I am trying to build some stepstools for my granddaughter. The plans call for use of oak stair treads, 1-1/8 in thick. There is to be a cut out for a handhold in the top step, and I'm having trouble with that.
I drilled out the ends of the slot with a Forstner bit without problem. But I'm not getting the slot cut successfully. I tried a router with spiral bit, but the jig I used guiding the router didn't hold, the bit jerked, and ruined the work piece. I bought a new piece but decided to practice on the old one to see what worked. I tried making a series of drill holes with the Forstner, and did get them to line up well, but have not had any luck chiseling out the ridges in between the holes. I tried joining them up with a jigsaw and a straight guide, but the sides of the cut were not truly vertical, and the cut missed the far hole by a fraction. I tried using the router on the ridges that the Forstner bit left between holes, and had the same problem with the jig not guiding well.
So what would you suggest.? I thought about not putting the handholds in, but the ends of the slots are already drilled out.
I drilled out the ends of the slot with a Forstner bit without problem. But I'm not getting the slot cut successfully. I tried a router with spiral bit, but the jig I used guiding the router didn't hold, the bit jerked, and ruined the work piece. I bought a new piece but decided to practice on the old one to see what worked. I tried making a series of drill holes with the Forstner, and did get them to line up well, but have not had any luck chiseling out the ridges in between the holes. I tried joining them up with a jigsaw and a straight guide, but the sides of the cut were not truly vertical, and the cut missed the far hole by a fraction. I tried using the router on the ridges that the Forstner bit left between holes, and had the same problem with the jig not guiding well.
So what would you suggest.? I thought about not putting the handholds in, but the ends of the slots are already drilled out.
Comment