How to router edges on wood puzzles?

[harrisg Member - Level 2 Find all posts View Profile Close harrisg]

First let me say I know nothing about routers except that I just got a Craftsman router table and router. I've noticed that some puzzle instructions as well patterns say to router the edges with a 1/8" inch round bit. From what I've seen from these machines, it's really easy to get hurt so how would you router the edges of wood puzzle pieces safely? Are there bits with guides like they have when trimming formica?

Harris

[wwalker47 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wwalker47]

Edge sanding

harrisg-

I have done some stand-up puzzles for my granddaughter and I just sand down the edges with sandpaper. I use the sanding drum attachment for the drimmel tool, as well. Some use flap sanders, there are some small ones for the trammel tool, as well I haven't use one as of yet, but plan to soon.

I think the router would be too big to round off edges on puzzles.

-Bill

[Thomp Master Procrastinator Find all posts View Profile Close Thomp]

First let me say I know nothing about routers except that I just got a Craftsman router table and router. I've noticed that some puzzle instructions as well patterns say to router the edges with a 1/8" inch round bit. From what I've seen from these machines, it's really easy to get hurt so how would you router the edges of wood puzzle pieces safely? Are there bits with guides like they have when trimming formica?

Harris

harris,

if you have no experiance with a router it is a good tool to get hurt with.

but if you are as hard headed as me or determined to find a use for the router go to sears and get there router book.

Craftsman Router Techniques $15.99

they tell you more than safe operations of the tool.
they tell you how to build fences and other safety devices that allow you to work more safely with the tool. with some experiance and several hundred dollars worth of bits you will be having lots of fun...
the sears 1/8th" roundover bit with bearing. should cost about $20.00
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00964213000

of course wear all saftey gear hearing protection and eye protection,

the roundover bit they are mentioning is bit with a bearing. on the end,
depending on the shape of the puzzle to be routed it could be quite difficult to get into some tight places. where the bit ot bearing is too big,

of course im sure they mean to rout the puzzle before its segmented.

[Gill Fallen Angel Find all posts View Profile Close Gill]

I find router bits can be too large so I use a Dremel multi-tool with a roundover bit in its router table. I've also used some offcuts to make pads with the very tips of nails protruding to hold down my work and to keep my fingers well away from the cutting bits when they are in use.

Gill