Raised Panel Doors for Dummies (tm)
I'm looking for a real simple introduction to raised panel doors in my router table. I'd like to find a good quality boxed bit set for the rails, stiles, and panel, very simple style. Can anyone recommend a bit set that's not too fiddly, or even a book that covers the topic well? I've watched Uncle Nahm a million times and I do grok the basics, but I'd like to find some more background material before diving in.
Given the time it's taken me to get comfortable on my new Leigh D4 dovetail jig, I've been reminded the learning process will probably be slower than I hoped, but it's not like I have any deadlines -- I'm just impatient. I'd like to start making raised panel doors while learning the smallest number of painful and/or expensive lessons that I can!
Then later this spring/summer, I'd like to get a few different raised panel bit sets and experiment, and as I posted in another thread, use the trial doors on a few shop cabinets. Keep the early projects close by so you're reminded of the lessons is my way of thinking...
Thanks for any help or recommendations.
Bill
Vertical vs. horizontal, also back cutters
If you go vertical as Dale is suggesting, they can be less scary and can be run at higher speeds and results in smoother cuts...perhaps.
Chris and Dale,
The way I have my router table planned, I'll have a much larger surface for horizontal work than vertical. My understanding of the vertical bits is they will work well BUT if the panel wiggles at all, you're in trouble (ruined panel). Since I have a 7518 and a big horizontal surface...and a healthy respect for the spinning carbide frisbee...I think I'll try that at the slowest speed first. I may fabricate a bigger vertical fence support and try the vertical bits as well.
Kent, thanks for the MDF suggestion. I'll definitely practice that way, then scrub the bits before trying it on real panels. Plus it's always good to hear from Gator Country :)
Jim, when you mention the Freud 2+2, do you use the bits with integrated back cutters, or make that cut separately? Does anyone have a strong preference for the integrated back cutters, or against them?
Thanks!
Bill