Safely using large router bits?
 

I bought a couple of larger round over types including a 1-1/2" and 1" type. Now that I have these in my hand they seem too large to use safely in a regular router - I even have my doubts in the router table with the 1-1/2", its quite large:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-...500-over-3.JPG

I can't remember seeing any projects using roundovers of this size so I'm guessing its not a great idea. I haven't tested or tried any yet because I'm too chicken now that its dawned on me how large they are!

Any thoughts or experience you could share before I rip my arm off?

Hi Ant,
I have used these large bits (round overs and even panel raising bits) in the hand held router. You need to solidly clamp the work piece down and have a firm grip on the machine.
It is also a really good idea to make several passes to get to the final finished cut. Lowering the bit by 1/4" increments will get it done safely and smoothly.
Good luck!

I concur. Take several passes, lowering the bit each time. It doesn't take that much more time anyway.

1. Router Table.
2. Variable speed router, 10000 - 12000 RPM, with soft start.
3. Several passes.

I would not attempt to use large bits free hand.

I've always been under the impression those large bits are for a fixed floor standing router, not a hand unit or a hand unit mounted in a portable router table. Email the manufacturer- no doubt they can better advise you.

I would also add to this that you should be using feather boards as well. One to control lateral movement and one to control vertical movement of the stock.

Thanks guys, pretty much what I was thinking but guess I needed to hear it from a couple of other people to make sure it was safe.

I just tried fitting the larger 1-1/2" bit into the router and realised that it fouls the baseplate unless you increase the depth of the plunge in order to clear the obstruction. I think this little problem makes the 1-1/2" bit a router table only job. The 1" fits fine though.

Are there any routers out there with larger openings in their base plates for these types of bits?

I'm not familiar with this. Could you explain?

Difficult to do with a fully constructed speaker box...

Oh, I misunderstood. You would not need the feather boards with a heavy box.

This is a picture of feathers boards used with a table saw.

featherboards