Routering Deck Ends

Chris G

What are your thoughts on rounding exposed deck ends? I kind of suck with a router, but I have a case, (like 12 or so) of brand new blades that I bought on sale a year ago thinking I would use them all over the place.

Anyhow, it's 5/4 x 6 cedar. Grain is tight in some boards, not so on others. Mostly bark side up. Any ideas on a good bit type? Technique?

Chris

RobertCDF

I sometimes round over the end cuts... But I use a roundover with a bearing so I just turn it on and run it down the side.

__________________
Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

doubleaction

I do the same thing. get a bit with a bearing that way you set your depth and run it across all the edges.

__________________
Patriot Broadcasting Network

BuiltByMAC

Tips...
Make sure to avoid having the router "dip in" to the boards when you go across a gap between boards.
Something to watch for is boards sitting higher than their neighbor. It will throw your edge when your router tilts.

Bits...
Practice on shop boards to find the profile you want to use -

1/2" or 3/8" roundover bit
45º chamfer bit

will get you started.

Technique...
Slow, even progress. one handed operation of the router gives you one hand to crawl on as you move forward. If you're chipping out big chunks of board, make your first pass a climb cut (go backwards so the router wants to "run" down the board). Control the speed and don't worry about getting all the wood on the backwards run. Once you've run it once backwards, run it forwards (chip-cut). http://home.att.net/~waterfront-wood...p-Cutting.html

You still might want to clean up the routered edge with a random orbit sander.

Another option is to belt sand a chamfered edge, clean with random orbit sander.

You can sand a roundover edge with a random orbit sander too. Start with 40 grit to make curve, clean up with 80 grit.

Pics? Before and after your chosen edge treatment?



Mac

John Hyatt

I use endgrain trim rips of the decking glued and screwed on with a router detail on the trim before install. John

mickeyco

I use a straight edge nailed or clamped to guide the router, I don't like using the bearing for the reasons stated by Mac. First make a few passes with a flush bit to make sure all the ends are even, then I use the round over and do it in a few passes with the last one being a real small cut to get a smooth even edge.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

Chris G

Watching out for uneven boards was great help. On cedar it was easy to sand out and blend, but I can imagine it being a bigger problem with harder woods.

I tried the 1/4 roundover first, but it was little subtle, so I went with the 3/8. It's a front porch with no rail, so can sit on the edge and swing your legs. It's kind of the perfect height for that. 24". Never tried the chamfer bit. The pics don't really show the detail too much. I have to admit, in the past I've only used bits without a bearing, so this was way more forgiving than I thought it would be.

I'm going to kerf cut a fascia to bend around the cantilevered joists.

The first pic is before I started routering. And before anyone asks, the blocks are not there to hold up my joists.

Attached Images

  

Tom M

I use a straight egde for a circular saw. Then a 3/8 round over is a nice touch. But Mickey do you always use a flush bit? I have considered this many times but decided against. Its looks good for a circular or curved deck.

zukkoor

Most important thing is keep router flat and don't go to fast and you should be fine. If you are unsure try it on some scrap pieces of wood first.

mickeyco

Not always, and depending if it's a deck or a porch (porches are usually finished nicer), if it's tounge & groove, composite or standard deck boards and if it's side grain or end grain. I've had some nasty tear out trying to clean up the edges of end grain with a router, I've learned to remove it in small amounts on end grain.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

TempestV

I did a deck with a border around the entire deck that made it so that you couldn't router all of the boards at the same time, we ran the router over the ends of each board before we put them it. The round over was very slight- set to match the slight round over on the sides of the board, 1/8 inch radius I believe. we used a bearing in that instance.