Circling the Router

**Cherp** · 10th April 2012, 08:24 PM

Hi all,

I'm getting on a bit but still at the woodwork 101 stage. Part of this is a total lack of spatial ability, but you deal with what you're born with. I've got a half-inch Maktec router mounted in a Carbatec router table, so it's a fair setup. The other day I was trying to router a slot through a piece of Huon pine to make a hanging device for a tapestry to go on the wall. I tried a small spindle bit first, but that sent bits of wood flying and i didn't get a clean edge. I tried a bigger bit and that was better, but still not too flash either. I suspect what i should be doing is chiselling/sawing/spokeshaving the slot to nearly the right shape and then finishing it withe the router. Does that sound right? Also, the router tabled has a couple of slots in it running across its surface. I assume these are to fit a fence or guide. Can you buy these attachments? I guess i should just ask Carbatec, because I bought the table from them..Any comments appreciated.

**NCArcher** · 10th April 2012, 08:45 PM

The slots in the surface are for a mitre gauge. Used to push a workpiece past the router bit at a consistent angle.
Kreg® Precision Mitre Gauge System : CARBA-TEC

It sounds like you are trying to remove too much material at once. Lower the bit and cut the slot in several passes.

**Cherp** · 10th April 2012, 08:52 PM

Thanks. I just jumped from router 101 to router 102. I did indeed try to do it in one go and the material was around half-inch thick or maybe a bit more. I get it. Have the blade up say one eighth and then raise it by increment, instead of trying to rip the lot out at once. The device for the slots sounds like a must-have too. I will get one. Excellent.

**joe greiner** · 10th April 2012, 10:48 PM

In lieu of fiddling with the height adjustment or offset from the fence, and to achieve consistent increments, place several layers of veneer or thin stock between the workpiece and the table or fence for the first cuts. Remove one layer at a time for succeeding cuts until they've all been removed to the final dimension. Secure the veneer to the workpiece or the table/fence with masking tape if necessary.

Cheers,
Joe

**Cherp** · 10th April 2012, 10:52 PM

Thanks Joe. Router 103 now.

**HeadScratcher** · 11th April 2012, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by Cherp

Thanks. I just jumped from router 101 to router 102. I did indeed try to do it in one go and the material was around half-inch thick or maybe a bit more. I get it. Have the blade up say one eighth and then raise it by increment, instead of trying to rip the lot out at once. The device for the slots sounds like a must-have too. I will get one. Excellent.

From what I have read you could increase that 1/8 to 3/16~1/4, but that's about it.
Imagine it would also be wood dependant... i.e. harder wood = smaller cut.

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