Pattern routering

If you make sure that the bearing race is clean you will not get the burn mark. If it does burn that means the bearing is spinning with the tools revs. The bearing should just glide along the surface at the same speed that you are moving the tool. The square guide will not do inside corners.

The thought here was for a smooth trimming of the decking to compliment the benchwork side frames.

 

In benchwork building we rarely would ever encounter the design constriction of a 90 degree inside corner.  We always use an curved radiused  corner to accommodate smooth flow of people or right of way.

 

 

 

Tom have you thought about just putting blue painters tape on the finished surface? I've done that with shinny laminates to keep it from getting scratched. Or find a bit that has a polymer bearing. Those we used when doing corian. Especially when we would rout out sinks. They did leave marks. Also just make sure your bearings are lubed well. Like a dry silicone lube. Hope this helps.

Ralph

Hi Ralph, Thanks.   Since going to square bearings 5 years ago I have no more maring problems. Here is the square bearing bit source, White side machine:

 

The bit is also available with 1" flutes under another part number.  Give them a call. they are very helpful.

 

The bearing I use is Whiteside part# B3SQ  1/2" square  3/16 inside diameter.

 

 

I missed you at Strasburg, stop by my tables in the engine house this April.  Tom

That's great Tom. The shop I've been at now for a while, we don't do laminate so I haven't seen those bits. Which is good because I've done my share of laminate.

Ralph

Working with very smooth soft wood even a new round roller tends to leave a mark. 

 

The square roller, which can be installed on any pattern bit, are  like magic, totally non marring.

 

 

Curves are usually no problem.  We also use a round-over router to remove all square edges from portable modules.   Easier on the hands. 

Round over bits are great for the wire management holes too: