Raised Panel Bit, which one to buy?

[kenh]

Hi all,
I have totally novice level questions.
I would like to buy the first raised panel bit set but am not sure which one to buy. I would like to use it for making small drawer front as the first project.
Question one
1) I guess there are bits with different diameters. Which size is appropriate (or versatile) for relatively small panels (such as drawers with a little over 1 foot width)?

2) Some bits seem to have backcutters but are more expensive. Is it worth while to invest into the backcutters?

Any comment will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ken

[drumpriest]

1. Whatever pleases your eyes. Most are around 2.5-3.25" total, so 1/2 that is the approximate size of the cut. I think my 3" has about a 1 3/8" cut. Looks good to me.

2. I don't personally care for back cutters, I like to raise the bit in small increments as I'm cutting the panel, and you cannot do that with back cutters. (unless you remove the back cutter) It takes a little bit more time, but I route a rabbet on the back first, so that it'll fit flush with the rail and stile, then raise the front of the panel until it fits snugly into the rails and stiles.

[LCHIEN]

you need to decide on the profile.
Then on whether you want a vertical or horizontal bit.

Backcutter if you aren't doing a lot I would just skip.
You can just make the backcut, if you even need/want one, in a separate step.

[ragswl4]

Hi all,
I have totally novice level questions.
I would like to buy the first raised panel bit set but am not sure which one to buy. I would like to use it for making small drawer front as the first project.
Question one
1) I guess there are bits with different diameters. Which size is appropriate (or versatile) for relatively small panels (such as drawers with a little over 1 foot width)?

2) Some bits seem to have backcutters but are more expensive. Is it worth while to invest into the backcutters?

Any comment will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ken

Backcutters are used to make the back of a panel flush with the stile and rails on the backside of a door or panel and it reduces the amount of the raised portion that extends about the rail and stile on the front of the door.

So if you are using 3/4" wood to make the stile/rail and panel and want the front of the panel to be flush with the surface of the stile/rail then a backcutter will accomplish that. If you want the raised panel to extend above the stile/rail then a backcutter is not the bit you want.

Before you purchase any bit I suggest that you check the height of the bit including the backcutter, the portion that fits into the stile/rail and the height of the raised portion of the bit and ensure this fits your needs.

[kenh]

Thanks!!

Thank you guys.
Since I did not get any response for a while, I was thinking that I asked too stupid questions...well, I think I did. So, (thank you)2 for taking your time and giving suggestions!!
Ken

[Knottscott]

There are some midsize and even small panel raisers from various suppliers that look appropriate on smaller panels. There's even a plunge panel raiser that just gives the appearance of a raised panel from one solid panel.

[tjmac44]

Holbren has great service and very reasonable prices. Evens offers a discount for BT3 members.

Raised panel bits:

http://www.holbren.com/home.php?cat=29

I had a problem with a bit, broke the panel raiser bit, though it was probably user error, he had another bit to me in 3 days.

I have made one raised panel door. One suggestion, pratice on pine or a cheap wood first. I mean mock the entire door. Post on this board if you have problems with the mock.

Good Luck.

Todd

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I would recommend a Freud set for a beginner. They come with great instructions, a little DVD for computer to explain everything, etc. Freud bits are pretty decent as well.

I like full height raised panels so I never mess with back cutters.

[JimD]

I usually get my router bits from MLCS. I find their bits to be a good value and I like the free shipping.

For simple drawer fronts, they also sell bits to put an edge around 3/4 inch wide on a door or drawer front. I use one that puts a tapered cut, like a raised panel, plus a slight round over. Might be another option.

Jim