Safely using large router bits?

ShinOBIWAN · 18th April 2008, 01:00 AM

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:

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?

MJL21193 · 18th April 2008, 01:15 AM

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!

Phil Olson · 18th April 2008, 01:41 AM

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

tjmac44 · 18th April 2008, 01:56 AM

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.

Conrad Hoffman · 18th April 2008, 02:03 AM

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.

lepomis · 18th April 2008, 02:13 AM

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.

Quote:

Originally posted by tjmac44
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.

ShinOBIWAN · 18th April 2008, 02:14 AM

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?

ShinOBIWAN · 18th April 2008, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lepomis
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.

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

MJL21193 · 18th April 2008, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lepomis
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.

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

lepomis · 18th April 2008, 02:23 AM

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

18th April 2008, 01:00 AM	#1
ShinOBIWAN diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK	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: 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? __________________ The more you know who you are and what you want, the less things will ever be the same.

18th April 2008, 02:03 AM	#5
Conrad Hoffman diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canandaigua, NY USA	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 used to be an audiophool like you but then I took an arrow to the knee.

18th April 2008, 02:14 AM	#7
ShinOBIWAN diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK	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? __________________ The more you know who you are and what you want, the less things will ever be the same.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
need to discharge psu safely	Aidan135711	Tubes / Valves	6	8th March 2008 10:03 PM
how much capacitance can i add safely?	Clipped	Car Audio	8	28th September 2007 10:40 PM
router bits for flush mounting	eisenhower	Multi-Way	12	27th December 2006 01:24 PM
Heads UP. Super deal on router bits!	rcavictim	Equipment & Tools	7	26th September 2006 03:17 PM
VRDS-10. how do I get to the laser to clean it safely???	flipflip	Digital Source	8	3rd August 2004 05:36 PM


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

18th April 2008, 01:15 AM	#2
MJL21193 Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Mar 2007	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!

18th April 2008, 01:41 AM	#3
Phil Olson diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006	I concur. Take several passes, lowering the bit each time. It doesn't take that much more time anyway.

18th April 2008, 01:56 AM	#4
tjmac44 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	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.

18th April 2008, 02:23 AM	#10
lepomis diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	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

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read