Router Parallel Through Cuts

[Eko]

Using a router and up/down compression bit I need to make eight parallel 1/2" wide through cuts of equal length spaced about 3" apart in a 3/4" work piece. I realize there are different ways this can be setup using a guide rail w/ stops or router jig or perhaps some other way I'm not aware of. It seems fairly straightforward but obviously requires some precision and careful setup. I've never done anything like this before and would like to know if there is a preferred method and/or tool that will help minimize potential problems and make this as easy as possible.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Packard]

It sounds like a job for a router fluting jig. I have not used one, so wait for some more experienced users. There are many makers of these jigs and you can make a shop-made one also.

Rockler’s is $75.00 and is at the lower end of the cost for these things. Rockler’s jigs are generally workmanlike and competent.

 

[peter halle]

Assuming you have a Festool router and 2 stops and a rail it isn't hard once you rely on marking out the center lines of the cuts and the center line markings on the router base. Obviously running thru it on a piece of scrap would be preferable.

Peter

 

[Eko]

Assuming you have a Festool router and 2 stops and a rail

I do.

 

[peter halle]

Perhaps this video will help:



Peter

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I do.

At that point, all you need is some fixturing to constrain and index your workpiece. If you have an MFT, this is really easy, assuming you are willing to cut into it slightly. Otherwise, a simple piece of some kind of sheet goods, could do the same. It would just need a few holes for the dogs.
This sounds like a vented trivet? If the overall piece is that small, in comparison to the slots, you could get away with doing this with a router table too. However, that takes "dropping onto" the bit. A lot of folks are not good with that.

(I should have paid closer attention to the dimensions. 3" apart make my previous guess, not so likely)

 

[Eko]

@peter halle Thanks for the video, it was very helpful. That's pretty much what I had in mind but Sedge mentioned a couple important things I was unaware of.

With the exception of the MFT I have everything else so I should be able to do this. If I'm using an imperial bit then to make use of the metric scale on the support foot (to determine the stop position) I assume I have to convert a 1/2" to metric. Easy enough to do, but a bit messy dealing with the fractions of mm.

This is for a shelf, two actually.

 

[peter halle]

Correct about converting, or you can go old school, mark the starting and ending points on your wood, get everything else lined up and clamped, then slide you router on the rail to the point where you see the edge of the router bit meet that line. Slide your stop and tighten the knob. The do the same at the other end.

Peter

 

[Eko]

Correct about converting, or you can go old school

Good point. That's probably the simplest (non-math) method.

 

[waho6o9]

+1 for laying it out old school. Practicing on scraps is wise as well.

 

[Eko]

It sounds like a job for a router fluting jig.

@Packard Thanks for mentioning this, I had no idea fluting jigs existed. I learn something new every day.

 

[Eko]

+1 for laying it out old school. Practicing on scraps is wise as well.

Nice example. That's the basic idea.

 

[Eko]

I just found this accessory for cutting parallel dados from USAA Design. They have several interesting accessories specifically for trim routers.

 

[rst]

I have the Rockler and it works great. Bought it for a friend’s project and haven’t used it again.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I just found this accessory for cutting parallel dados from USAA Design. They have several interesting accessories specifically for trim routers.

That is one of the best router accessories I've seen, great idea!

 

[Eko]

That is one of the best router accessories I've seen, great idea!

Their multi-function trim router jigs look nice too. They also have a new jig on Kickstarter which I think just ended.