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    Ep 4: Router Table Fundamentals – Mortises

    In this episode, Bob creates accurate and repeatable mortises that will make quick work of any cabinet door

    Author Headshot By Bob Van Dyke Sep 24, 2018

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    Videos in the Series

    • Ep 1: Router Table Fundamentals – Intro and Safety

      September 4, 2018

      Bob Van Dyke demonstrates the various types of router tables, and the accessories you need to safely use them

    • Ep 2: Router Table Fundamentals- Adjustments

      September 11, 2018

      In this episode, Bob demonstrates tips and tricks to get your fence and bit set exactly where you need it

    • Ep 3: Router Table Fundamentals – Edge Profiles and Rabbets

      September 17, 2018

      In this episode, Bob demonstrates the subtleties of working the edges of a board with a router table

    • Ep 4: Router Table Fundamentals – Mortises

      September 24, 2018

      In this episode, Bob creates accurate and repeatable mortises that will make quick work of any cabinet door

    • Ep 5: Router Table Fundamentals – Tenons

      October 1, 2018

      In the final episode of this series, Bob demonstrates how to cut tenons on the router table, which is a great solution for those who don't have a tablesaw

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    About This Video Workshop

    How to Use a Router Table A router in a table is often simpler and more stable to use than a handheld router. Whether you choose a basic MDF square with a router attached to it or a complex piece of manufactured equipment, in this video workshop, Bob Van Dyke will show you the ins-and-outs of using this workshop workhorse. More from FineWoodworking.com: Build Your Own Router Table The Physics of Machine Safety Tool Test:… More about this Video Workshop

    Comments

    1. User avater
      byoregon | Sep 25, 2018 06:12pm | #1

      I think an important piece of this might been edited out.
      At about the half way point, Bob says "this is why it was so important to be perfectly centered". But he had never talked about that before. Getting a well-centered mortise has always been one of my challenges with this technique.

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Sep 26, 2018 07:56am | #2

        Bob covers that in episode 2 around 10:15.

    2. DustinDawind | Sep 26, 2018 08:09am | #3

      Bob mentions he’d do it differently in a larger piece like a table leg. What does he have in mind (eg using a plunge router instead because the larger size is more unwieldy and harder to set stop blocks for)?

    3. user-6193229 | Oct 03, 2018 09:27pm | #4

      I always enjoy, and learn something when I watch Bob's video.

    4. User avater
      byoregon | Oct 08, 2018 04:31pm | #5

      Yep. Thanks Ben.

    5. User avater
      Dustpunk | Nov 15, 2018 04:36pm | #6

      Picked up some great setup tips. Thanks Bob

    6. JimVisser | Dec 10, 2018 08:17am | #7

      Using the screw in the end of the stop block is a great idea--to clear debris and to micro-adjust. Thanks!

    7. User avater
      weathbu | Apr 28, 2019 11:55am | #8

      While making the mortise cut in episode 4 the first half of each cut will be "downhill" and the second half will be a climb cut (see attachment). One half of each cut will always be doing a climb cut and the other half will be cutting "downhill", no matter the feed direction. The bit is spinning so fast though the these alternating climb/downhill cuts alternate so fast that the oscillating effect is negligible. The only time this varies is if you're widening the mortise because the bit is smaller then the intended mortise. Then you need to think about the direction.

    8. Deleted | Sep 04, 2019 11:35am | #9

      “[Deleted]”

    9. user-7534154 | Sep 04, 2019 11:39am | #10

      For the mortise cuts in episode 4, the stop screws need to be at least as high as the final router bit height. Imagine a circle centered at the stop screw, sweeping through the router bit tip. Does it cut too far into the wood, as we pivot? It won't, if the stop screw is high enough. He gets this right, but he doesn't flag this issue.

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