IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Second post on my first day! I'm preparing to create built-in bookshelves on either side of my fireplace which has an antique mantel. To help tie them in, I want to put flat molding on both sides that look similar to the decorative corbels on the fireplace. I'm attaching photos including the profile. Basically, there is a V, a round cut, and then another V. I'll be using a router table and sapele wood. My question: is it better to make each cut individually (V-groove, then round nose, then V-groove) or to have a single bit made (which will probably cost at least $120 but only require one or two passes)? I'm guessing the special bit would be a lot less complicated, and I'd be less likely to screw it up. I'd also welcome any constructive input you might have. Thanks very much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Chances are, you'll need to make multiple passes, even with a custom bit, to get a clean cut. But the custom bit will still be less prone to screw-up. Is the molding sized such that you can run it across the router table in horizontal OR vertical orientation, with equal ease? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Thanks, wtnhighlander, Yeah, I figured I'd be removing enough wood that I'd need at least 2 passes with a custom bit. I'm only planning on a molding width of about 2.5" (which is a little wider than the corbels pictured), so I think either orientation would work (vertical for custom bit, horizontal for the V and round bits). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 If you don't need many, I'd just make them by hand. http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=32679&cat=1,230,41182 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Tom, Wow, that's really interesting! It looks like the fluting cutter would work perfectly for the round center section, but they don't seem to have have a V shape. I suppose I'd need to make one from a blank cutter. Thanks for the idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 I was thinking they had some blank cutters, but you could regrind one to get it like you need it. I have several different beading tools, and that one is my favorite, even though it's the cheapest of the lot. It follows curves nicely, or at least allows your hands to. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Guy over there said I can try grinding down a fluting cutter, so that might work. He also sent me a link on how to make custom cutters! This just might work! Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 After you use that custom bit for that project. How often will you ever need it again? They get rusty laying around unused. Tom's idea sounds better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Definitely agree. This is the first I'd considered doing it by hand, and honestly, I'm excited to try it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted June 15, 2019 Report Share Posted June 15, 2019 2 hours ago, IthacaDoc said: Definitely agree. This is the first I'd considered doing it by hand, and honestly, I'm excited to try it! Always good to add to the skills. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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