Router Table SOP —"Setting Router Bit Height on Work-in Turn Bits"

   Some people just weren't made for "on-camera." That is a framed grab from the DVD I did for CMT last year.
   I am using this time and space to present to you an "SOP" on how to set up two "work-in-turn" router bits. That is my term for a bit where you run one piece through the bit the right way, and then the mating piece, upside down.
   Two bits I am referring to specifically: the reverse glue joint bit and the locking miter bit.

   If you have either of these bits and have become frustrated in trying to use them, maybe these SOPs will help. I know that I follow them religiously even though I have used both bits for a long time.
   Since the setup is so similar, I will show the reverse glue joint and once that is "under our belts" I will then show the additional step to use the locking miter bit.

   First thing is that boards to be joined must be the exact same thickness.

   I then take to sample blocks and mark one "A" and the other one "B."

   I install the bit and set the router speed to 14,000 or so.

   I have made a mark on the sample stock representing a point at the middle of the piece of wood. I then adjust the height of the bit so that the center of the bit is at this mid-point.

   I then set the fence depth so that the low part of the but is aligned with the in and out feed sides of the fence.

   I then carefully make the cut. I amusing the Grripper to hold the piece tight to the table and a Stots push shoe to actually push the piece through the cutter. This is necessary for the small sample blocks. When the actual boards will be run, handling them safely will be much easier.

   I have mated the two sample pieces and have squeezed playing cards into the side that is the lower.

   Once I figure out how many cards it takes to equalize the two blocks, I sort them into two piles. By dividing the number in half, I can know how many cards it will take me to adjust the bit height for a perfect fit.

   Now I set the router bit height gauge with those cards (1/2 the error) and adjust the bit height accordingly.
    [Turn the page for the exciting conclusion — and how to set the locking miter bit.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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