Update - Using router bits
Since the original EZ mitre blog there have been variations added. To formalise the adding of new and/or additional methods to the technique I will add updates for now and re-release the whole thing if I ever get time.
The main reason for this update is, as has often been asked, 'can this technique be done using a table mounted router and 'v' groove bit ?' Up until now I have been reticent to suggest this but I have just this week discovered router bits that are up to the task. They come from the Axminster 'Axcaliber' range, available from Axminster.co.uk. I'd be surprised if there are not suppliers of similar quality bits in the US.
I've experimented with both a 45° and 60° 'V' bit ( 1/4" ) from this range and can report total success. The bits are pin sharp at the tip, this being essential to produce a perfect mitred groove.
This shows the 45° bit with a test piece in Sycamore at the top, a setup cut in the middle and the 45° bit at the bottom.
I also tried their 60° bit
To that end I made up a test hexagonal box in MDF (above and below)
The advantages of using a router over the tablesaw for this technique are twofold:
1. The setup for the cut is a good deal less fraught with the bit height being easy to adjust to just under the board depth. Both cuts are done at once so no resetting any fences, which could introduce errors in the cut.
2. The angles of the joints are precise and don't involve tilting any blades. I like to leave my tablesaw blade at 90° if I can, it saves resetting the thing halfway through a project.
Well this has made things a lot simpler. Which can only be a good thing.
Be seeing you.
Since the original EZ mitre blog there have been variations added. To formalise the adding of new and/or additional methods to the technique I will add updates for now and re-release the whole thing if I ever get time.
The main reason for this update is, as has often been asked, 'can this technique be done using a table mounted router and 'v' groove bit ?' Up until now I have been reticent to suggest this but I have just this week discovered router bits that are up to the task. They come from the Axminster 'Axcaliber' range, available from Axminster.co.uk. I'd be surprised if there are not suppliers of similar quality bits in the US.
I've experimented with both a 45° and 60° 'V' bit ( 1/4" ) from this range and can report total success. The bits are pin sharp at the tip, this being essential to produce a perfect mitred groove.
This shows the 45° bit with a test piece in Sycamore at the top, a setup cut in the middle and the 45° bit at the bottom.
I also tried their 60° bit
To that end I made up a test hexagonal box in MDF (above and below)
The advantages of using a router over the tablesaw for this technique are twofold:
1. The setup for the cut is a good deal less fraught with the bit height being easy to adjust to just under the board depth. Both cuts are done at once so no resetting any fences, which could introduce errors in the cut.
2. The angles of the joints are precise and don't involve tilting any blades. I like to leave my tablesaw blade at 90° if I can, it saves resetting the thing halfway through a project.
Well this has made things a lot simpler. Which can only be a good thing.
Be seeing you.