I have to build 16 cabinet doors… which is quite a bit. They are simple stile and rail doors, joined with loose tenons.
Now I am wondering what would be the most efficient way to cut the grooves for the panels? I have done this before with a 1/4" upcut spiral bit on a router table. But I am wondering if a slotting cutter wouldn't be better for this job.
I have seen a video where someone used a slotting cutter with a hand-held router. The door was dry assembled with clamps, popped up, and then the slot was simply cut by "riding the inside edge", so to speak. The only problem would be, that the width of the slot would have to exactly match the panel thickness… There are adjustable slotting cutters, but quite expensive.
The other option would be a router table, and route the slots into the individual pieces, using a stop block or markings on the workpiece to make the stopped cuts on the stiles.
I'd love to hear your technique, let's make my life easier
Now I am wondering what would be the most efficient way to cut the grooves for the panels? I have done this before with a 1/4" upcut spiral bit on a router table. But I am wondering if a slotting cutter wouldn't be better for this job.
I have seen a video where someone used a slotting cutter with a hand-held router. The door was dry assembled with clamps, popped up, and then the slot was simply cut by "riding the inside edge", so to speak. The only problem would be, that the width of the slot would have to exactly match the panel thickness… There are adjustable slotting cutters, but quite expensive.
The other option would be a router table, and route the slots into the individual pieces, using a stop block or markings on the workpiece to make the stopped cuts on the stiles.
I'd love to hear your technique, let's make my life easier