Cutting across the grain

[Goldy]

Has anyone got any tips to stop tearing when going across the grain when routering.


Thanks! Goldy

[echnidna]

Three different things to try;
make several cuts and on the last cut just remove about 1mm
or
stick a bit of masking tape along the line to be cut and remove what's left of the tape after routing the trench. This works reasonably well
or
cut along the edge using a sharp trimming knife and a metal straightedge. Precision set up is the key here as the router must cut in the middle of the knife cut so the surface fibres are not touched by the router cutter. Bit fiddly but works well.

[Red neck]

Goldy,

Do you mean when the router bit exits the edge of the board? If so try a sacraficial piece of timber at the exit point.

If routing the ends of boards try removing the waste in several passes, adjusting the cutter height with each pass, gradually working towards your line.

[Goldy]

I mean the finish on the pattern left bye the router bit eg doing raise door profiles.

[gatiep]

Use a sharp bit!

[DPB]

Another consideration, if you are routing the profile all around the piece is to start with the endgrain. Thus you will finish on the side of the piece and trim away any tear-out on the final pass (provided it is not too deep).