WoodyRon

I'm building an oak buffet with two doors. I don't have a router bit set for raised panels so I thought that "maybe' I could route a design in an oak board, cut it to size, rabbet the back, and round over the edges to use as a door. Any thoughts on this process and any thoughts of what type of bit to use? Basically I just want a simple line design following the profile of the door. Thanks!

Advertising

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Router Forums

Drugstore Cowboy

Ive done that several times.
In fact one of my first major projects was a set of wall units w/desks.
I did exactly what you described - except I was using pine at the customers request.
That was about 20 years ago -- and they never complained ---

As for process --
I was working out of my father-in-law's garage so I had to keep it pretty simple and work with what was ready at hand --

Basicly I fastened the board down with brads
then sketched out where I wanted the groove
then set my rounter down at various points with the tip of my v-groove bit on the line
tacked down edge guides on each side touching my router base (this gave me correct position without a lot of measuring)
set the depth for my groove
and followed my guides.

yes -- I COULD have made a template and used a bushing
But - I didnt have a bushing - and I did have scrap wood for a frame.

The only DOWN side I can see to doing doors this way is:
-- your grain crosses over your grooves - and there is end grain showing at the top of the doors- so anyone with with a good eye and a picky nature will see immediately they are not 'true' rail and stile doors
Fortunately - the times I have done it -- this was not an issue to the customer.
If it's not for you either -- my .02 is what you are suggesting should work fine.

challagan

Cove or corebox bit would work well here Ron. As well as any bit designed to plunge and make a profile.

corey

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

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