Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

[tpremo55]

I have always done all my work with bare MDF and veneered later. This results in fun cutting the veneer out of the driver/port/terminal cup holes. This time, I am working with a cabinet that has already been veneered and am cutting the holes. I've tried the tape on the cabinet (it does prohibit scratching but it also rolls and snags the router). I'm currently scrutinizing the surface of my Jasper jig for imperfections (and removing the tape goo after the tape approach failed).

Any other ideas to keep the router base from scratching the veneer?

Thanks!

[Steve Henry]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

I have always done all my work with bare MDF and veneered later. This results in fun cutting the veneer out of the driver/port/terminal cup holes. This time, I am working with a cabinet that has already been veneered and am cutting the holes. I've tried the tape on the cabinet (it does prohibit scratching but it also rolls and snags the router). I'm currently scrutinizing the surface of my Jasper jig for imperfections (and removing the tape goo after the tape approach failed).

Any other ideas to keep the router base from scratching the veneer?

Thanks!

I have used white contact paper with good results.

[tpremo55]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

I have used white contact paper with good results.

Thanks for the tip. I just dug some up and will give it a try. Certainly sounds like it would do the trick.

[tpremo55]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

Use a protective film (such as the afore mentioned contact paper if you can find some with low tack, or buy the real 3M protective film product), and be sure to use a sharp bit with a downcut spiral to push the veneer fibers down against the substrate during the cut.




.

Thanks - the contact paper that I have is picking up a little (snagging) but is certainly working better. I only have a spiral up-cut, but it seems to be cutting pretty clean. I'll have to add a down-cut bit to my inventory for next time.

[JRT]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

I have always done all my work with bare MDF and veneered later. This results in fun cutting the veneer out of the driver/port/terminal cup holes. This time, I am working with a cabinet that has already been veneered and am cutting the holes. I've tried the tape on the cabinet (it does prohibit scratching but it also rolls and snags the router). I'm currently scrutinizing the surface of my Jasper jig for imperfections (and removing the tape goo after the tape approach failed).

Any other ideas to keep the router base from scratching the veneer?

Thanks!

If the surface is finished and it is that finish that is getting scratched, then use a protective film (such as the afore mentioned contact paper if you can find some with low tack, or buy a suitable 3M protective film product).

If it is unfinished, you shouldn't be needing protective films, there shouldn't be any burrs or projecting sharp edges that would cause problems on raw veneer. Look for whatever is causig the problem and correct it.


Use a sharp bit with a downcut spiral. That will push the veneer fibers down against the substrate during the cut, reducing or eliminating tear out problems.







.

[JRT]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

Thanks - the contact paper that I have is picking up a little (snagging) but is certainly working better. I only have a spiral up-cut, but it seems to be cutting pretty clean. I'll have to add a down-cut bit to my inventory for next time.

You shouldn't be having this problem if you are machining an unfinished veneer surface. You need to deburr or otherwise correct whatever is causing the problem.







.

[tpremo55]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

You shouldn't be having this problem if you are machining an unfinished veneer surface. You need to deburr or otherwise correct whatever is causing the problem.
.

Quite right - and you got me thinking further rather than trying to get around the problem. When I first started using the router, I had to grind down the heads of the screws as they extended out past the base of the Jasper jig (the stock base plate was no problem). Well apparently changing the baseplate put the screws in a different position that allowed one of them to again reach down and scratch the working surface. A few strokes of a file and we were back in business. As I had already resolved the problem once, I didn't think that would be the culprit.

Thanks!

[cpcarter]

Re: Router tracks... Scratching Veneer

Instead of taping the veneer surface why not just tape the router base?
CC