Thicknessing wth a router

[Tetsuaiga]

I'm thinking of making one of these sleds myself.

Do you think this kind of work could be bad for the router though? Its not exactly what they are designed for as far as im aware.

Could you make a sled that would fit hand tools in instead like a flat rasp or hand planer?

 

[Benchwayze]

I've never done this Tets.

But as long as you don't take ridiculously deep cuts, I can't see any problems.

On wide boards, there might be an issue with the router being kept running for longer periods than usual. You can get around that by taking your time, and allowing the motor to cool if necessary. But you are only asking the router to do what it's designed for. I.e., routing wood.

 

[RogerM]

Can't see the problem. You wouldn't think twice before cutting a groove, removing maybe 10mm material, so why should there be a problem removing what in most cases will just be 1mm -2mm? A far more important consideration, imho, is that you should use the right cutter. Forget the ubiquitous 6mm two flute and go for one of these.

 

[jimi43]

Use a scrub plane....you know..one of those "hand tools"...first. :mrgreen:

Get it near to the thickness you want then skim the top off with the router/thicknesser.

Jim

 

[Benchwayze]

Scrub plane Jim!

He wants to flatten it, not clean it!

Sorry! Hat Coat door etc! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[Tetsuaiga]

I suppose the routers not doing anything different but it's a lot of work for it to do. Like you said if you take it slow, do multiple passes it should be fine, and take it down before hand with hand plane if you need.

I'd get a proper thickess planer but just at the moment don't have the money.

 

[turnamere]

I've built a thicknessing jig from some scrap ply and MDF complete with adjustable rails:

I have both he big Wealdon cutters but so far only used this - http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Surface_Trim__3_Wing_250.html. It is time consuming and generates an enourmous amount of sawdust but the end is in sight.

Working great on some significant chunks of 4" x 9" Douglas Fir left over from the roof trusses in the extension, these will become a chunky coffe table in due course.
Couple of other ideas here- http://www.wealdentool.eu/rf_tips/rf_tips_15.html

And here - http://blip.tv/the-wood-whisperer/episode-6159726 this includes a great method for ensuring that your reference rails are perfectly parallel.