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Router bit for picture frame

1K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  Andybb 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi all,

My extended family recently made a poster of the children now named after my late grandfather for my grandmother. I'd like to make a frame for the picture for it. I've made several frames in the past with good success and would now like to try a frame with a nicer design.

I was thinking about going with a bit like "this" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JJDZYQM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2Y2IW7GNVQE39&psc=1:

to make a nice profile. I was going to use some 3/4" walnut. I've never used a bit like this so I had some questions:

1. I'm not sure if this is cheap Chinese junk. Anyone have any experience with it? Any recs for a better quality, willing to spend more $ for something decent.
2. Any recs on using a bit like this for the frame? Do I use a piece of stock wider than the profile and then rip off the excess to size after routing or is there a different method to ensure it comes out right?
3. Can I do this all in one pass on the router table or does it have to be multiple passes, moving the fence back gradually?

Any other tips or other profiles that might be recommended are appreciated!

Thanks!

Nathan
 
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#2 ·
1. It is cheap Chinese junk, but probably adequate for quite a few frames.
2. I'd cut the wood a little wide so I could trim right up to the spot I want in the profile. Looks like you'd want the bit maybe an eight of an inch high above the table and have about that at the top, so 1/4" extra or so.
3. Depends on your router. You'll probably get cleaner cuts doing it in 3 or 4 passes, but you can do some test cuts and see.

Good luck. It looks like a nice profile for a frame.
 
#3 ·
I've never heard of that brand, and it seems a bit on the cheap price side for a bit like that… But if you can get what, 4 feet of routing done with it you get what you need from it…

As for tips, definitely use multiple passes - particularly on a hard wood like walnut. You might, theoretically be able to get it all in one pass if your router has enough power - but why risk ruining your wood and possibly injuring yourself if the bit catches the wood wrong?

Nibble away at it, with a total cutting depth of 9/16", it shouldn't take more than 3 passes to get it done. If you are doing one frame, that shouldnt take you too long.

Also, make certain you have a feather board above the piece you're cutting to prevent it from rising up and ruining the profile. A stacked feather board the height of your stock is also a good idea to ensure you have consistent pressure pushing towards your fence the entire height of the profile.

Good luck on your project
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Even if it is an inexpensive Chinese bit it would work just fine for what you're doing, especially if you only want to make a frame or two. Noting wrong with those bits for a home woodworker. Do you have other bits? The inexpensive 1/4" shaft HF variety pack would give you lots of choices for less than the price of one bit that requires a 1/2" collet. A lot of times you can make interesting patterns combining cuts from more than one bit rather than picking one before you get a chance to see how the cut looks in person.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I think what that the general consensus is that unless you're gonna go into the picture frame production business that bit will work just fine and last. Make sure you have a half inch collet. Otherwise any of the name brand bits will work. Woodcraft, Amana, Rockler, MLCS are ones I'd take a look at that aren't ridiculously expensive. Again, without doing some research some or all might be manufactured in China and/or by the same company. The question isn't where it's manufactured but what material is used. My choice would be MLCS but if memory serves me correctly they and Amana are manufactured in Asia by the same company.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the input.

I ended up going with this bit

My question is what the minimum thickness needs to be on the stock for the frame. I will need to cut a rabbet in the frame for the glass and backing too. I have 3/4" walnut which after milking I'm sure will end up less. Do I need to glue two pieces together for additional thickness? What would the minimum thickness need to be?

Thanks,

Nathan
 
#9 ·
Thanks. I actually made this jig last time I made a frame, it's great.

My question is, given the profile of the bit and the fact that I need a rabbet for the glass and backer board, is 3/4" enough material? It seems like the profile of the bit will take off a lot of material. Hope that makes sense.

Nathan
 
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