When working with timber pieces that are too large to go through a jointer, density planer or other flat-cutting little bits, router squashing bits provide an efficient and affordable solution. Used along with a jig and also a portable router, these squashing little bits create a completely level surface area that will certainly call for marginal sanding.
These large, strong carbide surfacing bits can be made use of for numerous different jobs, consisting of preparing the spoil board on CNC routers (additionally called a waste board or spoiler board) as well as flattening big pieces of timber. These bits likewise work well for end-grain cutting boards as well as crotch wood that can not be easily run with a routine planer or jointer. Each little bit features a hardened steel body with precision-ground, razor sharp inserts that produce a tidy cut. A non-stick eco-friendly layer assists to avoid resin from staying with the little bit and also blocking it. The carbide pointers have a tungsten core to guarantee that they stay tough under high temperatures and stand up to wear.
A fundamental flattening jig can be made from affordable MDF and also simple hand aircrafts, however it can be tough to get a flawlessly level surface. A large router baseplate maintains the router on track in the jig, as well as a router collet expansion assists to cover the range in between the rails. A long MDF strip and also obstructs for shims aid to level the jig and also raise it to the elevation of the router’s little bit.
bowl and tray router bit
An additional choice is to use a router squashing sled, which has actually been made for just this function. This jig consists of two light weight aluminum extrusions that develop an upside down V form and also slide on UHMW polyethylene joggers. All-time low of the V has a hole that fits the router, as well as the bridge relaxes on top of the sled box. The ends of the bridge overlap the sled box sides to hold the bridge ready with each router pass.
This sled is modular, and you can include blocks to the jig for raising or lowering it as needed. A set of spring clamps assists to keep the bridge in position throughout each pass. This flattening sled works well on a wide array of work surfaces, from figured maple to rough walnut and every little thing in between. It’s especially efficient when the workpiece is turned or bowed, which can be extremely tough to flatten with hand airplanes. The resulting level surface area calls for little sanding, and also it will look terrific after it’s completed.