Router question

[shawnzilla]

I'm getting ready to cut the t-groove out on my cp (standard Lusid-type), and ran into a little problem.

I tested the router out on a test control panel and as I was starting (at the edge of the cp) the router shot around the back of the cp!

1) Yes, I have the bit facing the correct direction.
2) Yes, I was working from left to right

The cutting works just fine if I start further in from the edge...but how do I get that edge without ruining my cp or my hand?

[Jabba]

You could try butting a piece of scrap up to the back of your cp (same thickness) and routing into that.... Here's a poor mans "graphic"

|-----scrap --|
|========|
|-----cp-------|
|---------------|

I'm not sure why you are concerned about routiung into the back of the cp though. Won't it be hidden ?

[Shape D.]

the groove for your t molding should be directly in the middle of your wood, so what i'd reccomend is starting in the midle and going to one end and then flipping it over and going to the other corner.

[DrewKaree]

the groove for your t molding should be directly in the middle of your wood, so what i'd reccomend is starting in the midle and going to one end and then flipping it over and going to the other corner.

Unless you are 100% positive you are DEAD NUTS CENTERED, do not do this.

Jabba has posted the correct way to do this, and as a nice added side benefit, using his method will remove any possibility of tearout at the corners.  While the chance of tearout is slim, it could happen, rendering your entire panel useless or requiring an extensive patching job you prolly won't be happy with.

Go get a Quick-Grip clamp and use some of your scrap wood to line up and clamp it to the edge.  Then, as Shape D recommends, start in the middle of your SCRAP piece of wood and work to the other end, which should also have a piece of scrap clamped to it.