Chasing a router bit for 4 hours - what a waste

Needed to cut a custom profile for a kitchen job. Grabbed my router. Set up the fence. Test cut on scrap came out terrible. Checked the bearing - shot. Spent 45 minutes digging through bins for a replacement. Didn't have the right size. Had to drive 20 miles to the supply house. Then the new bit chattered on the real piece. Fought it for another hour before realizing the collet was worn out. Ever had a simple setup turn into a half day project?

3 comments

3 Comments

victorb1726d ago

Man, I feel this in my bones. Last month I had a router set up for beading some drawer fronts and it just kept burning the wood. Took me two hours to figure out it was because I was running the bit too fast and the stock was too soft. By the time I dialed it in, I'd already trashed three pieces and my shop looked like a sawdust bomb went off. My wife came out and just handed me a beer without saying a word. That's when you know it's been one of those days.

olivia_allen26d ago

Disagree, soft stock and fast bits are a dream combo if you know what you're doing.

haydenbutler21d agoTop Commenter

@olivia_allen gets it. Soft stock and high speed is like trying to gently pet a cat while it’s electric shocked. Works perfect if you know the feel, but most people just mash the trigger.