Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Routing End Grain?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    east coast of florida
    Posts
    1,482

    Routing End Grain?

    I am going to rout end grain on panels for some drawers. If the bit is guided by a bearing do any of you think it will make a smoother cut if it is sanded first. I would have to use an orbital sander as I don't have an edge sander.

  2. #2
    If the edge is rough from saw teeth or jointed with hills and valleys it will rout better if sanded first.
    Notwithstanding, a bearing applies such high unit forces it will bounce along the edge, smooth or not. (More so if not sanded).
    If the work is guided off a fence, expect better results.

    Routers

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Encinitas, CA
    Posts
    671
    Quote Originally Posted by keith ouellette View Post
    I am going to rout end grain on panels for some drawers. If the bit is guided by a bearing do any of you think it will make a smoother cut if it is sanded first. I would have to use an orbital sander as I don't have an edge sander.
    You could attach some sandpaper to a flat surface, like a work table. That could allow you to smooth the edges of teh board before routing.
    i don't think your routed edge will get any smoother after routing than it was before.
    Maybe if you use the fence instead of the bearing 9if you don't need the whole profile) you could average out all of the little bumps... never tried it.
    Gary

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Phoenix, AZ
    Posts
    1,417
    Keith, you said "panels for doors"--if these are frame and panels, the profile is usually pretty deep on panels, and I would use a fence.

    If they are just end caps, or light profile, remember that the bearing follows the contour of the edge... if the edge isn't flat, neither will the profile be, and it will usually stand out much more in it's deviations due to the scalloped nature of profile vs. edge. I would again use a fence.

    If your bumps/roughness is just light, I'd sand it. And light passes on end grain is always key so you don't get chipout.
    Thread on "How do I pickup/move XXX Saw?" http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=597898

    Compilation of "Which Band Saw to buy?" threads http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...028#post692028

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    east coast of florida
    Posts
    1,482
    I have found going backwards on the end grain for the width of the bit helps a lot if you can keep the work piece from running away from you. Not sure if its worth the risk.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    McKean, PA
    Posts
    15,591
    Blog Entries
    1
    I would suggest that even though you plan on using a piloted cutter that you use a fence and make light cuts. End grain can tear out more readily if the cut is removing lots of material. Remove 80-90% then remove the last 10%. Climb cutting (feeding backwards) can also produce a smoother cut but has the drawback that the piece will want to self feed into the cutter. Not a good thing to have happen taking large cuts with large bits.
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
    Go Navy!

    My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. If you found something of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor! Please Contribute

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Lilburn, GA
    Posts
    413
    On end grain, I generally "climb cut" the very end of the cut first, then cut across the board in the normal direction. An alternative that works is to use a backing board, but be sure it's held snugly up to the workpiece.
    And of course don't take too deep of a cut.
    I've done this using both hand-held routers and a router table, whichever was most convenient (but safe) way for a given job. I don't really like to cut the end grain of a long board on a router table.

Similar Threads

  1. end grain to long grain glue joint
    By jud dinsmore in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 09-19-2007, 7:25 PM
  2. Cutting board wood grain cutting surface question............
    By Mark Rios in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-09-2007, 1:33 AM
  3. Face Grain/ Edge Grain
    By Walt Pater in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-20-2005, 7:13 AM
  4. Face Grain vs. Cross Grain
    By Mark Rios in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-23-2004, 11:34 PM
  5. Edge Banding End Grain?
    By George Summers in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-08-2004, 1:40 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •