Thread: Advice for Cutting/Routing Hand Holds in Wooden Hamper

I threw together a simple jig that I clamped to the smaller boards I was routing. It's fenced on all sides to help guide the router in a straight line and give me some spots to attach clamps. Not sure if this is the best way to tackle it but it worked for me and best of all didn't cost anything other than a few scraps laying around. I'd imagine if you had to repeat those cuts a lot you could construct something that matched the dimensions you are after.
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Jig is certainly the way to go.

However, the bit shown is not the one I would use. I would use a straight cutter. If you used one with a bearing it would allow you to run around a template and have it done in no time. The oval ends could be incorporated in the template or if not using a bearing the ovals could easily be done using a forstner bit and the straight routing into the holes.

To make the edges smoother for your hands, a round over bit to finish would be an advantage.

With regards router bits, I would avoid the El Cheapo bit sets and buy what you need and get the best quality bit you can afford. They will certainly cut better and last longer and IMHO, are safer. Also, just a tip, drop a rubber "O" ring into your collet to avoid the bit bottoming out and leading to a stuck bit, as the collet is tightened it actually pulls down on the bit.

Hi, thanks for your replies and suggestions. I think using a template does sound like an option, just not sure how to adapt it to using on this shape cut out in a way that can be done quickly and on varying sized pieces of wood.

I will definitely give the template idea some more thought and hopefully come up with something.

Does anyone know what the router bit I put the photo of is actually called? I'm just wondering what it's actual correct purpose is. I know you can probably do a v-slot with it, but why have the extra cutting bit?

Thanks again.

I believe it's called a chamfer bit.