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Which router bit size do I need?

10K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  Lewellen  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm a noob to routing. Looking to rout a table top edge, ogee style. The thickness is 3\4". I want no shoulders of fillets or whatever they are called, just soft curves. I hope I explained myself clearly. Thanks for ANY help!
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
When looking at bits you will see "Roman" Ogee, and these have the squared edges you talk of. You will also just see Ogee, and these are the all curve you want.

Showing Whiteside's because they have a pretty good template to explain what I am saying.

Ogee bits

https://www.holbren.com/ogee-router-bits/

Roman ogee bits.

https://www.holbren.com/roman-ogee-router-bits/

Getting a larger profile will assure you that you can cover the complete edge.

I have the Infinity 59-564 on the page below, and it's perfect for 3/4" stock. The 17-555 would do well for 3/4. or larger stock, a test cut or 2 to get the depth you want for the correct look you are after.

https://www.infinitytools.com/ogee-router-bits-7287

Should add I'm running this on a router table. You can do hand held, just need a good edge guide.
 
#5 ·
Actually, with no fillets, that makes it a roundover bit…

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To do soft curves top and bottom, run it once form the top, and once more from the bottom. With a 3/4 thickness to your material, you have to go smaller than 3/8, because you need a flat to ride the bit on. You could do 5/16, and leave 1/8" flat in the middle. Or, you could do 1/4 and leave 1/4 in the middle… Or do a soft 1/8 and leave 1/2" in the middle flat.

You can get a bit that does a full half circle, but you'd need a template, or some method to keep the bit at the proper depth…

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Or, you could put a bead on the top and bottom, by using a half round bit smaller than 3/4 diameter.
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
Whiteside router bits, 2017 catalog #47, page 21. They show different 'Table Edge Profiles'. https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/search?q=table+edge+profiles&type=product They also have 'Ogee Fillet' bits and different shapes of 'Ogee ' bits, page #20 https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/search?q=Ogee&type=product You can get a free calatog of Whiteside router bits at your local Whiteside supplier, or get one through Whiteside. This brand is top quality and American made in Claremont, North Carolina. I get these bits from Woodstock Supply, their website on 'Table Edge' https://www.woodstocksupply.com/catalog/router-bits/edge-and-profile-bits/filter/table_edge_bits.html their website on 'Ogee' https://www.woodstocksupply.com/catalog/router-bits/edge-and-profile-bits/filter/ogee.html
 
#8 ·
I m a noob to routing. Looking to rout a table top edge, ogee style. The thickness is 3". I want no shoulders of fillets or whatever they are called, just soft curves. I hope I explained myself clearly. Thanks for ANY help!

- Lewellen
I'm just going on the plural use of the word curve, that is an Ogee. All others suggested either have the flat edge, or just a one way curve. OP needs to jump back in, because we have him surrounded with suggestions now.
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
I agree with Mark: the Ogee (Oh-Gee) can be used in a few different
configurations - depending on the project.
it is my favorite profile bit for the tops of cabinets and some tables.
"soft edges" are acquired with gentle finessing the sharp edges with sanding blocks.

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#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thanks for all the info guys. I can't find the exact profile pic to post here and show what I mean, but I guess what I'm saying is the edge would be like two steps down but curves, no abrupt stops. Even the top edge of the table top would be curves, and this profile would would fill the entire 3\4' of the board edge. I'm very sorry for the total noobiness on my part.
 
#12 ·
LewEllen - if you can draw the profile you want on paper with
a black marker, that would put us all on the same page as you (basically).
don't try to achieve actual size or to scale, just the profile edge.
hundreds of edge profiles can be made with multiple router bits
and also adding a small edge underneath the table top to give it thickness.

.
 
#14 ·
I achieve that profile using a table edge bit. To get the rounded top line would be difficult for any bit as it would have to curve over. I don't think it would cut well doing that. So a little sanded edge is required. You can get them in various sizes so the curve can be long or more stubby. For me this is the only way to get this type of edge that I've seen in my limited work with routed edges.

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#16 ·
After HOURS on google I ve come to the conclusion that there is no such bit. Thanks for all the info anyway guys. I learned a lot about router bits from this post and the links you shared!

- Lewellen
In my post above I've never seen one exactly like you want but the one I use (picture) is very close. A little sandpaper on the top edge after will make the profile. And it is a table edge router bit.