Guys, I have a rough slab to flatten and am making a router sled, to do the work I found an Whiteside 6220 router bit which looks like it would do a good job. Found some carbide insert ones that are not in the budget, ($100) any others I should look at?

 

While I'm asking I'd love to be able to afford the Woodpecker version I have a beer budget can you guys share your router jig setups please?

Edited August 19, 20196 yr by Pat Meeuwissen

That's the one I use on mesquite. Good bit. 

Thanks Gene

Whiteside bit is a good one.  I feel ya on the beer budget but champagne tastes.  I have yet to win the lottery so beer it shall be.  

 I have used these before with much success, https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/collections/bowl-tray-bits/products/1376

The cutting diameter may be smaller for what you'll need but the round profile helps with chip out.

Pat, would this help you out?  I have no experience with or knowledge of this bit, other than that I have seen it advertised.

 

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Planes/StewMac_Safe-T-Planer.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2019-08-gp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT8_A-Z3p2EF5z8lvqRpv1zOLURS9VolnepCewuMcxGE6A7KzxSdTSQQaAghoEALw_wcB

Tom, those little planers are really handy but, they sure would be dangerous in a router. 

If used in a hand-held configuration, I agree with you Gene.  If the router was mounted on a flattening sled, do you think that would work?

2 minutes ago, PostalTom said:

If used in a hand-held configuration, I agree with you Gene.  If the router was mounted on a flattening sled, do you think that would work?

I think the router would be way to fast. I 'll check mine later but, I'm sure there's a Max speed limit. 

You're probably right.  I hadn't thought of that.  In fact, I think the planer bit I was looking at was marketed/designed to be used on a drill press.  That would be much slower than a router.  Good call.

Just checked the box. Big, red caution. Max speed is 3000 rpm. 

You could chuck it up in a drill press or on a Shopsmith and it would work dandy.  

1 hour ago, FlGatorwood said:

You could chuck it up in a drill press or on a Shopsmith and it would work dandy.  

That's how mine is used since that's the only DP I've got. But, only for small stuff or, if a wide bevel is needed.

Big slabs get the router sled tretment.  

Edited August 24, 20196 yr by Gene Howe

Guys, thanks for the suggestions and I'll be getting the original bit I inquired about.

 

I would love to see some pics of your sleds for doing this?? 

 

Or suggestions for making a good solid version, I've seen quite a few on YouTube that when the router is being pushed back and forth that the carriage dips in the center under the weight.

Pat, mine is all made of 3/4 mdf. I use a 3 hp freud router. Pretty heavy. The piece it slides on is only wide enough for the base plate. The slot for the bit is barely wider than the bit. The sides are about 1 1/2 " high. The sled is 36" long. I've had no problems with sags. The  runners are just L shape pieces. Mine will accept a 4" thick slab. 

Edited August 27, 20196 yr by Gene Howe

50 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Pat, mine is all made of 3/4 mdf.

And a good design.  Formica can be added to the top and bottom to improve the stiffness.  

That would make it slick, too. But, those side pieces do the stiffening pretty well. 

 Sorry to being so late answering your question but I think what you are looking for is a surface planning bit. Check out Magnate. All the bits I use with the Legacy Ornamental Mill I buy from them... they have 7 different widths from 3/4" up to 2 3/4".  The speeds they recommend are based on the width of the cutting area. Don't know what speeds for any bit while typing.

10 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Pat, mine is all made of 3/4 mdf. I use a 3 hp freud router. Pretty heavy. The piece it slides on is only wide enough for the base plate. The slot for the bit is barely wider than the bit. The sides are about 1 1/2 " high. The sled is 36" long. I've had no problems with sags. The  runners are just L shape pieces. Mine will accept a 4" thick slab. 

Never had good luck working with mdf, even bought the special conformat? screws, predrilled and the material still split on me. I have a Porter cable 3 1/2 horse plunge router so have plenty of power to work with the larger bit. 

Pat, like most competitively marketed wood products there are various densities and, grades of MDF. From less than 40lb per Cubic ft. up to over 50 lb. If you can get the heavier grade, you shouldn't experience splits and blow outs. I use pan head screws from the local hardware, similar to Confirmats but cheaper. I suppose one wouldn't really need screws for the sled but, I kinda over build.