Which Riased Panel Bit?

[Slavo]

G'day,

I'm looking to make some raised panel doors for a kitchen reno and was wondering what peoples experiences are with the different brands of raised panel bits available. I would prefer to use a horizontal bit with a back cutter.

If you use the theory that cost is proportional to quality then CMT appears to be the holy grail, but has anyone used the generic Timbecon/Carbatec sets and how do they handle timber such as brushbox or other hardwearing timbers?

Cheers

[journeyman Mick]

Slavo
I have a huge mongrel (mixed breed) collection of router bits. Quite a few Carbatec and on the whole I'm happy with them. When I went to buy a set of kitchen door bits (rails/stiles/raised panel) it was actually cheaper to buy the CMT. They are very nice to use and I would recommend them. I think you'll find that there's not a big price difference between CMT and the cheaper bits, at least not when buying a set. I also figured that the accuracy of the fit between the stile and rail cutters might be better with the CMT. Fits like a glove on a chickens lip!

Mick

[Slavo]

Thanks Mick,

I think I'll get the CMT set. I was originally leaning towards it but it's good to hear what other people think before you take the plunge.

Does anyone know where I can get space balls/panalign strips to stop the panel rattling around but allowing the timber to expand and contract? I've checked with my local hardware stores with no luck.

Cheers,
Slavo

[silentC]

Slavo,

Apparently some of the mail order companies in the US sell the balls, so it might be worth doing a search on Google. Another idea I thought of trying was to use polystyrene balls like you get in beanbags but I'm not sure how well they would work.

[Ben from Vic.]

Slavo,

If you put a small dob of glue in the middle of your panel (top and bottom) you won't have any problems with E 'n' C, and your panel won't rattle.

As an alternative to the space balls, I used some small tubing (like the stuff used for air in fish tanks, just a bit bigger), I got it from clark rubber. Pretty cheap, because you don't need much.


Ben

[Rocker]

I use the black plastic stuff that is used for fixing insect screen in window frames.

Rocker

[silentC]

Rocker,

We used to call that 'flyscreen spline' when I was in the window business.

That's a good idea. You can get it in various gauges. It also comes in grey - does it have to be black? ;)