Replies

1. 
   bones | Apr 14, 2009 02:27am | #1

   I don't know about that one, but here's the set I have and there is a DVD that shows you what you need.  You have a cope, stick and back cutter for the slot.  I think the dvd is $15.  I bought my set at a wood show and think I got it for free.

   http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=03003

   http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DVD2

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   bmyyou | Apr 14, 2009 02:43am | #2

   Yes - I'm aware of the cutter sets specifically for the doors, however Norm demonstrated on that show a trick to rearrange the cutter heads of one of the bits to make the doors, so another set would not be needed.

2. 
   hammer1 | Apr 14, 2009 03:53am | #3

   It's fairly simple depending on what you have for standard cope and bead bits. Not all can be rearranged safely. Typically you have a two bit set. On the cope bit, you have the cope cutter, a spacer bearing and a slot cutter. On the bead bit, you have the bead cutter, a slotting bit and a bearing, both are in that order. Take the slot cutter off the cope bit and put it on the bead bit in place of the bearing. Put the two bearings on the cope bit. Essentially it makes the joint a lap joint rather than T&G and cuts a rabbet for the glass. You will need to make a glass stop to hold the glass. The safety issue is whether there is enough thread on the post for two bearings stacked up. If your bit set has spacer washers, make sure you make a note of how they go so you can put them back in the same place when you put the bits back in the T&G configuration.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   bmyyou | Apr 14, 2009 07:02am | #4

   Can I run these modified setups at regular speed on the table or do I have to run a slower speed similar to the raised panel bits?

1. 
   hammer1 | Apr 14, 2009 04:08pm | #5

   In most cases, speed is more of a factor of the diameter of the bit. You haven't changed that with the reconfiguration but you have reduced the cutting profile on one and increased it on the other. I usually adjust my speed according to the feel of the cut, so to speak. I seldom cut to full depth on one pass. I make two, three or more incremental cuts to get to the full profile. This reduces the strain on both the bit and the work. Again, this is adjusted to the material and the quality of the cut. I don't have a mental note of what speed I used, the last time I made glass doors. More than likely, I'm down one or two clicks from top speed on my large PC. I typically use the lowest speed I can in the router table, tempered by the results, feel and sound. Not very scientific but you can tell if all the factors are harmonizing. Start with the middle speed and try one up or down. It's obvious to me when you have it right. With some bits, dovetail for instance, you can't make incremental cuts. I'll make a few practice cuts but with small bits, the speed is usually at the top. With a reconfigured bead bit, I try to balance the cutters like you would with a dado stack.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   charlesm | Apr 15, 2009 03:45pm | #6

   It is really not advisable to change around cutters on a matched rail and stile set for several reasons. In addition to what Hammer said, the diameter of the slot cutters used should be different (if the set is made correctly) to make the groove of the stile slightly deeper than the tenon length. If you stack the two together they will not cut the same depth. Also, shims are used to make the fit of the joint correct and you would have to use extreme care to be sure you reassembled them correctly. Best to get a bit set that is made for the job.
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

1. 
   Frank Vucolo | Apr 15, 2009 04:07pm | #7

   Charles,

   What is the difference in the diameters of the two slot cutters and is it meaningful enough to impact the results?

    

1. 
   charlesm | Apr 15, 2009 04:28pm | #8

   If I recall correctly, for Freud R&S bits the difference in diameter of the two slot cutters is 0.016" for a difference in depth of cut of 0.008".
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.