Minimizing Router Tear out

[Linas]

I am going to be cleaning up my body today with my templates and a router. I was wondering if you guys have any tips or techniques you use to minimize getting tear out with the router. I am working with myrtle, and so far it seems like it is prone to tear out.

 

[pilotjones]

Second column, halfway down.
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[wilser]

Although a little dangerous if care is not taken, various light climb cuts (following the direction of the bit rotation instead of the 'safe' against the bit rotation) and after the desired dimension is achieved take regular cuts will yield a very smooth surface. I learned this trick on David Mark's show on DYI.

 

[pilotjones]

Wilser, so you mean: climb cuts until you hit the template, followed by a finish pass of standard cut?

 

[wilser]

Wilser, so you mean: climb cuts until you hit the template, followed by a finish pass of standard cut?

yes. bear in mind that climb cuts can be dangerous, so what I do is take light and slow cuts. This is one of the reasons you want to bandsaw as close to the line as possible. anywhere from 1/8" to 1/16" from the line and taking several climb passes and one last regular pass has worked well for me.

 

[Musiclogic]

...as an addend, you can wet the myrtle, allowing the grain to expand a bit, and rout your finish passes, This also works well with figured woods through a planer.