Which router bit for flattening slabs?

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Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Gregory of Sherwood Forest - 11-27-2018

I've been using a 3/4" straight bit for flattening the smaller slabs I've been doing so far, but it's time to move up in size.
I'm using a PC 2 1/4hp router. It's the largest in my current arsenal, and I'd rather not buy yet another quite yet, so this may be a limiting factor, but if I must....

So, which router bit have you folks been using to flatten your slabs, preferably in as few passes as possible and still get good results and ready for sanding?

Thanks in advance.

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - FS7 - 11-27-2018

(11-27-2018, 03:41 PM)Gregory of Sherwood Forest Wrote: I've been using a 3/4" straight bit for flattening the smaller slabs I've been doing so far, but it's time to move up in size.
I'm using a PC 2 1/4hp router. It's the largest in my current arsenal, and I'd rather not buy yet another quite yet, so this may be a limiting factor, but if I must....

So, which router bit have you folks been using to flatten your slabs, preferably in as few passes as possible and still get good results and ready for sanding?

Thanks in advance.

I use the MLCS bit and accept that I will have to sand when I'm done. I'd sand anyway and the time savings is worth it.

Google bottom cleaning bits. I use a 2" bit, as anything bigger really requires a 3+ HP router (which I don't have). 2" is still pretty large and right at the edge of what I'm comfortable with in a non-table router.

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Huxleywood - 11-27-2018

(11-27-2018, 03:41 PM)Gregory of Sherwood Forest Wrote: I've been using a 3/4" straight bit for flattening the smaller slabs I've been doing so far, but it's time to move up in size.
I'm using a PC 2 1/4hp router. It's the largest in my current arsenal, and I'd rather not buy yet another quite yet, so this may be a limiting factor, but if I must....

So, which router bit have you folks been using to flatten your slabs, preferably in as few passes as possible and still get good results and ready for sanding?

Thanks in advance.

The current thinking seems to lean toward using insert spoil board bits like Amana makes.

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Rob Young - 11-27-2018

(11-27-2018, 03:41 PM)Gregory of Sherwood Forest Wrote: I've been using a 3/4" straight bit for flattening the smaller slabs I've been doing so far, but it's time to move up in size.
I'm using a PC 2 1/4hp router. It's the largest in my current arsenal, and I'd rather not buy yet another quite yet, so this may be a limiting factor, but if I must....

So, which router bit have you folks been using to flatten your slabs, preferably in as few passes as possible and still get good results and ready for sanding?

Thanks in advance.

I have one of these, or maybe just a bit smaller :

Scary bit

I think I used it once as a way for flattening some boards and it was quite the operation. If I can find it, do you want to try it?

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Gregory of Sherwood Forest - 11-27-2018

Thanks Huxleywood, that's the bit I was thinking of, but couldn't recall the name. I think I'll be investing in one. I can use the $$ I saved on that $207 DW735 shelix cutter deal!

Thanks Rob, but I'll pass on that. If you weren't confident using it, I probably wouldn't be either.

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - EdL - 11-27-2018

I've used an 1 1/4 diameter mortice bit for my workbench top, worked great.

Good thing, it was all I had......

Ed

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Big Dave - 11-27-2018

Both Infinity & Whiteside make a bit for flattening slabs. I read a review of these not too long ago that had both of them doing quite well, but I've never used either one...

Two pennies worth...
Smirk

Dave

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Stwood_ - 11-28-2018

(11-27-2018, 08:32 PM)EdL Wrote: I've used an 1 1/4 diameter mortice bit for my workbench top, worked great.

Good thing, it was all I had......

Ed

Ayup. Mine is whiteside brand, used for flushing face frames to ply box sides.
I bought a lipping base from Pat Warner for router use and he recommended the bit.

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - Rob Young - 11-28-2018

(11-27-2018, 05:15 PM)Gregory of Sherwood Forest Wrote: Thanks Huxleywood, that's the bit I was thinking of, but couldn't recall the name. I think I'll be investing in one. I can use the $$ I saved on that $207 DW735 shelix cutter deal!

Thanks Rob, but I'll pass on that. If you weren't confident using it, I probably wouldn't be either.

Oh, it worked, but because it is 2-1/2" across, I had to turn down speed and take shallow cuts. Probably could have done it just as quickly with a 3/4" and a deeper cut.

More a test of the clamping method for the small piece than anything else.
Smile

RE: Which router bit for flattening slabs? - fishhh4 - 11-28-2018

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