91 - Planer Stand, страница 8

ROUTER

Worksh

2.

working

Profile B

Adding a decorative edge to a project with a handheld router is a breeze if you follow a few simple rules.

to look for in a good-quality bit. The first is the cutting edge. Although you can still find high-speed steel, I prefer carbide-tipped bits. The carbide edge stays sharp longer. _/

Shank Size. Another thing that can affect the quality of the cut is the shank diameter of the bit. Bits with a !4"-dia. shank can chatter and leave a rough cut, especially with a large bit. So I prefer to use V-shank bits whenever possible.

Bearings. One thing most profile bits have in common is that they have a guide bearing. That is, a bali bearing on the bottom of the bit will ride on the smooth edge of a workpiece and control the cut. Be sure to check the condition of the bearing before every use. If it's dirty and doesn't spin freely, you can usually clean it. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the bearing before using the bit.

Routing Techniques. With the right bit installed, you're about ready to move on to routing the edge. But first you'll want to secure the workpiece. It's hard to get good results if you don't have it firmly held in place. And you run the risk of the bit catching the grain and gouging the workpiece.

8 ShopNotes No. 91

most often in my shop are shown in the photos below. I often use roundover or chamfer bits to soften the corners of legs and other edges. I also like cove and ogee bits for decorative edges. They come in a wide selection of styles and sizes to provide a classic look. And by combining profiles, you can create just about any design you like.

The Cutting Edge. After you've decided on the profile for your project, there are some other things

I use my router on just about every project I build. More often than not, it's to put a profile on the edge of a workpiece. With an almost endless selection of profiles to choose from, it's an easy way to add a decorative design to a project. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind to get top-quality results.

Choosing a Bit. Successfully routing a profile starts by selecting the right bit. Fortunately, you have a lot of options here. The bits I use

Cove

Chamfer

▲ Shank Size.

The larger, ¹/2"-dia. shank is less prone to chatter.

Roundover