Mike

A friend showed me a combination rail and stile bit, (one that makes both cuts) with the complaint that it didnt cut the joint properly. On inspecting the test joint I noticed that the full depth of cut was not used. With this type of joint it is important to be sure the cutter and fence are properly adjusted. For the joint to be strong you must make use of the full depth of cut since this is what adds stability to the joint.

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Mike

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challagan

Hi Mike, how was he able to not use the full depth of cut on that? I have one of those for 3/4 stock. I take it he was using a fence with it so he was cutting up the bearings?

Corey

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Mike

This particular bit does not have bearings, it depends on the fence to be set for the proper depth of cut. On the test pieces there was almost 1/8" depth of cut not used. I discovered this by placing the bit into the profile. That extra 1/8" makes the joint stable instead of just fitting together.

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Mike

bobj3

Hi Mike

I think it's the same type that Bob and Rick like to use and used on the show a time or two to make Stile & Rails doors.

http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=RBIT-RB50-

Bj

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Bj

Mike

BJ, As a matter of fact that is exactly the bit being discussed. BrianS brought it over to show me last Saturday, a friend of his had purchased it and complained it did not cut correctly. He sent it back and they tested it and declared it worked fine. Since then the guy bought a Freud set and is using it. I suggested that Brian should make him an offer for the bit. Brian is limited to a 1/4" collet for now so I guess that bit is in limbo.

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Mike

del schisler

I have the same bit It work's fine for me It has to be set up correct to work I like the combo That way No bit change Just saves some time

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del schisler

bobj3

Hi Mike
That's what I thought, I have one also but they can be a bit tricky to setup and use, I think Bob and Rick like it because they don't need to remove the fence and replace the bit with a new one and then set it up again with the new bit, you/they can just move the bit up or down and make the new parts.

This is a nice bit to have in the bit tool box but a pattern set is almost a must ,the one I have came from Grizzly and it comes with a bearing to help set it up and it works well but only in the 1/2" shank size.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/c1689

Bj

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Bj

challagan

I have one that I got from Eagle America. Have had it for awhile now and only used it to make the doors on the cabinet shown below. It is also a one piece but if I remember right
it has a bearing in the center as well. It worked fairly well. I made this piece almost 20 years ago and was the first piece of furniture I did. Still in the living room and holding up. As you can see, I made the classic mistake when I made the doors in not not compensating for the inset of the rail and stile so the doors ended up a little short, hence the filler strip on each side They also have shrunk a little bit over time.. never used to be a gap back then in the center. Momma was happy though! I think I used this piece as an excuse to buy about 5 new tools

Corey

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My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver
http://iowacarver.tripod.com/

My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503
http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/

Mike

Right you are BJ. I have a set from Whiteside. The reason I posted this thread was to make the point of using the full depth of cut. Proper bit set up is important for all applications and critical on some.

Corey, I like the 5 tool excuse idea. I have found through experience that no matter what the excuse, a new tool = a new pair of shoes, which reminds me, I have to go build my wife a new larger shoe rack.

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Mike

Woodnut65

Hi: here's my two cents worth. There are a number of bits on the market that will cut the stile and rail with the same bit. However, some of them don't reference the cut from the face side of the material. That is the face should be down on the table with both stile and rail cuts. that way if there is a minor difference in material thickness it will be on the back of the door and more easily sanded down without showing. I use both the single cutter, and the sets with separate cutters for the style and rail.
No matter which you use they will not fit together unless they are cut to the full depth. Shaper cutters work the exact same way. Woodnut65