Router shred
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Router shred
This is my first try at dovetail on 1/2 inch baltic birch plywood. The same router bit that did a good job on my hard maple cabs shredded the plywood. Dull bit or poor technique?
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Re: Router shred
I haven't tried doing dovetails on plywood, but I've heard that you should use a backing board, or maybe even try sandwiching the plywood in scrap wood. That should keep the plywood from splintering. I've never bothered with the backing board on pine or oak, but plywood seems especially prone to splintering.
Also, I think if you work "backwards" when cutting the joints (R to L), you don't get as much splintering. I think they call that a "climb cut". You have to work slowly and not let the router get away from you.
Also, I think if you work "backwards" when cutting the joints (R to L), you don't get as much splintering. I think they call that a "climb cut". You have to work slowly and not let the router get away from you.
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Re: Router shred
Backing board is a must.
I also take a rough cut first with straight bit.
Go slow don't push the cutter, let it cut. You can tell by the sound. If the width of the cut allows it, go through the center first, and lightly front and back cut first to cut bottom line before surface breaks off. Do not climb cut, this makes the cutter grab.
John
I also take a rough cut first with straight bit.
Go slow don't push the cutter, let it cut. You can tell by the sound. If the width of the cut allows it, go through the center first, and lightly front and back cut first to cut bottom line before surface breaks off. Do not climb cut, this makes the cutter grab.
John
Last edited by Cantplay on Sun Feb 10, 2013 12:15 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Router shred
Even sandwiched I've had trouble at time. But backboard or sandwich is essential.
Router
Everything said above and this year I got a 3 hp variable speed that seems to help with not burning or leaving the burn marks on nice wood.I have done a few plywood speaker cabs with my older router and a good bit is paramont!!
Keep at it and you will always need some putty on plywood.Tolex hide it,Good Luck,Mikey
Keep at it and you will always need some putty on plywood.Tolex hide it,Good Luck,Mikey
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Re: Router shred
Lot's of good comments above. In addition to a sandwich, a high HP, high speed router will help a great deal. As someone else said, let the router do the work -- use very light pressure and move the router slowly.
I am guessing you will have a better chance at box joints than dovetails because you can rough cut them easily with a saw and then clean them up with the router and jig.
This is normal. There is nothing wrong with your router and it is unlikely your bit is dull if your last cuts on hard wood were good.
I also learned this lesson the hard way. I was building a cab and ended up converting the design to rabbets with angle iron on the inside to keep it together. Otherwise, I was going to have to cut down the size too much to remove the bad stuff.
I am guessing you will have a better chance at box joints than dovetails because you can rough cut them easily with a saw and then clean them up with the router and jig.
This is normal. There is nothing wrong with your router and it is unlikely your bit is dull if your last cuts on hard wood were good.
I also learned this lesson the hard way. I was building a cab and ended up converting the design to rabbets with angle iron on the inside to keep it together. Otherwise, I was going to have to cut down the size too much to remove the bad stuff.