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Simple routing question

woodworker417's picture

Simple routing question (post #169687)

woodworker417 on Mon, 01/30/2012 - 15:58
in

 I have a rectangular cutting board that I would like to route a juice groove in, which I wwant to be rectangular as well but with very tight radius corners.... I have the appropriate bit, but I'm not sure how to do this.   I could make a rectangular template that I would clamp on to the board (or double stick tape it) that would sit on the inside edge of the juice groove all the way around, and then follow that around with th bit baring flush against the template.  But what if I slip -- a good chance around the tight corners -- that ruins the board.... There must be a better way to do this, but I can't seem to figure it out.... Any help would be appreciated.m thanks.

-A +A
RalphBarker's picture

Groovy vs. wavey-gravy (post #169687, reply #1 of 2)

by RalphBarker in reply to woodworker417 [original] on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 10:34

Consider using a guide bushing in the router base, along with a template that has both exterior and interior sections - essentially guiding both sides of the guide bushing, keeping the bit on the straight and narrow, so to speak.

The wrinkle here is that the bit needs to center perfectly inside the guide bushing, or you'll get variations as you move the router through the template. The guide bushing inset on many stock router bases can be a bit sloppy, and guide bushings can also be less than precise. I use a "Precision Base" from Pat Warner to solve that problem.

barada83's picture

I think I might use an edge (post #169687, reply #2 of 2)

by barada83 in reply to woodworker417 [original] on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 15:37

I think I might use an edge guide. Not sure if you have one though. The guide bushing is also a good idea if you want to make the template. You might have to make it pretty thick so your bushing is activated before your bit hits the surface (I'm assuming you are using some sort of plungable cove type bit). Whatever you decide I would give it a go on a piece of scrap and figure out what you are comfortable doing.