Hi Sandy
To start with
I didn't know they made true raised panel bits in the 1/4" shank size,most are over 2 1/2" in dia. and up.
That's alot of steel setting on top of a 1/4" shank...wow...not me...
Back to what you ask about, the variable speed control is the way to go in your case.
If you put a panel bit in your router (TABLE) and turn it on it will scare the heck out of you ,I'm sure....at 20,000 rpm it's running at 200 miles hour, not to say anything about how loud it will be. (bits will tell you when they are running to fast) ♪ ♫ ♪
A good rule of thumb,2" bits at 1/2 speed and then move down the rpm as the bit gets bigger.
Small bits at full speed,that's to say 1" or or smaller.
It's always best to make two cuts or more,I'm sure the router will have the power to make one cut but that's not the point, you want to turn out a nice clean cut.
When making raised panel doors you are removing a alot of stock from the panel.
The router and the bit will talk to you that's to say they put out a sound that tells you are doing the job right and not over loading the router or the bit.
Here's a link for the control, at a good price, I have 4 of them and I use them on many tools in the shop....
variable speed control
http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=speed+control&Submit=Go
Just a note***when buying bits stick with 1/2" shank when every you can it's true that not all bits can't be had in the 1/2" size but when you can do so.
Bj
