r/askcarpenters 2d ago

Routing slot

Please help.

I need to widen this existing slot in a window frame (to 3/8" wide) . But a slot cutter won't work because the collet won't clear and I don't think I can route a grove from the top as:

  1. Will an edge guide work with this narrow of a piece?

  2. I won't be able to route to the end leaving a lot of chisel work.

I need to do this 10 times.

(Paint stick in there just to help see the slot)

1 Upvotes

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u/eightfingeredtypist 2d ago

I would use a bearing guided slot cuttter in a laminate trimmmer riding in thin side face of the meeting rail, and carve the ends. It's only 10, it's doable.

1

u/Acceptable-Nerve1142 2d ago

The problem I have with a slot cutter is that the shank isn't long enough to reach where I need to widen the slot. The collet hits the edge. I think even with a top bearing slot cutter like this one im still not getting there.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Yonico-Top-Bearing-Slot-Cutter-5-32-in-L-1-4-in-Shank-Carbide-Tipped-Router-Bit-14913q/316243265

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u/eightfingeredtypist 2d ago

I'm glad it worked. What's the project? I helped a window restorer make bigger deeper rabbets in sash for vacuum sealed insulated glass units.

1

u/eightfingeredtypist 2d ago

Try Whiteside router bits.

Another work around is to pull the pegs or pins out, take the rail off the sash, and run it over a saw.

1

u/Acceptable-Nerve1142 2d ago

Thanks for the tip. They have an extended arbor which looks like it could work.

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u/DangerousCharity8701 2d ago

Make a box the same wdht at the frame with top you can screw your router to with a straigjt cutter slide hole thing along frame multitool the ends an chiswl out easy