bevel the table top edge

[CNX]

Hi all,

I have a 42 x 38 table top and I want to put a beveled edge. I guess I can use a hand plane but I'm wondering if I can use a raised panel bit and a hand-held router. For a small table top, I use my bandsaw to cut a bevel but this one is too large for that. I assume that OF2200 can accommodate a large bit (3.5 inch), but swinging such a bit by hand sounds scary to me. Have any of you done it before? Or you wouldn't recommend it? I want to put a gentle curve on the edges of the table top. So, hand plane could be challenging, if not impossible. If I use my hand plane, maybe I'd better keep the straight edge. Either way, maybe I want to use my Carvex to remove some wastes first, although I may need to buy an angled base to put a bevel angle with it.

Anyway, I would appreciate your thought about it.

Thanks,

 

[rizzoa13]

If it's just a straight run a chamfer bit in the of2200 running along a track would give you the best results because it wouldn't follow any imperfections or wavyness in the edge. If that's not feasible you'd do fine with a bearing guided chamfer bit.

The of2200 is so powerful it'll produce a very fine cut especially if you take it off in multiple passes and do a final finish cut.

That being said, the ts 55 or 75 would probably be my go to for a simple chamfer cut. You can't beat the accuracy and ease.

 

[ear3]

Don't have the 2200 -- my heavy-duty router is a Triton, which I keep more or less permanently mounted in my router table -- hand-held stuff I do with 1010 and 1400.  But in terms of safety, I would never personally work with a panel bit of that size by hand, and would try to find an alternate means of doing it.

 

[Sparktrician]

I used a D3-3/8", 15° bit to undercut a tabletop, but did it using my CMS.  Much safer and easier to handle.  No regrets here at all. 

 

[CNX]

Thank you all.
I would also use a router table for a raised panel bit, but for a big table top, at some point, a router table can't be a choice I guess?

 

[tbellemare]

Brice demonstrated using a panel raising bit handheld in the OF 2200 in this thread.

Tom

 

[CNX]

Oh wow.
If we can do that, it would be a big advantage for beveling things too large for a router table.
Not sure if the power and heft of OF2200 make it possible. Festool site does mention "up to 3 3/8 bits" while it doesn't offer a router table option for OF2200. So, I assume Festool officially endorses a hand-held operation of a bit up to 3 3/8....

 

[Birdhunter]

Surely, you would not be considering taking a full cut handheld with a bit that big!

Sounds like a good chance for a mayor kickback.

When I use a panel bit, I "nibble" at the cut. If I can use the router table, I do. It's safer. If I can't do the cut on a router table, I find a way to do the cut in several passes.

Do like the 2200 for its smooth power and great features.

 

[Sparktrician]

Brice demonstrated using a panel raising bit handheld in the OF 2200 in this thread.

Tom

Notice, too, that Brice uses the table widener base for the OF 2200, essential for doing what he shows in the video.  Despite the weight, bulk and power of the OF 2200, it's really very easy to use in that sort of circumstance.