1/4 inch router bit for mortises

[Croolis]

Hi, I have a quick question that I'm having trouble finding an answer for with a google. Want to cut a mortise with the green Bosch plunge router I just bought, which is a 1/4 inch router.

I have never used a hand router ( ).

First one I want to cut is in a 2x4 (or 47x95mm). I read that one should follow the 1/3 rule, and I want to do loose tenon, so I'm thinking I'll do 18mm slot so I can just cut a board for the loose tenon.

I understand how spiral flutes and up/down cutting works, but, as I have a 1/4 inch router, am I better off getting a straight edge non-spiral type that is wider at my desired 18mm, or should I use a smaller 1/4 inch fluted diameter bit and make multiple passes across the width. As a beginner, like. I mean, I mostly see upcut 2 flute spiral being suggested, but on 1/2 inch routers.

Cheers for replies.

 

[johnnyb]

I think it's a bit under powered for this task. It will tend to chew its own chips. I you wanna try then take it very slow and not to deep.

 

[Croolis]

I think it's a bit under powered for this task. It will tend to chew its own chips. I you wanna try then take it very slow and not to deep.

Are you're referring to the larger straight edge bit?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You could probably do it quicker with a chisel than a 1/4" router.

 

[Croolis]

You could probably do it quicker with a chisel than a 1/4" router.

Got a bad shoulder. Looking at doing it with router and using power tools in general as much as possible. Are we saying a 1/4 inch router is inappropriate for mortise joints?

 

[XTiffy]

In your circumstances I would use a small diameter router bit (6mm) and plunge cut in small steps. That would not overload a small router. Bigger bits would overload.

 

[johnnyb]

Try it...it will be a valuable lesson.

 

[Orraloon]

Another way is first drill out most of the waste then use the router to clean it out. A 1/4'' router is ok for a smallish mortise but the bigger they get the more it will struggle. I use the drill a lot for doing mortises and clean out with a chisel. The chisel work cleaning out is not hard like chopping a mortise from scratch. Mostly paring and the odd bit of tapping with the mallet. Not big swinging like on the prison rock gang.
Regards
John

 

[Croolis]

In your circumstances I would use a small diameter router bit (6mm) and plunge cut in small steps. That would not overload a small router. Bigger bits would overload.

I have a 6mm collet come with the router. And an 8mm collet too. So a spiral two flute upcut?

I see vids for making jigs. I'll get some practice on wider flat boards as well before I start doing this stuff. I might actually have a 6mm upcut bit already for my little CNC machine (which I have barely used and am still ignorant about).

Cheers for replies.

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Hi, I have a quick question that I'm having trouble finding an answer for with a google. Want to cut a mortise with the green Bosch plunge router I just bought, which is a 1/4 inch router.

I have never used a hand router ( ).

First one I want to cut is in a 2x4 (or 47x95mm). I read that one should follow the 1/3 rule, and I want to do loose tenon, so I'm thinking I'll do 18mm slot so I can just cut a board for the loose tenon.

I understand how spiral flutes and up/down cutting works, but, as I have a 1/4 inch router, am I better off getting a straight edge non-spiral type that is wider at my desired 18mm, or should I use a smaller 1/4 inch fluted diameter bit and make multiple passes across the width. As a beginner, like. I mean, I mostly see upcut 2 flute spiral being suggested, but on 1/2 inch routers.

Cheers for replies.

I don't see a problem if you (1) use an upcut spiral bit, and (2) plunge a series of holes rather than expect the bit/router to rout sideways in one.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I have a 6mm collet come with the router. And an 8mm collet too.

Be aware that most cutters sold here are 1/4" not 6mm.