Wood Router Bit Question for making a table top?

Question

I want to make a wood circle table top. I have layed out nine ( 2 x 6) pieces of wood side by side. Each 2x6 is 4ft in length.

For clarification, with all the boards layed side by side, the total actual dimension is

Height = 1.5 inches
Length = 48 inches or 4 feet
Width = 49.5 inches or (9 boards x 5.5 inches)

Everything is clamped tightly. I want the table top to have a diameter of 45 inches. I have the dewalt router combo with both a fixed and plunge router. I want to set a pivot point in the middle of the circle, and then move the router around the circle to cut out the shape, while pivoting around the center point.

a) Should i use the fixed or plunge router for this?
b) What router bit should i use for this

Any other tips or suggestions for this project.

Thanks

Answer 1

Seems like an extreme method, and stress for the tool.

Unless you need a routed TOP EDGE, in a decorative sense; I personally would clap the work and then cut with a sabre saw, after defining the circumferance. Then a Belt sander to finish the edge.

Just one old mans opinion.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It isn't going to work. A drill press doesn't turn the bit fast enough, at any belt setting, to work with a Router bit. As slow as the bit would be turning it would dig in to the wood. I wouldn't even recommend trying it as when it digs in it will probably throw that piece of wood across the room. If it throws it at you it could cause a grave injury. If you have a good detail sander, patience and a steady hand you can do a pretty good round over by sanding. A lot depends on the size of the wood and how much rounding you want.

Answer 4

Sounds like a plan to me. I would use the plunge router with a straight bit with bottom cut and half inch shank. I would also go with the Stevens idea and make an initial cut with a jigsaw, this will speed up the process and reduce the workload on the router bit.

Answer 5

I think I have seen Norm Abrams do this, and he made several passes with his router. He cut a little deeper each time. He had a pivot point so he always cut in the same spot/ groove. He made like 3 or 4 passes, but I'm not too sure how many.

Answer 6

Go with your plunge router ,You will be abel to ajust your depth after each pass, I would glue up the top before making your cutts You seem to know your tools get yourself a biscut jointer before you gule up Remember to flip the groath rings for a more stable finish

Answer 7

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