Using round-over bits

13432 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Dorisz11, Aug 31, 2010

Steve740

Discussion Starter · Aug 26, 2010

Hi folks--

Have a question for the site. I'm building a deck, and wish to use a round-over bit to trim the outer edge of the fascia board for the edge of the deck. I've purchased a set of Skil roundover bits (1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 inch, with axial bearings). I'm going to wind up with approx. 100 ft of fascia, and would like the final edge to be the 1/2" round.

I was taught that routing is done a bit at a time--I do a lot of dovetail work and Japanese notch construction--but I've never used a roundover bit.

My tendency is--as I'll be using a hand router--to use the 1/4" bit, then the 3/8" bit, and finish with the 1/2" bit.

Thus, the question: Is this the way to approach the problem? Would multiple passes introduce inconsistency in the work, or would it be better to just use a single bit (the 1/2") slowly and carefully? (This is treated lumber.) Either way, I'm going to look like a cinnamon donut when I'm finished.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Steve

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Steve740

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 26, 2010

Re: round-over bits

bobj3 said:
Hi Steve

I would suggest one bit and make a pass or two,the treated lumber likes to split out easy so I would suggest using the pocket type way, that's to say go into the stock every 6" or so to stop the splits, than go over the pocket to clean it up..on the 1st pass , the 2nd pass will give you a nice clean job..I will say don't go to slow or you will get burn marks...let the bit do it's job like it was made to do...

=======

Bob--

Bingo--great idea about the pockets. I was concerned about the splitting. Starting high and dropping the same bit--the normal approach to routing--didn't occur to me with three brand new bits.

Thank you, sir!

Steve

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Steve740

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 26, 2010

John--Bit Cleaner?

jschaben said:
HI Steve - Welcome to the forum
Looks like the guys have you fixed up. Just one tip, especially with treated lumber, have some bit cleaner on hand for when you are finished. Your bits will love you for it

John-- what type of bit cleaner? I've never used a two part--three, if you include the axial bearing and the allen (hex) nut--router bit before. Are we thinking a nice WD-40 bath (and not a shower?). I have no idea about the care of multiple part bits!

Thanks--Steve

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Steve740

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 30, 2010

Hi guys--

Using all of your suggestions, the roundover bit on the treated lumber worked very well.

I did make multiple passes with the same bit, and saw no splitting of the treated lumber.

As the bit-set I purchased came with an allen wrench, I removed the axial bearing, cleaned it out, and just cleaned everything with a WD-40 soaked rag. All dried, re-assembled, and ready to rout another day!

Thanks all so much!

Steve

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