bit widths

[pqkenai]

What is the widest straight bit I can rout with, going to a depth of about 1/4"? I want to create a border round a sign and later hand-rout the material between the border & the letters. I want to rout the border, & also the letters [using outline], and the wider the bit I can use, the less chance I have of straying while hand-routing.

[DickB]

I'd say you could use a 1/2" bit, but set the max pass depth to .125 perhaps. Depends on the wood I suppose. Keep in mind I have not done this, but have used a 1/4" bit.

[RMarkey]

The 3/8" jointing is the widest we sell, so if you pick up a wider bit, make sure it resembles the style of the 3/8" jointing, and use that bit selection on your project.

Adjust pass depths as you desire.

Closed figures (ones where the start and end are the same point) will cause the bit to slowly ramp into the wood while moving, while non-closed figures will cause the bit to dive into the wood.

[DickB]

Not at my computer now, but isn't there a 1/2" bit choice in Designer?

[fwharris]

Not at my computer now, but isn't there a 1/2" bit choice in Designer?

yes the 1/2" bit is in the selection box.