BC Wood Worx

...routing black Walnut??? I recently was given several rough cut boards and after I plane them down I was considering routing a raised lettering sign but have no idea how walnut does in this application. Any comments?

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challagan

I have used the router many times on walnut. Walnut machines very nicely. It's one of my favorites. Really the only thing that machines better than walnut in my opinion is good mahogany. Both are great to work with.

corey

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Joe Lyddon

I used Black Walnut for the inlay bowties in the Wall Shelf I just finished.

I was very happy with the way it worked! Nice clean cuts all the way around. I routed around the pattern about 3/16" deep... sanded it smooth... cut a 1/16" slice off (to get one inlay)... sanded cut edge smooth... and sliced off second one... Worked like a charm!

Just remember to do what Bob & Rick do on anything... like rectangular shapes... Cutting sequence: across the grain... with the grain... across the grain... and with the grain... While also having a good push block to stop any other tearout. Tearout, if any, going "across the grain", will be removed with the "with grain" cut.

You will be happy with Black Walnut, IMHO.

bobj3

Hi BC Wood Worx

Walnut is great to work with BUT your router bits must be sharp or to say new and a good brand name...

It's fine grain in walnut that will hold the edge unlike some of the other hardwoods, the item I made below will show a small chip out in the corner and it's hard not to get a error like this in Walnut because of the grain going all over the palce but that's what makes the walnut nice to work with...when you use it make a small pass 1st. to get the fine edge and help keep the rip out from showing up....

Note*** here's a good spot to get a great sign making bit, they are not cheap but do a great job in all woods...like the nasty MDF for just one of them..
Note the Taper on the bit , this will help with the rib out...
You are not cutting the base away from the letter or item with this bit..

http://www.precisebits.com/products/...rch=fromSearch


Bj

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Bob J.

BC Wood Worx

Thanx for the input & advice. I'm gonna give it a try - should make a nice lookin' sign.

LeeC

I have routed quite a bit of walnut, making decorative trivets. As Bobj3 says, you need a very sharp bit and do not stop in one place more than a few nanoseconds or it will burn. Cherry is even worse to burn at the least provocation.