Joined
·
46,526 Posts
put the template on top of the decking? use a top bearing spiral bit? The spiral will probably cut much better then a straight.router with spiral bit and template
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.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...
Thanks m1911 for all your info. I don't use routers very often, thanks for the education.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.
yes, just don't try to do it in one pass.Is a 1-3/4 hp router sufficient?
yup, got a couple old ones with d-handle too. Tough sumbiches they are.Yeah, mines the pc6902
and made in Merica! :laughing:yup, got a couple old ones with d-handle too. Tough sumbiches they are.
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.