Thread: Raised panel bit use

As long as you run multiple passes it should handle most things.

I may be telling you something you already know but raised panel bits must be used in a router table not free hand.
Regards

Originally Posted by A Duke

I may be telling you something you already know but raised panel bits must be used in a router table not free hand.
Regards

I agree 1000%!!!!!!
It is the only way to have complete control and be able to to take multiple fine cuts

Another issue that you need to be aware of is the size of the bit opening in the metal base of the router. The plastic sub base is less of an issue as it would be removed for table mounting.

As mentioned above, to do the job you need to table mount the router and take the job in a number of moderate cuts. Hence the bit will spend a lot of time with bulk of the bit below table level, so the router base needs to be able to acccept the bit through the metal base, many wont accept large bits below base level.

Also the machine needs to be variable speed and running at the lower speed (around 10,000 to 12,000RPM) with the large diameter bit to limit cutter tip speed.

If you cannot achieve either the slow speed or the base clearance, the other option available to you is a vertical panel raising bit, again table use only but the bit diameter is about 35mm. With this bit the work passes over the table on edge supported by a tall fence (200 -300mm high) and the cutter works on the face against the table. The table can be adjusted in and out to control depth of cut, so the cutter head does not need full clearance in the metal base of the router.

Hope this makes some sense, if not ask and I will knock out a couple of sketches to clarify.

Thanks all for your advice. I've decided to go with a vertical panel raising bit in my old router, a Makita 3620, since the hole in the base of the AEG is not big enough for a standard bit. And it means I don't need to have the variable speed function. I thought I might need to use a lower speed on the other two door making bits, that is the frame jointing and profiling bits, but as I've used larger bits than them at 22,000 rpm, I figured its not essential.
I'll take the AEG back to bunnings tomorrow for a refund since I haven't used it.
Now I've just gotta make a router table.

Originally Posted by Dave85

Thanks all for your advice. I've decided to go with a vertical panel raising bit in my old router, a Makita 3620, since the hole in the base of the AEG is not big enough for a standard bit. And it means I don't need to have the variable speed function. I thought I might need to use a lower speed on the other two door making bits, that is the frame jointing and profiling bits, but as I've used larger bits than them at 22,000 rpm, I figured its not essential.
I'll take the AEG back to bunnings tomorrow for a refund since I haven't used it.
Now I've just gotta make a router table.

MAQ00002 MP4raised panel - YouTube Raised Panel

I have been experimenting making Raised panels on my super jig and I am sure it is possible to produce a larger panel using the same structure of the super jig only make it longer to suit the panel required. Then there is no need to purchase a router table. (Just as a matter of interest I have three routers set up under the table but I thought this is much safer to use)
Tom

Thanks for the link to the super jig video Template Tom. It was very interesting and I saw some other good videos by the same bloke. He must spend all his spare time making jigs and videos of them! I'l still need the router table to rout the frame of the doors, however, and I think I'l try making a jig to hold the panels so I can do them on the table too. It should be quicker and easier that way I think. I'm also making a dovetail jig from aluminium and need to make router jigs for mortising and tenoning too. I like doing things the old way, with handtools, but it takes so damn long. I'm working on a chest of drawers and its got a couple of dozen mortise and tenons and ten drawers with dovetails, so to do that all by hand would probably take me a couple of years.