Rail & Stile Router cutter set problem

[netlon]

Hi there. I recently purchased a Tornado Rail, Stile & Raised Panel set from Rutlands. When I cut the rails and stile, there is a small gap where the joint meets and I am confused why it is there. The cutters seem to be cutting the correct depth and when I measure the distance from the bearing to the tip of the cutter on both bits, they are the same. I use a Triton router table and router and ensure that the fence is set in line with the bearing on the cutter. I've had to put extra pressure in the clamps to ensure the two joints are flush. Any ideas how to correct this? TIA

 

[Slim]

Hi netlon, welcome to the forum.

I'm not quite sure what you mean. Is there any chance of a pic or a quick sketch of the problem?

 

[Andy Pullen]

Vaguely recall having this problem and recall it was to do with the shims used to fine tune the joint. I think the moulding cope was bottoming out on the curve of the face moulding. Think I had to add shims to the scribe to open it up a bit or remove them to narrow the profile moulding.
It has been a while though so let me know if I was on the right lines. Mine was a trend set BTW.
Cheers Andy

 

[netlon]

I shall post a pic tomorrow. Andrew

 

[Paul.J]

Hello Netlon and welcome
I seem to remember someone else buying this set and having problems with them. :?:can't remember who though :?
I have used a set of Jessada cutters and remember them being like yours in that they did need a good squeeze on the clamps.
Are you using a mitre square to do the cuts.Also do 2 passes instead of trying to cut it all in one.Nice joint though when done
Paul.J.

 

[netlon]

Hi again. I've included a picture of the joint. It is only a dry push fit in the picture, not glued or clamped. The ends are cut on a mitre saw and are square. I haven't tried two passes through the cutter yet. Hope this helps.

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks for your interesting posted thread.

I have also been interested in purchasing one of those cutters in the past, and you mention you are using a Triton table.
I backed off purchasing the cutter set because I thought the aperture of the triton table was to small.
How did you get round this problem?
Did you set a low router speed.
I find when routing I think the cutters are correctly placed but the outcome can have the same effect has you describe. Therefore I usually do a test piece first and keep adjusting until I get the setting I want.

 

[netlon]

Yes you are right about the raised panel cutter being too big for the aperture on the router table. I don't use the raised panel cutter though. I think that the set had been reduced in a sale when I bought it originally. I mainly use mirrors or flat panels in the frames I make. I am going to try making slight adjustments in the height of the stile cutter to see if it makes a difference. I have used this type of cutter set (not the same manufacturer) many times in a friends workshop before I bought my own and never came across this problem before. Many thanks, Andrew.

 

[netlon]

I've spent a bit more time setting up the cutters this morning and I'm pleased to say it seems to have paid off. The joints are much better and I've just glued up a couple of doors which needed a lot less clamping pressure. I also ran the rails through the cutter twice and that seems to make a difference. Many thanks for the help and advice on this topic. Excellent forum. Andrew