I’m trying to put a rabbit in a sandbox I’m building for my daughter so I can cover it to keep it from turning into a giant cat litter box. It’s made out of 2by8s. The rabbit is 1/2″. The bit is tearing out huge chunks of wood when I try to cut the rabbit. I’ve tried making several shallow passes without success. Any secrets to cutting rabbits? Would a slower speed produce less tear out? I’m traveling in a clockwise directions for the cut (from what I’ve found on the internet it’s clockwise on an inside edge and counter clockwise on an outside edge).
Any suggestions?
Thanks
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Replies
Matt
Do you know what a climb cut is?
You go backwards with your router, saying that its an aquired skill, the router will want to take off on ya, you have to maintain control of the router more so then when you route in the normal direction. Not to sound repetitive but you really do have to control the router, pay attention to what your doing and you'll be fine.
I do this any time I start to feel/hear tear out. Your cut doesnt have to be clean just move along eating away the majority of the wood to be removed and then follow up with a pass in the right direction and your done. You can take small bites to eliminate the router wanting to take off, I do that when the wood to be removed is substantial.
Doug
Edited 7/10/2006 1:57 am ET by DougU
First of all, you're probably trying to make rabbets, not rabbits (they make themselves).
Is the sandbox already assembled? If so, then I assume that you're trying to rout the 2X8 on edge. Add a temporary lip to keep the router square to the edge.
If it's not assembled, you can even use a table saw to make the rabbet. If you use the router, you will still need an edge guide or guide bit.
Also, are you using a carbide bit?
-Don
Not sure where you are putting the rabbet joints. I would not have any sharp corners where kids could run their fingers along the edges and get slivers. I would use a round over bit and ease all the edges.
The cover should over lap the sand box by 2’’ I would add a lip that would be at least 2’’ down the side of the sandbox.
Add eye bolts in each corner and tarp strap to hold the top down. So the wind does not blow the top away.
DON"T forget to sand all the edges also.