Any woodworkers?

Bro, you're a freaking genius. Thank you!

 

Also with soft wood you might need to slow it down. I use a Bosch (1617EVS) and found 4-6 is about right.

 

I've been doing edges on white oak, and didn't even think to slow it down for the pine. I'm going to try dropping it down to 4 and go from there. That little Craftsman router has some speed to it.

 

You actually want to do the opposite. Slower speeds on hard woods so the bit doesn't burn the wood. Higher speed on softwood.
Also keep in mind that when you change bits, if the cutting diameter changes, that means the speed changes; even if you don't adjust it on the router itself. Let's say you set the router to "4." A bit with a 1/4" cutting diameter is going to spin slower (at the cutting face) than a bit with a cutting diameter of 3/4". The machine is also working harder in the latter case.

 

Oh yeah, I had to adjust how much pressure I was putting against the bit/bearing when rounding over that oak. I didn't notice any burns, but I'll definitely go back and double check. Appreciate the wisdom!

 

I had read that before, but with anything pine, if I go up in speed it’s a disaster. I’m sure someone with more experience could come show me how to make it work that way, just me though... it’s the only way I’ve gotten smooth cuts.

 

Without knowing the specifics of the disaster it's hard to give any tips. I'll throw out a couple of ideas though:
Make sure you check the grain direction vs. the cut direction. You get tear out when you are cutting against how the grain "runs out."
My other thought, since pine is pine, is that you may be getting rough or fuzzy cuts. This could be as simple as having a dull or chipped cutter head. Everyone says to make sure you take multiple small passes with a router, and while that's true, you don't want your final pass to be too small. If it's too small then there's not enough material to absorb the heat and cool the cutter head, possibly leading to the edge losing temper, becoming brittle, and ultimately winding up with a bunch of micro chips.

Again, I'm not sure what's happening with your projects, but those are just two common issues that come up.

 

use quality bits, also clean the bits with mineral spirits when using pine, the sap can gum up your bit...thats all i got in addition to whats been said

 

On those notes; I always hit them with a brass brush after use and run the flat edges with a diamond file real quick. Keeps them ready for the next use.

 

Sounds expensive haha.

 

Funny you mention spiral bits- I actually just ordered one a few weeks ago. Looking forward to a project that I'll need it.

 

i learned the hard way, it really does help when you have quality bits vs harbor freight bits...

 

It's a world of difference, isn't it?! "Damn, this wood is tough!" "Holy crap, it's like butter!"

 

So then, what's everyone's opinion of Freud bits? I've had good luck with them(so far), and they're not terribly expensive.

 

Or why is this ripping out?? Its pine...put new quality bit on, dang i dont even need to sand this.....

 

I'm a big fan of Freud. Maybe because they almost employed me, but I think has more to do with the quality of their tools. It's about the only router bit I buy anymore. I'm sure there are better ones out there, but as you said, Freud isn't terribly expensive.

 

90% of my router bits are Freud , good value IMO