Router Bit Question

[Mary K]

I have borrowed a router from a friend to trim the top skin I just installed on my TD. It overhangs about 1/2" on both sides.

What bit do I purchase to do this?

Thanks!!

Mk

[rasp]

one of these will do

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16976

[doug hodder]

A laminate trim bit, or a pattern bit...top bearing. And it is one very versatile bit.. Doug

[Steve Frederick]

Hey MK! If you'll be covering the seams in 'glass, use a round-over bit. Hard angles don't work well. If you are just sealing and covering with trim, use the flush bit mentioned by Rasp.
Don't need an expensive one, just get it at the big toy box!

[Podunkfla]

I have borrowed a router from a friend to trim the top skin I just installed on my TD. It overhangs about 1/2" on both sides.

What bit do I purchase to do this?

Thanks!!

Mk

You need a "flush Trim bit" with a bottom bearing...
Here's a good choise (The shear angle cutting flutes produces a smoother cut than the traditional straight fluted bits.)



http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... tom_anchor

Plus, they only cost about $12. at MLCS.

[doug hodder]

Yup...I rethought that...then thought so which end is considered up on the bit...actually looked in a catalog...they don't mention it, just show pics....I use the router in a table most of the time for a lot of work so I just always refer to the top of the bit as having the bearing...my screw up...I should have just posted pics too! Ken...where did your post go? Doug

[Mary K]

Wow!! You Boy's Like your Bits...lol.

On my next build, I will have a router NO-IFS-ANDS-OR-BUTTS!!!

Thanks EVERYBODY!!!

Mk

[RichAFix]

Table saw and a good 2hp (or more) router in a router table and there isn't too much you can't do to wood. Those should be the first tools everyone should buy. Probably the 2 that can do the most damage to flesh also, so be safe!

[reiltear]

In Doug's defence, the router bits with the bearing on "the other top" are indispensable when doing hinge mortises with a proper template - beats the pants off (almost)any chisel in speed and accuracy.

Mary K, as you will soon notice, the routers are an absolute blast to use. The only problem I see is that one develops an addiction to these tools and pretty quickly people amass small collections of them. Since they are not very easy to set up the first time, almost everyone I know who does any kind of woodworking with a router(me too) have several, set up with different bits in them.

My collection, which I'm proud of, includes a Porter-Cable with fixed and plunge base, 1/4" and 1/2" collets; a plunge-base Ryobi with a 1/4" collet and a weeny orange trim router from HF.

The things you can do with a router are only limited by imagination. I've seen people turn fluted table legs using a router and a fairly simple home-built jig.

The only advice I can give you is be careful and try it on scrap first...

You go ... lady!

Ilya

PS Nothing against table saws either, I'm on my third one...

[reiltear]

While boasting of my tools, I forgot to mention another point - look out for shank size, they make 'em different and it might save you a trip if you get a wrong one...

Have fun!

[Mary K]

Oh Great!! Thanks Ilya ! Another addiction.

Actually...I don't know, dem dar bit's are pricy and I'm a cheepy!!

BUT, I can see how this one tool could have been useful on making the cabinets

Mk

[Geron]

A laminate trim bit, or a pattern bit...top bearing. And it is one very versatile bit.. Doug

In response to your sig line about dogs:

http://www-hsc.usc.edu/~cypert/dick/inheaven.html

Read the green poem. I love it.



Sorry, Didn't mean to hi-jack your thread Mary K. But, looks like you got your answer

g

[Mary K]

That alright Geron, Hijack all ya want!

I'll even help...



Mk

[reiltear]

Hi Mary K!

I wish I could PM you one...

One of my router bit sets came from the Big Lots around the corner from where I live. I could not tell the difference between it and the set with the "Skil" logo on it(at Lowes), except the price($40 vs $80). They are both carbide-tipped 12 piece sets with ball bearings and include trim bits. Even at $80, a set like this may be worth it, especially if you are planning on using a router on your next build. If you have a HF store nearby, you could give them a shot too.

The "cheepy" bits I have lasted 3 or 4 years already, though if I had a cabinet shop I'd stay away... except for emergencies...

Thanks for letting me rant.

Ilya

PS I love doggies...

[asianflava]

Mary K, as you will soon notice, the routers are an absolute blast to use. The only problem I see is that one develops an addiction to these tools and pretty quickly people amass small collections of them. Since they are not very easy to set up the first time, almost everyone I know who does any kind of woodworking with a router(me too) have several, set up with different bits in them...

That is exactly why I bought a second router (and looking for a 3rd). Once I got it setup to use in my dovetail jig, I said, "I am never removing that bit from that router ever again. It took a few days of experimentation and adjustment to get it to work right.

It was a HF jig, the directions contradicted themselves as far as bit depth. I tried both and neither worked. I ended up starting the deepest it could go then stepping it up in 1/16in incriments. Once I got it close, I had to tweak it in so that they weren't too loose or too tight.

Right now I have one router that I use both freehand and in the table. I'd like to find another to permenantly live in the table.