Morris Dovey wrote:
(in
) said:
| Hi all,
|
| I have an upcoming project that's still in the "thinking stage",
| which is to say that I'm trying yo figure out all of the operations
| that I'll need to do and finding ways to do it with my existing
| skills and equipment.
|
| I'm using a large ogee bit (1 3/8" radius) to creat a moulding
| effect. So far I've done this exclusively on straight stock using
| the router table. The upcoming project will need the same moulding
| edge on an arched panel. This bit is large, almost like a panel
| bit, plus I have very little experience routing freehand so I don't
| think that's a viable option.
|
| I'm thinking that I could do this on the table if I position the
| fence such that the curve of the piece indexes on the inside edges
| of the split fence. i.e. "bridging the gap" with the bit inside the
| gap as would be normal. I could easily adjust the depth of cut for
| multiple passes and could still use a featherboardd to provide
| downward pressure. I would still have to "freehand" the work
| maintaining pressure towards the fence.
|
| Any thoughts on this technique or alternate ideas?
There's some important information you didn't provide:
Good questions, and answers below:
[1] Is arch circular?
No, it's irregular (parabolic).
[2] Width and height of arch?
The piece to be worked will be about 24" along the curved edge. The
curve is very gradual.
[3] Material to be routed?
Spanish Cedar - one of the softest hardwoods.
[4] Thickness of stock to be routed?
Thickness is 1". I was planning to cut the curve with a sabre saw and
then route the edge. The deepest cut of the full profile amounts to
about halfway through the stock (1/2").
[5] Are you routing inside, outside, or both curves?
Outside only.
[6] What does "existing skills and equipment" mean?
Without getting too long winded, I was referring to the thought process
we all go through ahead of a project to plan how were going to create
the individual components with the tools we have. Skill comes into the
equation as well, for example cutting large sheet goods. Some people
are skilled enough to cut large pieces on the table saw. I'm not, so
I'd choose a circular saw with a guide. In the case of my current
challenge, I'm very inexperienced with hand-held routing, so I hope to
avoid attempting it with this large bit.
[7] Can you pre-cut the desired arch with a band saw and/or straight
router bit?
I was planning to use a saber saw.
[8] Have you considered making a template to be used with a bit
incorporating a ball bearing guide?
That's a possibility.
I think I misused the term "freehand". I meant "edge routing" using the
bearing. With that big a bit, I afraid that it will be hard to control
the router, especially since I'm very inexperienced. I'm getting pretty
good at table routing so I'd hoped to find a way to do this on the
table.
Tom
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/solar.html