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Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=34531 |
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Author: | Nicholaspaul [ Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:53 pm ] |
Post subject: | Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
I haven't been using a plunge router long, but I'm having trouble making vertically straight cuts in alder. I'm routing out holes in the back of a guitar - a piece of alder 1.75" thick. I using a collar and 5/16" bit, making passes about 1/4" - 3/8" at a time. When I remove the template there are ridges at each pass. Does this sound like something I'm doing wrong or a hardware issue? Is it the bit flexing perhaps? |
Author: | Alex Kleon [ Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:59 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
You're taking too much material at once. Try taking 1/8" or less per pass, and you should get a better result. You could take the bulk of the wood out with a forsner bit in a drill press as well. Alex |
Author: | Kent Chasson [ Mon Dec 12, 2011 12:55 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Are the ridges a problem? Routing that way is not a really precision operation and there are several different things that could cause that. Vibration, plunge mechanism that isn't perfect, not keeping the router flat on the surface, surface that isn't flat, bit not square to base, bad bit. If smooth sides are more important than overall size, Todd's method should work fine. If size is critical then you really have to dial in the whole operation. |
Author: | Dave Fifield [ Mon Dec 12, 2011 1:23 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Most likely your template guide on the router isn't centered. Either center it properly (using a centering bit), or keep the router orientation the same all the way around the cuts (i.e. rotate the router as you move around the template) so the offset is the same all the way around. Alternatively, you could put one or two layers of blue/masking tape around the outside of the template guide, route 1/4" depth at a time (IMO, this should be fine in Alder), and then take the tape off for the final pass, leaving a nice clean wall. Cheers, Dave F. |
Author: | Barry Daniels [ Mon Dec 12, 2011 8:57 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Is this a 1/4" collet router? If so, then ridges are to be expected. But a 1/2" collet router should give you a lot smoother results. |
Author: | bluescreek [ Mon Dec 12, 2011 10:50 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
In most cases the ridge shouldn't be that big of a deal , are we talking just visible , I can catch a fingernail or it is a speed bump? You will often see a witness mark when making multiple passes but these shouldn't be significant, A few thousandths won't matter. |
Author: | Miketobey [ Mon Dec 12, 2011 1:55 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
OP is likely running the risk of disaster and injury-those flimsy 1/4 shank bits flex and sometimes as a result explode with tragic results. I regularly re-check my centering of the base or a bushing. The inherent vibrations often slowly move the assembly. |
Author: | Nicholaspaul [ Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:10 am ] |
Post subject: | Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Great tips, thanks gentlemen. I like the idea of using masking tape for all but the last pass. The steps aren't bad,per se, but I'm trying to do as clean a job as possible, and I see other peoples work that is much cleaner. I think most are using heavier duty routers. Mine has a 1/4" chuck, so perhaps that is the issue. I could live with some steps I guess, until I can afford a heavier duty router. "OP"? You can call me Nicholas ![]() |
Author: | Nicholaspaul [ Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:11 am ] |
Post subject: | Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
I didn't measure the steps, but they would be a round 1/64", maybe a little more. |
Author: | Jim Kirby [ Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:21 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
+1 for the masking tape. I leave mine on even on the final pass, and then take it off and do the final cleaning of the entire slot. |
Author: | Barry Daniels [ Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:46 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Trying to cut deep mortises cleanly with a 1/4" router is not practical. |
Author: | alan stassforth [ Thu Dec 15, 2011 10:05 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Barry Daniels wrote: Trying to cut deep mortises cleanly with a 1/4" router is not practical. Bingo! Also, why a 5/16" bit? |
Author: | Nicholaspaul [ Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:51 pm ] |
Post subject: | Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
alan stassforth wrote: Barry Daniels wrote: Trying to cut deep mortises cleanly with a 1/4" router is not practical. Bingo! Also, why a 5/16" bit? Sadly it's the only router I have so I'll have to make do until I can afford a 1/2" router. The 5/16" bit fits the collar I have. |
Author: | alan stassforth [ Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:21 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Router issues. What am I doing wrong ? |
Buy a one to one bit, with a bearing on top. You will need to buy a short one, and a longer one. Then you need a one to one template. Once you use the template, keep stepping the bit down into the cavity, as it will eventually be riding on the sides of the cavity, not the template. Dig? |
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