How to make frame and panel doors?

[markchamness]

Frame and panel doors often require using large (3 inch diameter) router bits to machine the edges of the panel.  I don't own a router table and Festool doesn't sell one in the US.  I do own the MFT and the OF1400 router, but realize the safety hazards of using large bits freehand even when the router rpm is decreased.  Perhaps my best option is to mount the panel on the MFT surrounded with a frame of the same thickness, thereby providing additional support for the router.  I'm curious if other people have solutions.

 

[ejantny]

They do make vertical raised panel bits however they too should be used in a table mounted router for the best results.
http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/infvertpnlbitrvu.html

 

[woodshopdemos]

There were two stories a year or so ago when I made just what you are wanting to make. Go to the Festool sub-meenu and look down aways:http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm

 

[clintholeman]

Frame and panel doors often require using large (3 inch diameter) router bits to machine the edges of the panel.  I don't own a router table and Festool doesn't sell one in the US.  I do own the MFT and the OF1400 router, but realize the safety hazards of using large bits freehand even when the router rpm is decreased.  Perhaps my best option is to mount the panel on the MFT surrounded with a frame of the same thickness, thereby providing additional support for the router.  I'm curious if other people have solutions.

I don't own a router table, but manage to make some decent looking cope, stick and panel doors on a routine basis.  I don't use the big 3 inch router bits - they don't fit my OF 1400.  I use a 2 inch panel raising/cove bit or the Lee Valley Shaker Door bit along with a cope and stick set [I have a couple of styles] to match.  They all have bushings and the guide rail isn't necessary, though I have made panels using the guide rail and a straight bit and a chamfer bit - pretty easily.

Take it easy and make easy cuts on the MFT and you shouldn't have much trouble.  Remember to do the end grain first. 

Making shaker style frame and panel doors is even easier now with Domino for the frames - almost a trivial exercise.  I should have some pix on my blog in the next couple of weeks of some.  I'll post the entry here.