Replies

1. 
   BG | Dec 08, 2008 02:35pm | #1

   FSN,

   If you did half with the handheld router and half in the router table (ie. upside down) would that solve your tear out issues? Personally, I've found my belt sander in a stand very useful to avoid the issue and makes a nice curve.

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Dec 08, 2008 03:08pm | #2

   A classic problem that plagues routing with pattern bits when you need to "go around the end" of a piece. Four things to try:

   As another poster says, always rout with the grain. This means routing from the front for one edge, and from the back for the other.

   Take very small cuts. Trim as closely as possible before routing.

   Use a spiral bit instead of a straight wing bit. The shearing action of the spiral helps a bit.

   Forget trying to do the parts at the ends with the router. Go close, but stop short of the point where the grain switches. Clean up those final spots on a disc or belt sander.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

3. 
   [email protected] | Dec 08, 2008 11:26pm | #3

   I'd use one or two extra bearings for the pattern bit, and use them to sneak up on the final cut. 

   If the bearing on the bit is a 3/4-inch, try getting 7/8, and 1-inch bearings.  Make the initial cut with the 1-inch bearing, (this leaves you 1/8-inch oversize).  Then do one with the 7/8-inch bearing, which will take of another 1/16th of an inch.  Make the final cut with the 3/4-inch that came with the bit, and take off the last 1/16th. 

   Bearings can be bought in kits from Eagle/Price Cutter, http://eagleamerica.com/35-piece-router-bit-survival-kit/p/199-9642/

   , and certainly others.  Or, look for them on ebay. 

1. 
   HWG | Dec 08, 2008 11:39pm | #4

   A "downcut" spiral bit may help too, if the tearout is on the top surface.Woody

4. 
   fsn | Dec 09, 2008 12:03am | #5

   Thanks for the all the suggestions. It does look like the damage happened right at the switch, so I think I will play it safe and skip that part with the router and use a sander or hand tools to finish those parts.

   Thanks.

   --Whit

   If you have money, buy wood and tools. If you have money left over, buy food and clothing.
1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Dec 09, 2008 03:58am | #6

   I slow the rpm down with a 3/4" bearing pattern bit.

   Sarge..