I am new to the router table and determined to get experiance! I have recently purchased a Rail and Stile 3 bit router set to make raised panel doors with in my kitchen. I am having some problems with the thickness of the wood. I used a piece of 3/4″ wood to cut the raised panel with but it seems as though it will not fit into the Rail or Stile. After looking at the specs of the bit, I think this bit might require a 5/8″ piece of wood to fit properly.
Have a look at the picture I included and let me know if my router is not setup properly or if the wood really needs to be 5/8″ to work with the rail and stile.
Here’s the specs of the bit that correspond to the picture:
H = 5/8″ <– this is what’s got me thinking it could be the wood.
R = 7/8″
D = 3-1/2″
B = 1-1/2″
My Rail and Stile are both 1″ tall (H = 1″, below bearing, cutting area) and don’t seem to be causing any problems.
Thanks, Mike
Replies
RouterNewb
you can buy sets for whatever thickness you have to work with.. I have 7/8ths, 3/4 and 3/8ths and soon I expect to get 1/2 since I have so much 1/2 thick wood around lately
I use a shaper not a router for raised panlels though, I like to one pass things and not take a chance on a screw up doing multiple passs with a router. Plus it's so much faster and safer that way..
If I understand you correctly you are saying that after raising the panel it will not fit in the rail and stile. Most panel bits are sized so that a 5/8" panel will fit when the full profile is cut. Most of us use 3/4" panels and then you have to go back and relieve the back side. This is called the back cut. There are bits specifically made to do this, but a rabbit bit will do fine. Some panel raisers have the back cutter built into the panel raiser, but I don't like that set up because you cannot riase the bit into the work to make progressive cuts.
Pardon my spelling,
Mike
Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.
Thanks to all who replied. I realized I have not done the back cut to my raised panel. After searching on the net i have realized that there are a number of bits that incorporate the back cut to the raised panel bit. After combining my bit with another, I have reached a profile that will fit perfect into the rail and stile. Of course the panel isn't perfect, it IS my first panel after all... it is however a good start.
Not wanting to presume anything regarding your experience level, but your nic leads me to believe this is appropriate. I am attaching a link to the following post for consideration. Router tables are wonderful tools, but their bite is much worse than their bark. Best wishes!
http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=32989.4
Thanks for the link. I was reading that link and then did a google seach for the technique that he was using. It was actually the same technique I used when I first started messing around with my table. I went one step further and put a ripping fence on it, just like a table saw. I'm always cutting wood with a table saw it hadn't dawned on me while i was setting it up that i was using a router table not a table saw.. Needless to say I launched a piece of 5" wide by 7" long wood about 30 feet off the table making a nice hole in my drywall. That was a long time ago, after taking a carpentry course, watching numerous videos, and the odd Router Workshop on the satellite.. I feel much more confident and safe using the table. That link was one nasty accident that I hope never happens to me. It could just as easily happened to me if I had held onto that piece of wood instead of letting it go into the wall. I don't even remember letting it go.. it could have slipped out of my hands... it happened so fast i can't remember if i let it go, or it slipped out.. I'm just glad i have all my fingers. I feel bad for what happened to that fella and i hope he has a speedy recovery.
I cut the raised panel profile deep enough so whwn you assemble the raised panel with the outer frame of the door , that the surface od the panel is flush with the front side of the rail and style. If the panel is thicker back cut the panel to fit
On most door sets you can use anything grom 5/8'' to 3/4'' or however thick your style and rails are
Have a nice day Lee
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