Basic router question

[lshah72414]

I am very inexperienced. I am trying to use a round over bit on (festool 1400 router) edges of oak (30" long x 4" wide x 1/2 " thick).  I have an mft/3 table with clamps. I was trying to practice on scraps before I did actual cuts. I cannot hold piece due to thinness(width) of material. Also, even if I could hold I can't use chip catcher underneath router because it is so thin. If I had a table saw with router bit and fence I can see how to do it. But with what I have, I can't figure it out. Do I have to make a template of sorts?  Any suggestions or should I start looking for someone with a table saw? Thank you

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

  I am assuming the round over bit is the type with a bearing to run along the edge of the wood?

    You should be able to clamp the piece along the edge of the MFT with a little overhanging / protruding beyond the edge of the table. Maybe not with Festool clamps depending on the distance to hole locations , but with some type of bar clamp or quick clamp.

    Put one clamp near the middle of the piece and a second at the opposite end from the end you are routing from. Route half way until you reach the middle clamp, ease the router out and turn off. Move the far  clamp to the beginning of the cut where you have already routed, and shift the middle clamp enough to allow room to ease the router into the middle and continue.

    Be sure the clamps are tight AND clamped fully over the table surface, NOT  partly over the metal table side in such a way that the piece could tip down while routing.

    You should be able to use the dust cup as well.

Seth

 

[lshah72414]

Sir,

When you say shift the middle clamp, I assume you are meaning behind the router?, because the problem I am having is the base of the router is wider than the material itself. Thank you for your help.

 

[lshah72414]

Just did what you said and it worked perfectly.

Thank you again

 

[rst]

Double sided tape can be your friend in those circumstances.  Tape to a larger piece that can be clamped.

 

[semenza]

Just did what you said and it worked perfectly.

Thank you again

Great, glad it worked out!

Basically do part of it, move the clamps to the part you just did, do the rest.

Seth

 

[Holmz]

... Do I have to make a template of sorts?  ...

If you were doing a lot of the same sized parts, then something that was also 1/2"thick for the router to bridge across would alleviate/ameliorate issues with the router rocking.
So the "router rest" could be screwed to a piece of MDF 'IF' the roller follower did not foul it. Or extra pieces of MDF could be placed under both the 30x4" and "the router rest".

Obviously a router table would be a another good/ideal solution.

 

[sancho57]

I am very inexperienced. I am trying to use a round over bit on (festool 1400 router) edges of oak (30" long x 4" wide x 1/2 " thick).  I have an mft/3 table with clamps. I was trying to practice on scraps before I did actual cuts. I cannot hold piece due to thinness(width) of material. Also, even if I could hold I can't use chip catcher underneath router because it is so thin. If I had a table saw with router bit and fence I can see how to do it. But with what I have, I can't figure it out. Do I have to make a template of sorts?  Any suggestions or should I start looking for someone with a table saw? Thank you

Though Im a little late but look at one of these
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/bench-mate-non-slip-pad

 

[Peter_C]

I am really late, but maybe you didn't know about this accessory for your router. It also requires the fine adjuster accessory, but it is designed for edging material.
https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/other-accessories/edging-plate-486058

 

[mwildt]

Though Im a little late but look at one of these
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/bench-mate-non-slip-pad

A basic carpet underlay for an area rug works similar. Most home stores have them in different sizes.

 

[johnbro]

Just set your workpiece on top of a piece of scrap; place both on the MFT and clamp down. The scrap will hold the work up high enough that you can run the router without hitting the table top. If the clamps interfere with the router just move the clamps and do the roundover in stages. Bob's your uncle.

 

[grbmds]

I always found that the simpler the better. Peter's suggestion was maybe the best because it was straightforward. Is it inconvenient to have to move the clamps several times? Sure it is, but it works and takes no time to set up. Starting out, it's easy to get frustrated and simple is less frustrating.