Bought a router - have some questions for the experts!

[Rick]

Ok, so I bought this router/table combo...



...and some bits to get me started...



The bit set comes with:

• (2) Straight Bits: 1/4", 1/2"
• (2) Roundover Bits: 1/4", 1/2"
• (1) Laminate Trimmer Bit Flush: 3/8"
• (1) Round Nose Bit: 3/8"
• (1) Rabbeting Bit: 3/8"
• (1) Roman Ogree Bit: 5/32"
• (1) 45° Chamfer Bit: 1-1/4"
• (1) Hinge Mortising Bit: 1/2"

Now, I believe I might have to do a bit of modification to my plans to use thinner wood, as I have designed everything to use 3/4" MDF, and if I read the information on the bits properly, the 45° Chamfer Bit 1-1/4" that I was planning on using to cut the edges at an angle will likely not cut the full depth of the wood.  I think I have two questions on this.  One, is there such a thing as a bit that will cut a 45 degree angle at a depth of 3/4", and two, is there a trick I might use to get the bit I have to cut the appropriate depth?

I'll be honest - I purchased the bit set because I also have some roundover trim work to do on some window trim I'm making, so I will be able to use the 1/2" roundover bit for that.  I wasn't certain if the other bits would be as useful for my project, however, considering all the other bits I looked at started at $25 each, I figured $50 for 10 bits was a pretty good deal.

Can anyone help me with my dilemma?

 

[EvilNuff]

...One, is there such a thing as a bit that will cut a 45 degree angle at a depth of 3/4", and two, is there a trick I might use to get the bit I have to cut the appropriate depth?
...

Yes there are 45o chamfer bits of many sizes.  Here is a list of rockler ones just to show you some options: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2124  If you want to cut the entire 3/4" wood at a 45o angle you can just use a mitre saw, or circle saw, etc. 

Not sure what you mean by appropriate depth?  Your chamfer bit has a bearing so its only designed to cut for its size. 

[r32]

There are 100's of different bits.

MLCS is also another good place to buy. Their Katana line of bits are worth the money, much like Whiteside, Frued, etc.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com

[Rick]

Yes there are 45o chamfer bits of many sizes.  Here is a list of rockler ones just to show you some options: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2124

Thanks. I'll check this link when I'm off my Blackberry.

If you want to cut the entire 3/4" wood at a 45o angle you can just use a mitre saw, or circle saw, etc.

My challenge is I have two semi-circles which will also require the 45 degree angle, which is why I bought the router in the first place.   I could use my jigsaw, but I fear it would not be as crisp a cut.

Not sure what you mean by appropriate depth?  Your chamfer bit has a bearing so its only designed to cut for its size.

Good call. Thanks. I meant 'full depth' of the 3/4", so I think I need to source a proper bit to get the work done right. (Unless I switch and use 1/2" or thinner stock - it looks like the 45 degree bit cuts 1/2" stock, it does say so.)

[Rick]

Augh.  When I look online at what I think I need (it looks like there are large chamfer bits around 2 1/4" wide) it looks like they all have 1/2" shanks...  My router is a 1/4" shank.  Anybody have a link to a 1/4" shank 45 degree chamfer bit that will cut at least 3/4" MDF?  I'm planning on making a template, so that the bearing will roll along it as I cut, so I figure the bit has to exist, right?

Right?

 

(I guess when I'm ready, I could always rent the proper router and bit, but where's the fun in that?)

[Rick]

Well, this was fun.  I checked out MLCS for the bit I wanted, and being pretty new at this, I was confused at the information being presented on their website.



What I was looking for was a 45 degree chamfer bit that would cut my 3/4" MDF at an angle, and from the chart above, I couldn't determine the depth of the cut, so I figured I'd click the help button and ask for support.  Well, the E-Mail trail was a pretty enjoyable read, so I figured I'd post it here.

Hi,

I'm looking at part #5376, which is a chamfer bit which says it is a 1" cutting length.  What I'm not certain of, is the 'depth' of the cut.  Will this cut a 45 degree chamfer in a piece of stock which is 3/4" deep?  (Or, is the 1" cutting length the length of the blade itself?)  If I'm incorrect, and this is not the correct part for my application, do you have a 45 degree chamfer bit which will cut a bevel in a 3/4" piece of stock?

Thank you!

Rick

There.  I had asked my question in a clear, concise manner.  Surely, I was going to get a "sure, please order part number so-and-so, and it will do the trick!" response.  Right?  Umm, no.  Not at all.

Dear Mr. Elphinstone,

Thank you for your inquiry.  The cutting depth using 1" stock would be 5/8". The 1" measurement you refer to is is the actual blade length.

REDACTED
MLCS Technical Staff

Hmm.  That didn't explain much to me at all.  I'm still stumped.  Oh well, maybe it's me.  Let me make it easier on the guy.  (After all, when companies actually contact you back, that's a plus.)

Hi REDACTED,

I have attached a picture of what it is I'm attempting to achieve, and wondering if you could point me to a product you carry which could assist.  Do you carry a 45 degree chamfer bit that will be able to cut the 3/4" MDF?

Thanks!

Rick

At this point, I attached the following picture.  I figured I must be failing at explaining what it was I was looking for and thought for certain that this would solve everything.



It's pretty simple, right?

Dear Mr. Elphinstone,

Since you will be cutting the entire profile the thickness of the stock you will need to use the fence on a router table to control your depth of cut.  The bearing on the bit will not have any material to be guided by.

Sincerely,

REDACTED
MLCS Technical Staff

Now, I was getting a bit perturbed.  Sure, I've only used a router once or twice, but please.  I didn't ask how to do the job - I want to know what tool I should use to do the job!  He didn't even answer the question being asked!  I calmed myself down, thought about how to word my final E-Mail (because I wasn't giving him another chance at this) and wrote:

Hi REDACTED,

I do know how to make my cut - the information I am looking for is whether or not MLCS carries a chamfer bit that can do the job.  The size and shape of the stock to be cut is prohibitive to using a router table, as it will be approximately 60" in length, and will not be a straight edge.  Thus, while using the router freehand, I will actually be building a template which will be clamped directly under my stock to be cut, and which will act as a guide for the bearing as it cuts.

Does MLCS carry a 1/4" shank 45 degree chamfer bit that will cut to a depth of at least 3/4"?  If so, please let me know what the product number is.

Thanks again.

Rick

You can read the above either calmly, or with a slightly psychotic undertone and heavy breathing.  It works pretty well either way.

Dear Mr. Elphinstone,

5376 will do the job provided you add the extra thickness provided by the template.

Sincerely,

REDACTED
MLCS Technical Staff

FINALLY!  He did it!  I got my answer, and placed my order.  But, not before I sent my last E-Mail.

Hi REDACTED,

Awesome.  Thanks so much!

Rick

Phew!  All done.  Now, to wait and see if everything turns out as I hope it will.

[Rick]

Now, to wait and see if everything turns out as I hope it will.

Well, this is going to be interesting.  I just did some sketching, and figured that if the blade is 1", at a 45 degree angle, it *should* cut up to stock up to 11/16" in width.  I'm no good at math, so I did a bit more sketching.  Well, do you know the difference between 3/4" and 11/16"?  Yes.  1/16".  Soooooo, the chamfer bit I just bought will cut 1/16" more than the 3/4" MDF I have.  Damn, talk about working on very fine margins!  I'm going to have to be exactly precise when I setup my router to cut.

Hurm.  Anyone else have a story to tell me about how difficult I now perceive this to be?

 

[2panther]

as a woodworking and router noob myself, I'm glad you posted this. Due to my own error I'm forced to cut out my cabinet top back panel and am not really psyched about setting up a guide for my circular saw since I never seem to get it exactly where I want it. I have the same router and table I borrowed from my brother and I think I will order the same bit to make the 45o cuts this time instead of the circular saw.

[dfmaverick]

Now, to wait and see if everything turns out as I hope it will.

Well, this is going to be interesting.  I just did some sketching, and figured that if the blade is 1", at a 45 degree angle, it *should* cut up to stock up to 11/16" in width.  I'm no good at math, so I did a bit more sketching.  Well, do you know the difference between 3/4" and 11/16"?  Yes.  1/16".  Soooooo, the chamfer bit I just bought will cut 1/16" more than the 3/4" MDF I have.  Damn, talk about working on very fine margins!  I'm going to have to be exactly precise when I setup my router to cut.

Hurm.  Anyone else have a story to tell me about how difficult I now perceive this to be?

 

By your math, I think you are short 1/16" since 3/4" is 12/16".

Although, if by "blade length" they mean up and down and not along the 45 degrees itself, then you would be fine.

[Rick]

By your math, I think you are short 1/16" since 3/4" is 12/16".

Although, if by "blade length" they mean up and down and not along the 45 degrees itself, then you would be fine.

The MDF is 3/4", so I believe the blade will actually cut 1/16" over - I did a check on Sketchup: I made a cube to size to represent the blade, angled it to 45 degrees, then put a 3/4" line vertically beside it and measured the difference - I thought it showed the difference to work in my favour... ...now you have me second guessing. I'll try it again later and post the pic.

[dfmaverick]

I wouldn't worry. I'm the one that's probably wrong in trying to read your configurations and the emails from the supplier.

Just relax until the bit comes in. It'll probably work out fine.

[zafdor]

If you can use a table saw you will save a lot of time!

[Rick]

If you can use a table saw you will save a lot of time!

Here's my dilemma:



See that 's-curve' in the middle of the uprights?  That's what I need to cut at a 45.  Impossible with a table saw, I'd wager.