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If you’ve ever wondered how to round over edges with a router, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can learn about the Roundover, Double roundover, Plunging roundover, and Double bullnose bits, and how to use them in a variety of projects. By the end of this article, you’ll know what you need to do to create the perfect edge on your woodworking projects.
Roundover bit
If you’d like to round over edges with a router, first determine the desired cutting depth. Round over bits typically come in a size range. A quarter-inch cutter, for example, will cut a quarter-inch radius. To adjust the depth of your round over bit, first align the concave cutting edge with the router base and table. If you’re unsure, use a flat block of wood to check your alignment.
Roundover bits are also known as quarter rounds. They’re useful for smoothing edges on tables, drawers, cabinetry, and chair arms. Roundover bits also come with a ball-bearing pilot, which helps you control their depth. Select a roundover bit according to the radius you want to work on. There are many sizes to choose from, but the most common ones are a quarter-inch and three-eighth-inch.
You can test your cut by performing a test cut on scrap wood to determine the desired radius. If it’s too large, you will get a fillet instead of a smooth radius. You can adjust the base or make a second pass. You can also check the blade mounting by attempting a test cut on a scrap piece of wood. Alternatively, you can use a 2D profile toolpath to create a roundover.
To avoid any injuries, always wear safety goggles and a dust mask while using a router. Modern router bits often feature carbide cutters and guide bearings. This ensures that your router bits will last longer and make cleaner cuts with less effort. Make sure to clean your router bit and blade frequently to avoid chipping or deteriorating. Remember to store the manufacturer’s manual with your router when it’s not in use.
Double roundover bit
To round over an edge with a router, you first need to find a suitable bit. A double roundover bit, also known as a point roundover bit, has two facets: a flat face and a concave face. You can find the double roundover bit in the Tool Database or on a router manufacturer’s website. The depth of cut depends on the radius of the bit. To achieve the desired roundover effect, adjust the bit’s depth. A simple rule of thumb is to set the bit’s depth to the center of the roller bearing or the edge of the work piece. The result will be a slight flat on the edge of the workpiece with two abrupt roundovers on the face edge.
For precision work, double roundover router bits can be used. You can choose from a variety of configurations, from a single 1/8″ radius on both sides of the workpiece to a fully rounded bullnose edge on a one-inch thick part. Whether you’re working on a single, thick part, or a larger project, you’ll find a double roundover bit that fits your needs.
Another double roundover bit is called a chamfer bit. Its flutes cut rounded grooves at right angles to the bit’s axis. This tool is useful for fluting narrow edges. Its depth and position are controlled by the pilot bearing and bit hciglu settings. Some flute bits have more flutes than others, while a multiflute bit cuts multiple flutes in one pass.
Plunging roundover bit
One of the easiest ways to increase the performance of your router is by using a plunge roundover bit. These bits are very popular and are great for achieving a smooth transition between square and roundover shapes. The Whiteside brand is highly regarded and was selected by several woodworking magazines as one of the best router bits available. They are available in a range of sizes and shapes, and can be used on both circular and squared-off routers.
This type of router bit is designed for special jobs. The plunge point roundover bit has a flat bottom and quarter-round side walls. It can be used in conjunction with an edge trim roundover bit to create decorative mouldings. The bit features a shank-mounted bearing and locking collar to guide template and pattern routing. The cutting tips are made of American industrial grade micro-grain tungsten carbide for maximum performance and durability.
The Plunge Roundover bit is an ideal tool for furniture makers. It cuts the edge flush and creates an aesthetically pleasing roundover profile without bearings. Its plunge-shaped blade can plunge into the center of the panel and create a roundover groove on both sides. The plunge roundover bit is also compatible with the router table’s fence, allowing you to achieve a clean edge profile and a decorative step at the same time.
When selecting a plunge roundover router bit, you must match the diameter of the bearing to the bit’s large diameter. You can buy a plunge roundover bit for your router at your local hardware store or online. These bits will give you a stepped effect and are ideal for large work pieces and doors. A plunge roundover router bit can be modified to create templates for raised panel effects, and a recessed look.
Double bullnose bit
The bullnose router bit is a versatile tool that allows you to create rounded, unique mouldings. Unlike standard roundover bits, this router bit does not leave a flat area in the middle of the stock. You can complete the profile in one pass. Before you begin, be sure to use the right tools and follow a few safety precautions. Once you’ve made the right tools and selected the right bullnose bit for your needs, you can start working with rounded edges.
When choosing a double bullnose bit for rounding over edges, you need to consider the size of the piece you want to round over. For instance, a bullnose bit can be made to have a 1/8-inch radius on each edge. Or, you can buy a bit with a fully rounded bullnose edge and cut the parts to a 1-1/2-inch thickness. This is a useful bit for rounded edges because it can create dowels in various sizes and styles.
To round over edges with a router, you first need to determine the size of the edge. For a narrow piece of wood, you may need to use a fence. Then, set the depth of the bit according to the center of the roller bearing and the center line of the workpiece. Using the wrong depth of bit will result in a flat edge and two sharp roundovers on the face edge.
If you’re an expert woodworker, it’s essential to own a set of router bits. These will give you the precision cutting needed for various woodworking tasks, such as edging and trim. Routing bits can also come in handy for cabinetry, molding, and more. Some router bits have dozens of different sizes, so you’ll want to have a variety on hand. You can even buy smaller sets of three or four router bits to help you with your projects.
Onion skinning bit
The first thing you need to do when you’re rounding over onion skinning edges with a routing bit is to cut the edges slightly deeper than the thickness of the material. Use an endmill toolpath to round over the outer edges, while a profile toolpath will take care of cutting the inside shape. The problem with using an endmill toolpath is that it will leave chatter marks on your lettering.
