Replies

1. 
   Sean2112 | May 13, 2008 03:21am | #1

   You could use a core box bit to outline the well, then use a 1/2" straight bit to hog out the flat area. Are you going to use a template and a router bushing to outline the cut?
   Sean

2. 
   Dunwright | May 13, 2008 06:55am | #2

   Consider using a "3-in-1 Bowl Bottom Bit". There are several vendors who carry them. While $30.00� for one bit may hurt some, mine works quite well at reducing the backside of F&P panels.

   Arlington, Texas (The dash in Dallas-Fort Worth)
   Practice...'till you can do it right the first time.
1. 
   knuts | May 13, 2008 02:44pm | #3

   The bowl bits leave a smooth finish and some have a bearing for templates.

3. 
   [email protected] | May 13, 2008 07:22pm | #4

   As Knuts said:  A "Bowl" or "Tray" bit is the best bit for this application.  Most manufacturers/retailers catalog several. 

   Some come with bearings so you can template guide them.  But, you can buy bearing kits from quite a few vendors that will let you add a bearing to almost any bit. 

   The addition of bearings, or changing the size of bearings on those that do have them, opens up a lot of new territory in the use of your router. 

   For example;  Using a bearing that is a 1/16th larger than the stock one on a profile bit, gives you a 1/32nd offset from the cut when using the factory bearing.  So you can make the first pass with the over size bearing, and then safely make the final cut with the factory bearing as a climb cut. 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/13/2008 12:27 pm ET by Jigs-n-fixtures

4. 
   BruceS | May 14, 2008 04:36am | #5

   Bowl,dish,tray bit is the only way to go.  You will get a nice flat bottom.  You can use a template and either a bit with a bearing or template guide on your router.  Check out part number 144-1205B  At  http://www.eagleamerica.com    A core box bit will leave you a lot of clean up.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   bmyyou | May 14, 2008 07:22am | #6

   I ended up using a 1/2" core box bit to mill the wells, and you were right - I got several ridges in parallel rows when I ran the bit over the half diameter point of the previous pass, so there was a lot of clean up.  The wells did clean up nicely by carefully chiseling the ridges flat and using sandpaper to get them flat.