sander to get it flush.

Having said that, flush cut router bits are handy to have in general, so if you think you'll use it again this a good excuse to buy one. Just be aware that NG rosewood can have lots of reversing/curly grain that might not play nicely with a router.

[Kidbee]

I don't think I'd trust myself with a planer at 2mm, one wobble and it's all over. A 60/80 grit belt on the sander will chew through the bulk of it pretty quickly, then switch to 100/120 grit or an orbital sander to get it flush.

Having said that, flush cut router bits are handy to have in general, so if you think you'll use it again this a good excuse to buy one. Just be aware that NG rosewood can have lots of reversing/curly grain that might not play nicely with a router.

Thanks for the reply. Those flush trim bits seem to be mainly used for laminate etc and my concern is, will it chew through say 2mm of New Guinea Rosewood that is 19mm thick?

[elanjacobs]

No problem. Any 1/2" router will breeze through it, even 1/4" routers should manage if you don't push too hard.
I have a 1600w router and it has no trouble taking a 5mm flush cut in 35mm thick American oak

[Lappa]

Thanks for the reply. Those flush trim bits seem to be mainly used for laminate etc and my concern is, will it chew through say 2mm of New Guinea Rosewood that is 19mm thick?

Carbitool make long flush trim bits with both top or bottom bearings

laminate trim - flush trimming (http://www.apworkshop.com.au/html_routerbits/08-lam-ftb2.html)

I have a good selection and their great.

[lesmeyer]

You do not want mess this one up. The best flush trim router cutter would be a spiral cutter but they are expensive. The next best - and i have one and have used it very successfully many times on difficult grain - the CMT super duty flush trim cutter that has a 6 deg negative shear. They come in 25mm and 50mm cutting length. The difference in price is not much so I bought the 50mm one. It is my goto cutter for most trimming jobs. I have had mine for 10 years now and it is still as sharp as ever. Just keep it clean.
Regards
Les

[elanjacobs]

Carbitool also have shear flush cut bits if you want to buy Australian

[Kidbee]

Thanks fellas. I went out and bought a Carbitool bit as I am limited by choice in my area. I am pleased to report it worked a treat and I ended up with almost seamless joins.