Using a Router

[Rick Albright]

Would it be a good idea to use an EDGE FINDER, so you can make a correct measurement when routing grooves? I'm a former machinist and to find edges when drilling holes and making slots in metal. Any other suggestions will be appreciated. Thank-You

[Adam Herman]

which measurement? offset from the edge of the stock?

I am not sure how you would use this, as the router will be removed from the work to change the bit, unlike a mill where you can travel the z, change the bit and be in the same spot, and you can not measure by travel. a combination square is my go to for setting up a groove.

what would be your process?

[Rick Albright]

The length. It will be either a 1 x 4 or 2 x 4, x 36" long. I guess no matter which one you use the outcome will be the same. I need a 3" space between the slots/grooves.

[Rick Albright]

I would use router with a table. I think you would be able to cut the grooves better than free hand. Once set-up, I would possibly use the correct size bit, which would 3/4" diameter and the groove would be 3/4" in depth.

[Chris Padilla]

http://www.rockler.com/router-fluting-jig

I used this jig to cut flutes and it would work just fine to route grooves/dadoes.

Just be sure to cut in the correct direction when routing. You want the bit to cut into the wood and pull it towards the wood. Going the other way will tend to kick the router away from the wood and ruin your nice straight line. DAMHIKT

[Rick Albright]

DAMHIKT, Thank-You for the advice and the info on what to use when fluting/grooving.

[Frankie Hunt]

DAMHIKT, Thank-You for the advice and the info on what to use when fluting/grooving.

DAMHIKT = Don't Ask Me How I Know This

[pat warner]

There is almost no way to predict the accurate location of a router bit.
Collars are rough, edge guides & base plates: same thing. Bearing are close but
cutter diameters are never what they say they are.
Calibrate, that is, cut and measure on scrap for every change.

[Bob Michaels]

How much tolerance do you have for the 3" spacing between grooves? Remember, this is wood so the exactness you have today may change a bit by tomorrow. Also, please do not try to make those 3/4" x 3/4" grooves in one pass, as that would be worrisome. Hope this helps a little.

[Dave Macy]

I've used a wiggler already but there's a big difference in say running a mill on steel versus a router on wood. Steel doesn't expand and contract like wood does. So I usually measure to the edge of the bit. Maybe that's not the right way, but it feels right to me and works for me.