[Calidecks]

What would you guys use to cut this radius around this pool coping? Just Curius to see how others would attack this.

I made a 1/4" template of the whole radius so I can get a good scribe on my decking. The decking is going to be 1" capped composite.

 

[Calidecks]

Heres another

 

[m1911]

router with spiral bit and template

 

[Calidecks]

router with spiral bit and template

put the template on top of the decking? use a top bearing spiral bit? The spiral will probably cut much better then a straight.

 

[m1911]

make a clean template from mdf, nice smooth curve. Use a top bearing solid carbide up spiral bit. Key is to locate and mark the template to your primeter carefully before you put down the deck so you know where to tack down the template. If that makes any sense...

 

[Calidecks]

make a clean template from mdf, nice smooth curve. Use a top bearing solid carbide up spiral bit. Key is to locate and mark the template to your primeter carefully before you put down the deck so you know where to tack down the template. If that makes any sense...

Yes I already did that exactly, I made templates from 1/4 mdf I also made marks on the concrete to indicate exactly where my template placement will be. Can you post a pic of the bit your talking about. The last time I did this if was pretty hard on the bit. I used a 1/2 shank carbide Freud straight bit. I have a 1-3/4 hp Portercable I'm thinking of buying a bigger router. composite is tough on a router.

 

[m1911]

use a whiteside bit and don't try to do it in one pass, which may or may not seem obvious. That's why I suggested an up-cut bit.
top bearing or use a guide bush

it was hard because you used a straight bit, a spiral bit shears the material

 

[Calidecks]

Would you go with a 1/2" diameter?

 

[m1911]

I've always used a 1/4" and made several passes, larger bit is trying to remove too much material since the bit is in the middle of the material, not edge routing. If you don't push it too hard it won't snap the bit.

 

[Calidecks]

I've always used a 1/4" and made several passes, larger bit is trying to remove too much material since the bit is in the middle of the material, not edge routing. If you don't push it too hard it won't snap the bit.

Thanks m1911 for all your info. I don't use routers very often, thanks for the education.

 

[m1911]

if you can't find a long enough 1/4 spiral bit locally, to clear the material and template, you'll have to get a 1/2", since more lengths are usually available
but since most of the composite is closer to an inch now days, it should be fine

 

[Calidecks]

Is a 1-3/4 hp router sufficient?

 

[m1911]

Is a 1-3/4 hp router sufficient?

yes, just don't try to do it in one pass.
I use a PC690 for most handheld router needs, and it's fine. You're not trying to turn a panel raising bit with it! :laughing:

 

[Calidecks]

Yeah, mines the pc6902

 

[m1911]

Yeah, mines the pc6902

yup, got a couple old ones with d-handle too. Tough sumbiches they are.

 

[Calidecks]

yup, got a couple old ones with d-handle too. Tough sumbiches they are.

and made in Merica! :laughing:

 

[overanalyze]

I was going to say router...like others. Sounds like you have it figured out now Cali. Looking forward to the pics of this one!

 

[EthanB]

You might be able to speed up the guide process by splitting some 1x4 azek and mounting that, if it will bend enough for the radius. Then you don't have to cut and sand the template. The second piece should back the first so it will be more rigid and give you a wider base for your router.

 

[hdavis]

You might be able to speed up the guide process by splitting some 1x4 azek and mounting that, if it will bend enough for the radius. Then you don't have to cut and sand the template. The second piece should back the first so it will be more rigid and give you a wider base for your router.

That would be my first pick.

 

[Xtrememtnbiker]

And here I was... thinking about a jigsaw. Don't listen to me, I'm young and dumb... lol.

But thanks for the awesome ideas all you old wise guys. :thumbsup: :laughing: