Can I use a router to make tongue and groove?

When it comes to cutting the joint, the router table makes quick and precise work of the job, thanks to router bits that cut complementary tongues and grooves. Think of it as cut ‘n go: Rout each edge, and you’ve made a perfect joint.

Can you use a router for cutting grooves?

A number of wooden joints and other constructions in furniture-making require a groove to be produced; this groove can be created using the router.

Do you cut the tongue or groove first?

Step 1: Generally speaking, it’s easier to cut the groove of a T&G joint first, then mill the tongue to fit the groove. A 1/4-in. straight bit or spiral upcut bit makes an ideal groove-cutter into the edge of a workpiece.

How tight should tongue and groove be?

All it takes is 1⁄8″. The joint should be a firm press fit: If you have to knock the pieces together, then struggle to pull them apart, the joint’s too tight. A tongue that’s a hair too fat for the groove may actually seat, but it will stress the groove sidewalls and may, in time, prompt them to split.

Are tongue and groove joints strong?

Tongue and groove joints are variations on the mortise and tenon joint, but instead of joining two pieces at a right angle (like a mortise and tenon joint), the tongue and groove connection creates a strong, smooth parallel joint.

How do you make wood ridges without a router?

Alternative Ways to Cut Grooves (Rabbeting)

1. Table Saw Method. Typically, grooves cut into wood on a table saw are cut using a dado blade.
2. Dremel Tool Method.
3. Rabbeting Plane.
4. Chisel Method.
5. Rounding and Chamfering with a Plane.
6. Using Molding Planes.
7. Molding with a Scratch Stock.
8. Keyhole Slot.

What router bit do you use for a juice groove?

Juice Grooves are router indentations inlaid 1/2″ or 5/8″ that follow the outer edge of a cutting board.

How do you cut the tongue on a router?

Washers can be used to adjust the size of both bits if needed. Put the groove bit in your router table and set up the cut. An indexing line on the bit shows you where the two plates match together so you can locate the center of the cut. To make the matching cut, use the bit for cutting the tongue.

Can you use a tongue and groove router bit?

If you are trying to make tongue and groove joints then you can use a straight and rabbeting bit. But if you are trying to use tongue and groove bit then this work become more accurate and fine. Every bit has its specific purpose and use. One router bit can do multiple functionalities.

What’s the best way to cut a groove on a router?

You can do it all at the router table easily with three different cutter approaches. Here’s how. Straight Bit and Rabbeting Bit Step 1: Generally speaking, it’s easier to cut the groove of a T&G joint first, then mill the tongue to fit the groove. A 1/4-in. straight bit or spiral upcut bit makes an ideal groove-cutter into the edge of a workpiece.

What’s the best way to cut a tongue and groove?

Step 1: A 3/4-in. straight bit can take the place of a rabbeting bit or a slot cutter to form the tongue of a T&G joint, too. But, to start with this method, use a 1/4-in.-dia. straight or spiral bit to mill the groove first (see steps 1 and 2 of the first technique and Photo 1).