Not sure how to approach using my wide ogee router bit ?

You’ll want to run the panel bit as slow as you can with your router and take maybe 3 passes to get to the final dimension. As you said, practice on scrap first to get a feel for it before you run the risk of ruining the panel.

-- Julian, Park Forest, IL

Paul, here are recommended speeds for router bits based on size:

1/8” to 1” 24,000 to 18,000 rpm
1 1/4” to 2” 18,000 to 16,000 rpm
2 1/4” to 2 1/2” 16,000 to 12,000 rpm
2 3/4” to 3 1/2” 12,000 to 10,000 rpm

I assume that your panel bit is 3 1/2” so your router will need to be set at 10,000 rpm.

It would not hurt to try this on scrap at first. As far as stock removal here is the way I do it:

you zero out the bearing on the bit and raise it about 1/4” above the table. Then route the edges of the panel beginning with the end grain first. Once all four sides are completed then raise the bit a little less than 1/4” and follow the same process. On the next sequence take a light passes checking the panel’s fit in the dado until you get the edge thickness that you want. Bear in mind that this should be a little snug since you will need to sand and finish the panel before gluing up the assembled panel. This is done to prevent the glue from the cope and stick glue up from gluing the panel as well which needs to float in the panel assembly.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

Hey Scott, Thanks a whole lot for this help. I’ll be sure to follow the speeds and details. I’ve got a whole lot to learn, ...that’s for sure! :)

-- Paul, Bristol,Rhode Island

Hey Scott, Thanks a whole lot for this help. I’ll be sure to follow the speeds and details. I’ve got a whole lot to learn, ...that’s for sure! :)
Thanks also to Julian for your help.
So far, I still have all my fingers.

-- Paul, Bristol,Rhode Island

Scott, your answers are always so thorough and informative, I don’t know how you find time for woodworking.

On behalf of all us LJ’s, I just wanted to point this out and say “Thanks!”

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Great info , Scott : ) Thank you for the details . My only question that has plagued me for years , is , if you don’t have a variable speed router with a dial indicating the router bit speed , then how do you know what RPM you’re turning the bit at ? I have a router speed control for my PC routers , but there are no speed markings on it that indicate the speed. : (

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.