Kitchen Benchtop router jigs, do i need one?

[Crispy]

Hi all, I have been asked to build and install a new wooden benchtop for my SIL's unit using prefabbed 2400x900x33mm wood from a big box store.
It will go ontop of the existing carcass, now that she has removed the old particle board top as it was rocking an 80's vibe and colour.

Do I NEED to buy a jig for joining the wood in an L shape using something like the Festool APS 900? Or something like the trend KWJ700 pro which also has rounding edge templates in built?

My own kitchen bench at home is a straight L, 2 flat pieces joined together with no recess at all, so im not sure if I need either of the 2 above, just flat edges
This is also coupled with my wife who doesnt want me spending any money on 'more ' tools....
The Trend item would be great for edge templates as my SIL has asked for all teh corners to be rounded off.

Im just not sure if i need it/one and any advise from people who do this for a living wold be appreciated.

 

[luvmytoolz]

There's always this one which I think is pretty economical:

Trend 650mm Kitchen Worktop Router Jig

Accurately fit kitchen worktops with Trend’s multi-function Kitchen Worktop Jig; a time-saving solution for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Separate carry case available here. The 650mm Kitchen Worktop Router Jig is an efficient tool for precisely fitting kitchen worktops. Made from...

www.timbecon.com.au

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com.au/TREND-KWJ650-Kitchen-Worktop-650mm/dp/B07SFZPWSQ?th=1

While not necessary, I think the join from using a template like these is more aesthetically pleasing.

Edit: Updated link with cheaper local one and Amazon link!

 

[P_K]

Add a line item to your quote covering the cost of machining the radius on the leading edge of the top . The Festool jig is nice but the Trend jig above is more than adequate.

 

[Packard]

It is my observation that there are several identical templates out there, and I believe that they are all re-branded CMT650 units made by CMT. I know Trend does that with other CMT jigs and templates.

I further believe that the only difference between all of them is the color and the name.

Here is the CMT Orange version. I don’t think CMT exports these to the USA. It also has a video.

I joined my counter with draw bolts. I should have also added a couple of 1/2” diameter dowels to aid alignment. No glue, just to make sure that there was a smooth transition. I think a Domino or biscuit would work as well. It currently has a tiny misalignment. I forget if it is birch or maple. I applied several coats of oil-based poly, and I keep several cutting boards handy. I don’t cut on the counter. The finish is still in reasonably good condition after about 10 years. I will scuff it up and add another coat this spring when the weather is warm and I can keep the windows open. It takes about 200 hours to get good hardness from oil based poly (about 7 days) and it continues to harden over the next several months.

If there is large enough pieces of scrap, I would make your SIL some cutting boards as it will save wear and tear on the counter. I am not a fan of using a countertop as a cutting surface.

In any case, I think a straight cut with a track saw, a couple of draw bolts and probably three or four 1/2” diameter dowels, or dominoes, or biscuits to assist in maintaining alignment are all that is needed.

The front and rear of my counter remain in good alignment, but one of the counters has bowed to an amount that is slightly greater than the thickness of a quarter. I don’t think there is any reasonable way to correct this after the fact. I deal with it avoiding eye-contact with the misalignment. Visitors don’t seem to notice or are to polite to mention it.

Quarter showing the amount of bow.


Front view, alignment is still good.




Look here:

Kitchen Worktop Jig CMT650 | Systems and accessories | CMT Orange Tools Worldwide

Looking for Kitchen Worktop Jig CMT650? You will find them in the Systems and accessories section of the CMT Orange Tools website. Visit the product page!

www.cmtorangetools.com

 

[Crispy]

Cheers guys,
LMT - i cant find a reseller in aus that has stock, except for overseas.....
P_K - i have a 'Tools Credit card' i generally get away with it, just feel a little guilty some times
Packard that is what i was considering, as the old bench had biscuits in it and i have a domino. and other than the corners wasnt sure it it was needed.
The cutting boards is an awesome idea, i will need to get some sort of sealer sooninsh and give this a go.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Just sent you a pm that may be of help Crispy.

 

[Packard]

Or upgrade one of the drawers with good full extension slides and convert to one of these options:

 

[luvmytoolz]

Or upgrade one of the drawers with good full extension slides and convert to one of these options:

I don't know that I like either of those chopping board solutions, I'd be worried a buildup of mold or bacteria if the boards put away soon after use. Aside from the likely buildup of crud on the first one when people use it and crumbs or food particles end up inside the unit.

I know in theory yes the board should only be pushed in when completely dry, and food should never end up shoved down the back, in practice however, I'd assume worst case every time.

 

[Packard]

I don't know that I like either of those chopping board solutions, I'd be worried a buildup of mold or bacteria if the boards put away soon after use. Aside from the likely buildup of crud on the first one when people use it and crumbs or food particles end up inside the unit.

I know in theory yes the board should only be pushed in when completely dry, and food should never end up shoved down the back, in practice however, I'd assume worst case every time.

I did not think of that. Even worse is the one with a large hole in it that deposits refuse directly into a bin in a talll drawer.

I still think it is a mistake to use a countertop as a cutting surface. Which means an oil/wax finish. Which means frequent maintenance.

That is so contrary to what homeowners strive for. Usually it is vinyl siding, aluminum gutters, fiberglass windows, stone countertops—or virtually anything that minimizes maintenance. I don’t see it.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I did not think of that. Even worse is the one with a large hole in it that deposits refuse directly into a bin in a talll drawer.

I still think it is a mistake to use a countertop as a cutting surface. Which means an oil/wax finish. Which means frequent maintenance.

That is so contrary to what homeowners strive for. Usually it is vinyl siding, aluminum gutters, fiberglass windows, stone countertops—or virtually anything that minimizes maintenance. I don’t see it.

Completely agree benchtops shouldn't be used for cutting on generally, wish my kids would take note of that!

Chopping boards though should always be stored so they air and are convenient to grab and use. Ours are kept on their sides on an open shelf next to the oven, so are within arms reach at any time.

Again, if only my kids would realise how convenient that is! ;-)

 

[onocoffee]

I don't know that I like either of those chopping board solutions, I'd be worried a buildup of mold or bacteria if the boards put away soon after use. Aside from the likely buildup of crud on the first one when people use it and crumbs or food particles end up inside the unit.

I know in theory yes the board should only be pushed in when completely dry, and food should never end up shoved down the back, in practice however, I'd assume worst case every time.

I don't think mold or bacteria will necessarily be an issue - presuming that the board is unfinished and kept generally clean (meaning you're not leaving food particulates on the surface).

From what I've heard from wood scientists, the natural function of wood is to draw bacteria into its interior via capillary action. The interior of a wood board has an anaerobic environment that kills bacteria. In the research, they've cut open boards that they had contaminated with bacteria and the bacteria did not survive.

BUT, this is only for boards without a finish that seals the surface. In those cases, the boards are pretty much like commercial plastic cutting boards. Bacteria will fester on the surface and cross-contaminate foods.

I learned a lot about this during a Shop Talk Live podcast with Seri Robinson. Interesting stuff that really pushed me more towards cutting boards without a finish. Of course, people like shiny, glossy boards, so there's that.

STL326: No Finish? No Problem! - FineWoodworking

Seri’s book about wood toxicity and maintenance can be found on Amazon: Living with Wood: A Guide for Toymakers, Hobbyists, Crafters, and Parents A great guide for budding wood workers, […]

www.finewoodworking.com

 

[luvmytoolz]

If the board has no oil or wax coating then I think all the more reason not to enclose it in a small drawer.

I've very rarely known people with boards that don't use some sort of "board butter" or oil on them, but if it's just bare wood and foods been prepared on them releasing fluid into the board, putting it into a dark enclosed space with no air flow soon after use can't be good.

 

[Crispy]

Hi LMT,

I got your DM, i am inte

Or upgrade one of the drawers with good full extension slides and convert to one of these options:

I like the idea, but after reading LMTs response, they would have to be removable.
I did not sign up modify the cupboards and draws for her, i still havent even finished my own kitchen draws and cupboards yet.

But after reading the above few posts i am now at a quandry as to what to do if i do make her a chopping board.

Also I dont think my SiL had planned to be using the bench top as a cutting surface, she just likes the look of wood, and the quality baby blue vinyl was not to her liking

 

[luvmytoolz]

Hi LMT,

I got your DM, i am inte

I like the idea, but after reading LMTs response, they would have to be removable.
I did not sign up modify the cupboards and draws for her, i still havent even finished my own kitchen draws and cupboards yet.

But after reading the above few posts i am now at a quandry as to what to do if i do make her a chopping board.

Also I dont think my SiL had planned to be using the bench top as a cutting surface, she just likes the look of wood, and the quality baby blue vinyl was not to her liking

Absolutely make her a chopping board from the cutout, and make or buy a small stand for it to sit upright in to one of the sides on the bench.

It then becomes a useful feature!