this post was submitted on 11 Jan 2025
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Woodworking

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Is a router the right tool to make long 1/8”-3/16” wide grooves or slots in wood? It seems like I could do it with a circular saw, but only if the desired width matches my blade kerf. I don’t have a table saw. If it is the right tool, does anyone have bits or bit sets they recommend for such small cuts?

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[–] Death_Equity@lemmy.world 10 points 6 months ago (2 children)

They do make 1/8th router bit and table saw blades, buy quality or you may regret it and you will have to take as much time as the cutter will go.

For 3/16, either get that size router bit or use the 1/8 kerf saw blade and run it back to get it to the 3/16.

There are 1/8 routing hand planes to cut that size channel if you are about that life.

Personally, I would use a router table with the right sized bit because a 1/8 table saw blade makes me feel irrationally uncomfortable and using a routing hand plane for anything deeper than 1/8 would be entirely too tiresome.

[–] HewlettHackard@lemmy.ca 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Thank you. On the 1/8 table saw blade, your concern is that you prefer narrower, lighter blades?

Do you have any particular recommendations for identifying quality router bits?

[–] Death_Equity@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago

I would feel safer using a thicker table saw blade, a 1/8 blade feels sketchy to me. 1/4 is a pretty standard size kerf for good reason. It could be entirely safe with caution and safe in terms of physics, but even an 800rpm blade at 1/8 thick feels like a pinch could be a disaster when you cut too deep.

I don't have a specific brand of features to look for, but this is a case where you get what you pay for. Spending $60 on that bit can be worth more than spending $20 on that size bit in frustration and medical bills alone.