Chipout help

[Cyclonewade]

I'm creating a couple of keepsake boxes found here...

http://www.americanwoodworker.com/as...d=311&PageNo=1

These are very easy boxes, but every time I route the "legs" I get massive chip out. I have a similar setup with stop blocks and bt3 router table and fence. I've tried raising the bit at 1/32 increments. I've tried tape on the ends to prevent the chip out. I've tried different speeds and different feed rates, but every piece experiences chip out. What do the experts do?

Regards.

[JR]

I guess I'm a bit confused by the instructions. They say to raise the bit 1/8" at a time. But I think I'd start at full height and move the fence 1/8".

Which way are you doing it?

JR

[Cyclonewade]

I've tried both methods. Neither seem to work that well. I might try a new bit to see if my bit is had its better day.

[JR]

Another choice would be to create a form out of MDF and use a straight bit with bearing. That would definitely help with the top side of the piece.

JR

[steve-norrell]

I second JR's recommendation, except that I would probably do it in three passes, the last one about 1/32 in. Also, I assume your bit is good and sharp and you are not feeding the piece into the bit too fast. Use a spiral cut bit if you happen to have one.

Neat looking boxes. Good luck. Regards, Steve

[RodKirby]

I guess I'm a bit confused by the instructions. They say to raise the bit 1/8" at a time. But I think I'd start at full height and move the fence 1/8".

Which way are you doing it?

JR

Ditto ...

[LCHIEN]

the trouble with JR's suggestion is that if you make a few at a time, then matching the final depth of the cutout will be a little different each time. Fixing the fence and raising the bit make the depth a perfect match.

I'd like to know more about your problem. Show us a picture of the "chipout" is it really chipout large chunks or more like tearout of the fibers? Is the chipout near the rounded ends or is it all along the cut? Is it worse at one end or the other?

Also what is the technique you are using? Are you sticking the bit up 1/8 or 1/32 and psuhing the piece in towards the fence and then sliding it sideways to the stops? Then rasing the bit another 1/8th and repeating?
What is the total depth of cut in the horizontal plane of the router table (vertical height in the finished box)?

What type of wood are you using. some are more prone to tearout?
What type and brand of 3/4" Straight bit are you using - and is it new or used?

[steve-norrell]

I just got one more idea (Now that could be dangerous).

You might be able to minimize chip-out by starting the cut from both ends and meeting near the middle. You can do this by starting from one end and cutting about halfway; then flip the piece over and start another cut from other end, meeting at, or near, the center. That way, you should be cutting into the grain at both ends (assuming the grain is running along the length of the piece.

Good luck, Steve