[zawblade00]

I am about to build an arbor using 4 X 12 western cedar. I had thought about using a 2" straight cutting bit with a top bearing and cutting the first side using a template. Then go to the opposite side use a 2" straight bit with a bottom bearing and use the previous cut as a template to finish the cut.

I didn't mention but I am cutting th scallop on the ends of the main beam to mimic the same cuts on the joists which I can cut with a jig-saw, the joists are a full 2" and the beams are a full 4".

Anyone have any thoughts on a better way or comments on the method I have described.

Thanks,

Larry

 

[TexasTimbers]

That straight bit plowing through stock on both sides is asking alot and can get tricky. Are you saying you are burying the bit in a 4" beam and them coming in from the other side?
I would want a spiral bit for that and even then you want dust collection as you go. I would cut all of it I could with a recip saw close to the line then at least you have one side of it gone and wouldn't have so much torque to deal with.

Welcome to the site.

 

[zawblade00]

Thanks for the reply Texas Timbers, yeah I had planned on removing as much stock as possible before doing the routing.

I had thought about the spiral bits but didn't see anything with a bearing for following the template. If you have a source for these bits I would certainly look into using one.

Thanks again for your comments.

Larry

 

[zawblade00]

Thanks for the reply Texas Timbers, yeah I had planned on removing as much stock as possible before doing the routing.

I had thought about the spiral bits but didn't see anything with a bearing for following the template. If you have a source for these bits I would certainly look into using one.

Thanks again for your comments.

Larry

 

[TexasTimbers]

Try Ballew. If they don't have it they can probably put it together for you. Make sure to read the company history if you aren't familiar with them. :smile: