6 Profiles
An interesting edge can be the perfect highlight on a prized project. The problem is, quality router bits can be expensive—as much as $50 apiece. Who wants to spend that much on a one-trick pony? Here's the thing: Most router bits can produce at least a couple of different profiles. In this article, I'll show you how you can use an ogee with a fillet to create six different profiles. The one I own runs about $40. Its durable and extremely sharp carbide cutting surfaces contribute to the cost of this near lifetime-lasting bit.
Start by mounting the bit in your table-mounted router, and set your router's speed according to the bit manufacturer's specifications. (I set my router to 18,000 rpm.) The first three profiles are made with the face of the bit's bearing set flush with the table fence, photo below.
By adjusting the bit's depth of cut, you can isolate sections of the bit's profile, photo's below.
FLUSH THE BEARING
To make the next three profiles, you'll need to slide the router fence forward, photos below.
BURY THE BEARING
For additional profiles, try the same bit setups with the face of the board against the fence. If variety is the spice of life, this is the entire spice cabinet.
Because my memory occasionally lasts only as long as the exercise, I created a storyboard with each of the profiles on the edge, photo below. Of course, if your shop is anything like mine, finding that storyboard when it's needed may be another story.
How fast should you go? Learn how to adjust router bit speeds for better cut quality. woodmagazine.com/routerbitspeed