Triple flute, evenly spaced.

[oompedoomp]

Hi

Bit of a noobie here I'm afraid. I need to put 3 parallel evenly spaced flutes in a length of oak that is 60mm wide. I am being given access to a spindle molder and hand routers. Any suggestions as to the simplest way to achieve this would be most welcome. Thank you.

Si

P.s The cut width (diameter) needs to be about 5mm.

 

[TheTiddles]

Well a router is your best shot, especialy as you are not after removing massive amounts of material. The hitch is this, with three flutes you will need to drop one dead in the centre, which isn't easy with a semi-circular rabbet. Are you sure 2 or 4 wouldn't be ok? Then it's a simple matter of cutting them the same distance from either side, like two of your original flutes.

Aidan

 

[wizer]

Actually I would have thought the Spindle Moulder would be the best way. Tooling may make it cost prohibitive if you don't already have them.

If using a router, what about something like this:

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... nk_66.html

 

[TheTiddles]

Actually I would have thought the Spindle Moulder would be the best way. Tooling may make it cost prohibitive if you don't already have them.

If using a router, what about something like this:

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... nk_66.html

I presumed by "flutes" it refers to a ball-ended cutter? If it's reeding, then maybe a multi-plane? I seem to have an un-healthy interest in such things right now...

Aidan

 

[oompedoomp]

Wow! Fastest response I ever got from a forum. Thanks.

First, I'm not rigid on 3 flutes. 4 is possible but I think it may look over 'fussy' for what I want. I was looking for something like this as opposed to a 'beaded' effect.

http://www.aescustomwood.com/images/New_mantels_003.jpg

Thanks again.

Si

 

[oompedoomp]

ooo. No external refs for piccies. Oh well. Yes. It's not really reeded I want but a shallow trough.

Si

 

[mailee]

Yep, done this a few times with my router. Use the guide that came with your router and mark a line on the centre of the wood. Set the cutter sideways so both edges are in line with the marked line and lock off the guide. Set a stop where you want the cut to start and another where you want it to stop at the other end. Carefully cut the first flute ensuring the guide is held tight to the side of the timber. Now mark one third of the width of the timber (Halfway between the edge and the centre mark and set the router guide to this line. Now route the second flute. turn the router around and cut the third flute using the same guide setting and you will have three evenly spaced flutes. :wink:

 

[DaveL]

Hi Si,

Welcome to the forum.

ooo. No external refs for piccies. Oh well.

Your link was caught by our spam tram, which will leave your posts alone now. 8)

Mailee has answered your question, don't think I can add anything to what has been said. If you search you will find a nice mantel that Mailee made, complete with flutes.

 

[oompedoomp]

Thanks to Dave and Mallie.

Mal - will try tomorrow and report back soonest.

Si

 

[Steve Maskery]

I'm going to put the cat among the pigeons now, by disagreeing with Mailee

Only slightly though.

The basic method is spot on, but to get three flutes evenly across the face with four equal lands, you have to take into account the width of the centre flute.

So yes, cut the centre flute as described above, but then reset your fence, not halfway between the centre and the edge, but halfway between the edge of the board and the EDGE of the centre flute (rather than its centre line.

That way you will have three evenly-spaced flutes with four equal-sized lands in between and beside.

And welcome from me too!
S

 

[oompedoomp]

Thanks

You must be psychic. I was just getting my small amount of grey matter around that one!!

As an aside, it has been mentioned that the oak is likely to burn from the router. Would this depend on the speed of rotation or will it happen anyway?

Thanks again.
Si

 

[BradNaylor]

I would do it another way.

Get one of these http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... e_207.html

With it mounted in the router table and adjusted to the right height make a pass from each edge and you will have 4 perfectly spaced flutes.

A little care is needed when starting and exiting the cut to leave it stopped at each end. I use pieces of masking tape on the fence to mark my entry and exit points and you will soon develop the technique of 'rocking' the workpiece onto the cutter and then off again when the cut is made, keeping the end of the workpiece in contact with the fence.

This method is much quicker, and will give a cleaner finish.

Cheers
Dan

 

[oompedoomp]

Hi
Many thanks for the how-to. Will look into it.

Cheers

Si