Another rail and stile bit question

[Sawatzky]

So, I was watching on of the woodworking videos that Woodsmith magazine puts out on the internet of the classes they teach. I was watching one on making rail and stile doors on the router table. They used a PC 690LR single speed router to make the rails and stiles. Someone in the audience asked if those bits (Timberline) had to be slowed down. He said no and ran them full speed during the demonstration. He also said 1 3/4 HP is plenty for rail and stile bits. There were not problems that I could see as he made the doors in one pass. I have the PC690LR and ordered some Bosch rail and stile bits. These bits say not to exceed 27,500 RPM, which is the RMP of the PC690LR. Will I be okay on these or should I go ahead and get the HF speed controlle which is on sale right now?

[MikeMcCoy]

I don't have that router but the max speed should be right around 27K

[Popeye]

I've done a bunch of rail and stile doors with single speed routers without a problem.
Raised panels done with large horizontal bits on the other hand need to be slowed down. Probably vertical bits too. I've used neither BTW.
I'm a big fan of using two routers to do rail and stile doors. I know it can be done with a single but I can't see it being that easy. Pat

[Jeffrey Schronce]

R&S bits would be fine in single speed 27,000 however as noted you will need slower speeds if you are using raised panel bit. If you are using R&S and then putting plywood or the like in as the panel then you are good to go. I like to use Space Balls (little rubber balls) in the grove to avoid rattle during seasonal wood movement.

I have many routers, but only one RT. I have never had a problem with making R&S. I cut all of the rails first, then all the stiles. One bit change. No problem.

While it is not necessary from a power perspective, making two passes is probably advisable for R&S in high slplintering wood like oak. This is particularly true of the stiles.

[JimD]

I have two PC690s and have used them to make raised panel doors out of softwood and oak and maple. They worked fine. My router table has a slightly more powerful Ryobi R-500 in it right now. I don't think you need more than a PC690 for the rail and stile cuts but a little more power would be nice for the panel raising.

I prefer a stacked rails and stile bit. I cut the end gain, the cope cuts, using a sled with a base of 1/2 baltic birch plywood. I have to make minimal height change to make the main moulding cuts. I do not slow it down.

Jim