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Rookie router question

19 years ago

I want to get a table and cutout a recess in the tabletop (about 1/8-1/4" deep x 1.5'x1.5' or so) to inlay tile. I've never used a router before, what do I need? Plunge router with straight bit? Do you cut it out from one end to the other or from the inside out?

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Comments (3)

Jon1270
19 years ago
Before you go too far, what material will you be cutting into? Tile shouldn't be set on solid wood, so you might want to just start with a sheet of plywood to support the tile and build up a frame around it, rather than the router stunt.
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User
19 years ago
You will need a straightedge that can be clamped on the table to use as a guide. You need to make sure the table and legs are strong enough to support all the extra weight. If the table isn't strong enough, the tiles/grout will move and crack.

A plunge router with a straight bit will work just fine----larger bits such as a 3/4" will take more material and thus be faster. It is usually easier to start in the center and work a quarter of the area. That way you have some of the original surface on which to steady the router base. Do some practicing on a piece of plywood, you will quickly see where the problems occur and what technique is best.
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pilam99
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks. I was hoping to find some sort of old tag sale pedestal table and inlay a chess board into it so not sure what type of wood but I'm looking for something cheap so if I ruin it, only my labor will be wasted.
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