Hammer5573 Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 I'm finishing an end-grain chess board and I would like to flatten it using a router and a guiderail jig that I made. I've seen it done many times before but I've never done it. I'm wondering what type of bit would be best to do this task? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 A slab flattening bit will do the job. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 Any bit that cuts flat on the end will work, its just a matter of how wide each pass will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 For something that small, I wouldn't bother to buy a bit if you have any straight bit. We removed probably over 100 square feet 3/4" deep of the top of an old floor with regular 1" diameter straitght bits taking 1/4" deep passes. https://historic-house-restoration.com/Woodwork.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 If you do buy a bit, you can also look for one intended to flatten CNC spoil boards. (In fact flattening a cutting board would an easy job for a CNC). Based on my limited experience flattening turning blanks, I prefer a bit with rounded corners, as a square corner bit can leave an edge. Larger bits are harder to control, but leave a more uniform surface. Take very shallow passes, i.e. 1/32. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roughsawn Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 The size of your router will determine how large of a diameter bit you can efficiently use. You can use a big bit with a router that is maybe a little underpowered for it, you just won't be able to take a full pass. Inch, inch and a quarter, and listen to the router. You don't want to burn up your motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammer5573 Posted February 28 Author Report Share Posted February 28 Thank all of you for your insightful comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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