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OhBrian · 07-02-2008, 02:00 PM

I need to route holes in a fence post to accept the rails of some vinyl fencing. The posts are 4x4, and the holes will be 2x3 to accept the vinyl rails. The holes don't need to go all the way through but need to be deep enough to hold the rails. There are 3 rails for each post so I'll be making quite a few holes (11 posts). What type of bit and how could I make some kind of template/jig for this? I have a craftsmen plunge router and a porter cable fixed base.

**bobj3** · 07-02-2008, 02:45 PM

Hi OhBrian

I would suggest making/using a saddle jig ,see below...

========

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhBrian

I need to route holes in a fence post to accept the rails of some vinyl fencing. The posts are 4x4, and the holes will be 2x3 to accept the vinyl rails. The holes don't need to go all the way through but need to be deep enough to hold the rails. There are 3 rails for each post so I'll be making quite a few holes (11 posts). What type of bit and how could I make some kind of template/jig for this? I have a craftsmen plunge router and a porter cable fixed base.

OhBrian · 07-02-2008, 04:40 PM

Never would have thought of doing that. Thanks a bunch!

**bobj3** · 07-02-2008, 04:44 PM

You'er Welcome OhBrian

It should should get the job done in quick order..

==========

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhBrian

Never would have thought of doing that. Thanks a bunch!

**Mike** · 07-03-2008, 12:13 AM

Brian, The method BJ suggested is the way to go. I would build the jig with all 3 openings so the spacing stays perfect. Measure a line off the ground on the center post for where the top of the jig will be mounted. Use a level and a chaulk line to transfer the location to the other posts. This shouold give you a perfectly balanced fence.

OhBrian · 07-03-2008, 11:01 AM

Another excellent idea Mike. What kind of bit would be best suited for this? I see my problem now will be cutting a smoot opeining in the first piece for the template/jig.

**bobj3** · 07-03-2008, 11:15 AM

Hi OhBrian

Just a butt in post,,

Forstner Bit or hole saw will get the job done for the template hole..
See the guide chart to select the right size hole..
A compass works well for the job..I would suggest a 3/4' GUIDE with a 1/2" bit.

For the bit I would use a

SOLID MICRO-GRAIN CARBIDE Bit for fast, smooth cuts and an edge that stays sharp longer.
Spiral Bits produce a very clean and accurate cut with minimal chatter.
With a vac. pickup on the router base to pull the chips out and away from the hole.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...ter_set_anchor

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AxlMyk · 07-03-2008, 11:29 AM

You could use the forstner bit to get most of the wood cut out, then clean it up with the router. That would save the router bit from doing all the work.

07-02-2008, 02:00 PM	#1
OhBrian Registered User New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 View OhBrian's Gallery	Report This Post! How can I route a fence post? I need to route holes in a fence post to accept the rails of some vinyl fencing. The posts are 4x4, and the holes will be 2x3 to accept the vinyl rails. The holes don't need to go all the way through but need to be deep enough to hold the rails. There are 3 rails for each post so I'll be making quite a few holes (11 posts). What type of bit and how could I make some kind of template/jig for this? I have a craftsmen plunge router and a porter cable fixed base.
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07-02-2008, 04:40 PM	#3
OhBrian Registered User New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 View OhBrian's Gallery	Report This Post! Never would have thought of doing that. Thanks a bunch!
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07-03-2008, 12:13 AM	#5
Mike Senior Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 3,378 View Mike's Gallery	Report This Post! Brian, The method BJ suggested is the way to go. I would build the jig with all 3 openings so the spacing stays perfect. Measure a line off the ground on the center post for where the top of the jig will be mounted. Use a level and a chaulk line to transfer the location to the other posts. This shouold give you a perfectly balanced fence. __________________ Mike Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.
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07-03-2008, 11:01 AM	#6
OhBrian Registered User New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 View OhBrian's Gallery	Report This Post! Another excellent idea Mike. What kind of bit would be best suited for this? I see my problem now will be cutting a smoot opeining in the first piece for the template/jig.
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07-03-2008, 11:15 AM	#7
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,282 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi OhBrian Just a butt in post,, Forstner Bit or hole saw will get the job done for the template hole.. See the guide chart to select the right size hole.. A compass works well for the job..I would suggest a 3/4' GUIDE with a 1/2" bit. For the bit I would use a SOLID MICRO-GRAIN CARBIDE Bit for fast, smooth cuts and an edge that stays sharp longer. Spiral Bits produce a very clean and accurate cut with minimal chatter. With a vac. pickup on the router base to pull the chips out and away from the hole. http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...ter_set_anchor ========== __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J.
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07-03-2008, 11:29 AM	#8
AxlMyk Registered User Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hartland, Mi. USA First Name: Mike Posts: 1,018 View AxlMyk's Gallery	Report This Post! You could use the forstner bit to get most of the wood cut out, then clean it up with the router. That would save the router bit from doing all the work. __________________ Mike - Retired FoMoCo Tradesman My Gallery @ http://www.routerforums.com/axlmyks-stuff/
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