I’ve been toying with a few projects that are going to require raise panel doors recently and unfortunately i only have a 1 3/4 horse PC 693 router to do them with. After looking around I’ve found out that my real only option for building raise panels would be the smaller diameter vertical panel raising bits. Does anyone here have any experience with these types of bit?
If so what are the benefits/pitfalls of them over more traditional horizontal panel raising bits?
JD
Replies
They work well if you can keep your stock solidly against the fence (tall) or use a horizontal router table configuration. The greatest problem is that every small deflection produces a bump in the finished cut. Sometimes these can be eliminated by making two finish passes. They also are limited to doing only square panels since you have to run them on edge. Although I can imagine a jig for a simple arch, I have never tried it myself. 1 3/4hp should be fine for running these bits, though several passes are necessary.
Mark
Hi J,
Some experiences that I've had...
1) Large panels are difficult to stabilize and I ended up making a custom fence, a tall one at that, and a jig for my router table.
2) "Slick Strips", applied to the fence to reduce friction, really does help move the piece.
3) For smaller panels a tall fence and feather board work prettly well.
4) Whiteside bits are a good choice.
Bill
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