Cutting grooves in frames without CMS

[avanderhoorn]

Hi all

I'm planning on making a rather large festool order - Currently planning on getting Track Saw, Router, Kapex, Domino, Sander, Jigsaw, Extractor, MFT, plus associated accessories (clamps, etc).

I think with this setup, I'll be able to do almost everything I want to do. The only thing I'm trying to figure out what I can do is cutting grooves in frames without using CMS - something similar to this  http://www.toolstoday.com/images/shaperhardwood.jpg but on less wide pieces, think door frames in a cabinet to slide a panel in. 

With the above purchase, I'm finding it difficult to stretch the budget to cover the CMS with Router and Saw modules. Additionally, it looks like they don't sell the Saw module in the US yet?

So trying to think how I can do these cuts. My current thinking is using clamps and the router. But could work but would require multiple passes. This isn't the end of the earth, but thought other might have better ideas.

 

[AlexThePalex]

There are slot cutting bits in all kinds of sizes for routers.

[attachimg=1]

 

[tbellemare]

I've made dados like that before with the work piece clamped to the edge of the MFT while using a router/straight bit on a guide rail on top of the MFT. It's really not a difficult set up and you have a certain amount of movement using the fine adjuster if the dado is a little wider than the bit.

Tom

EDIT:
I just realized I was doing it the hard way... Just clamp the work piece to the edge of the MFT and use the edge guide to locate the bit.

 

[avanderhoorn]

Thanks for the tips guys!

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Anthony

I believe that Alex is thinking along the same lines as me.

Peter

 

[dibnah]

Hi

I was in a similar position and ended up getting the Festool Routing aid: OF-FH-Plus

Its suitable for the  OF 1010, OF 1400, OF 2200 and is used as a guiding aid for routing narrow workpieces

Best of luck Dibnah

 

[Birdhunter]

In reading your shopping list, I found it handy to dedicate a vac to the Kapex using the wider hose and using a second vac with the narrow hose for the other tools.

I believe you will really need a router table. Unless you need to be mobile with the router table, there are some great table kits out there. I bought a Kreg table kit and found it very satisfactory. There is a lot to be said for a big stable table with a great fence. I dropped a Porter Cable motor into the router lift.

I think your groove cutting would be much safer on a router table and more accurate.

 

[FOGNewbie]

Hi all

I'm planning on making a rather large festool order - Currently planning on getting Track Saw, Router, Kapex, Domino, Sander, Jigsaw, Extractor, MFT, plus associated accessories (clamps, etc).

I think with this setup, I'll be able to do almost everything I want to do. The only thing I'm trying to figure out what I can do is cutting grooves in frames without using CMS - something similar to this  http://www.toolstoday.com/images/shaperhardwood.jpg but on less wide pieces, think door frames in a cabinet to slide a panel in. 

With the above purchase, I'm finding it difficult to stretch the budget to cover the CMS with Router and Saw modules. Additionally, it looks like they don't sell the Saw module in the US yet?

So trying to think how I can do these cuts. My current thinking is using clamps and the router. But could work but would require multiple passes. This isn't the end of the earth, but thought other might have better ideas.

What type of router do you have? I have the OF 1400: I've used two of these:

http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/edge-guides-stops-and-circles/edge-guide-492636 I can't take credit for the Idea, the Festool USA site had an article about using two edge guides. It is much cheaper than the plexglas template routing aid(495246).

Here is an article using the plexglas guide for large mortises. I don't see why you couldn't do something like this with the edge guide or the plexiglas guide.

Creating large mortises with the Festool OF 1400 Router

Pages 14 and 15(?) of the supplemental router manual might also be helpful.

OF 1400 Supplemental Manual

 

[avanderhoorn]

Thanks for the idea! I've seen it demoed somewhere else as well and think its a great idea (when you know you sides are parallel).  I have the 1400.

 

[Stephen B]

[attachimg=1]

[size=14pt]Just used a tracksaw to cut groove for 3mm backing board.
Moved rail once.

 

[bkharman]

OF 1400 + slot cutter with bearing or edge guide.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I  still like to use a base  with a pair of dowels to center the router bit on the edge of the material. Easy and simple to make.

 

[jacko9]

Table saw with a dado set (or without and just move your fence one blade width).

 

[sancho57]

I second the slot cutter....

 

[fshanno]

A router table is the way to go.  For door making and so much more. 

The CMS isn't the only fish in the ocean you know.  I can't see doing without the valuable functionality of a router table simply because of brand loyalty.  You can set up a nice router table for 1/3 the price of a CMS + OF1400.

 

[jacko9]

I all actuality you can spend a lot less like I did.  I took a 3' x 3' piece of 1" MDF and routed out a section and attached my old 3 1/2 hp fixed base Bosch to it.  I pull this out and place it on saw horses any time I need to run grooves or other profiles when I don't want to set up my Shaper.  Total cost almost nothing since it was a piece of scrap and it has lasted over 20 years so far.

Jack

 

[mouppe]

I would only use a slot cutter in a router table. Without a router table, I would clamp wood either side of your workpiece to widen the reference base and use a spiral bit to cut a groove on the edge.

 

[fshanno]

I all actuality you can spend a lot less like I did.  I took a 3' x 3' piece of 1" MDF and routed out a section and attached my old 3 1/2 hp fixed base Bosch to it.  I pull this out and place it on saw horses any time I need to run grooves or other profiles when I don't want to set up my Shaper.  Total cost almost nothing since it was a piece of scrap and it has lasted over 20 years so far.

Jack

And a nice straight board clamped down for a fence right?  That's what I did with my old Craftsman router.  1" MDF is special order in these parts so I sandwiched two pieces of 3/4".  Later on I went ahead and set up router table with a dedicated motor and a lift.  But what I really want is that shaper.  With a sliding cast iron table and a power feeder. 

For the OP's needs why not go ahead and get a modest top like the one from Kreg.  It's $180 for the Kreg top including the router plate.  Another $280 for a Triton 3 1/4" with above the table height adjustment.  There are lots of plans out there for nice home made fences or just a straight board clamped down.  He can set it on horses or he can make a nice cabinet with doors and dust collection.  He'd be set up to cut slots all day long.

Or for $229 he could get the Kreg portable table.  Fence, plate, the works, 26 lbs.  The offer plates predrilled for the Triton and other popular brands.