Using round-over bits

13458 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

Save

1 - 3 of 15 Posts

bobj3

· #3 · Aug 26, 2010 (Edited)

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...

I should note ,,,keep you dust mask on all the time, that stuff is nasty stuff, it's treated to keep the bugs away..and you too if you take it in..

=======

Steve740 said:
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

Save

bobj3

· #8 · Aug 26, 2010

Hi Steve

I can't think of a quicker way to wipe out a nice router bit than to clean it the wrong way , the bearings are the sealed type but most cleaners (like WD40) will get in the bearing and break down the lube inside of it. you just want to clean the cutters and wipe the dust off the bearing, pick up some bit cleaner it's cheap and worth the money to do it right..a little spray and the pitch will wipe right off..and make it like new again..

======

Steve740 said:
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

Save

bobj3

· #12 · Aug 29, 2010

Hi James

Next time you have one that's a bit sluggish, take a hard look at the seal on the bearing that's the part that is dragging the bearing down, the lube will free the seal a little or to say lube the seal but not the bearing inside ...if you have a old bearing cut it into two parts and you will see what I mean

the pitch on the seal is the error with most bearings, if you spin the bearing and you fell the bearing has flat spots on the bearings it's time to replace it

========

jlord said:
While the bearings on the router bits are the sealed type, it just means they have a dust shield that just keeps out most of the dirt. Dirt still finds a way to get past this & they can be lubricated. They sell a bearing lube just for this purpose. Here's a few links to some products I found on the Google for lubricating these types of bearings found on router bits. I have used some of these to get a bearing that feels a little sluggish to spin freely again.

Lubes
Bearing Lubricant - Rockler Woodworking Tools

MLCS Woodworking Accesories

Router Accessories

Save

1 - 3 of 15 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month