Thread: Separate box lid with router

I'm making a rabbet-jointed cigar box for my CBG. My first ever 'joined' box. Not having a table saw, I want to separate the lid with a 1/16" straight cut bit on the router table. It's 325mm x 215mm, too big for my bandsaw. I don't need a 'stepped' cut, just straight.

I already know to cut almost through, then cut around the last bit with a Stanley knife before cleaning up the edges, but am concerned with tearout, particularly when cutting across the end-grain of the sides.

First, the box. The sides are glued, but the top is just sitting there for this pic. No bottom yet, either. It will be the soundboard.

Merbau Cigar Box.jpg Joints.jpg

Should I put Xacto knife cuts all the way around that are very slightly wider than the router bit kerf, or is there another, better method? (Or do I have nothing to worry about?)

All suggestions are welcome.

By the way, I'll be using my Dremel router table for this, as I did for the rabbets, but that makes little difference except that I have to make a lot more passes to get the job done. Got a Scheppach router table coming tomorrow, but have no bits to suit it yet.