I get the question a lot lately about cutting dado’s and
grooves for larger projects such as shelves. If you are a
beginner woodworker, you spend a lot of time just trying to
figure out which tool you need to build the project you are
interested in. It’s nice if you have someone there with you to
ask your questions to, but it does not always work that way. If
you go to a website to purchase the tools, you probably will not
be able to speak to someone knowledgeable about how to make a
part or cut a certain type of joint. The one question I get
asked about a lot pertains to router tables. A lot of people
want to use the table to cut the larger grooves to hold the
horizontal shelf portion for a book case. Usually these items
are longer, averaging about 72 inches in length. Most router
tables are only about 30 to 35” long.
The problem you run into is that the project is longer than the
table and you cannot support the work piece. This is a common
problem, so you’re not alone. Unless you work in a cabinet shop,
you are going to have to figure out a way to support your work
piece. You can always go out and by a roller stand for the
support. I recommend setting up some sort of bench stand. Even
boxes that help hold your work piece have worked. The whole idea
is to make something work and then take it apart. Again this is
very common.
Cutting the grooves is left best to two different tools. The
first is the table saw. You really need to have a dado blade set
up in the table saw to do a decent job that will not take you
all day. The table saw allows you to cut the grooves in one or
two passes. Again because the pieces are larger you will have to
fashion some sort of support. The other tool you can use is a
handheld router. You will need an edge guide for this method. An
edge guide is a nice tool that is basically a straight edge with
a clamp built into each end. You can even substitute a straight
piece of wood if you do not have an edge guide. You will want to
install a straight bit into your router and line up the edge of
the cutter with a line you have drawn on your project. Next
clamp down your edge guide so that your routers base plate will
move along the cut line as you have it drawn. It only takes one
complete cut before you will be flying through this type of
joint. The time is spent in the setup and in figuring out how
you want to make the cut. Make sure you only take the stock out
in small bites so as not to bog down the router. This is better
for the tool and for your router bits.
Woodworking articles
Labels: General
by: Router Table Depot
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