Greetings!
A simple task, but my tools are limited and I have no router experience:
I'll be making picture frames for paintings, and would like to use my router to accomplish the rabbet/inset feature. Take a look at my "blueprint" to see what I'm trying to accomplish--the drawing displays just how I want the finished product, before I start the mitre process.
As you can see, I'm using pretty small wood (off the shelf stuff from Lowes, about 1.5" x 0.75" and several feet long).
-I don't have table saw, shoulder plane, or any fancy equipment. Just a mitre/chop saw, a router (about 20 years old, nothing fancy), hand saws, chisels, etc.
-I don't have a router table, although I'd be willing to build an inset into plywood over a garbage can to serve as one for this process. I wouldn't know how to do that just yet...
-I'm making about 2 dozen of these frames, so, investment up front into jig-building and whatnot for consistency might be best... ?
So, having NEVER used a router, how would you go about doing this in my corner of the garage? I bought a straight bit for the router, but will that be sufficient? Where do I start? I just can't see the steps to get from A to B safely, with consistent results.
Thanks for taking the time. The other picture shows what a finished frame looks like. Imagine setting a painting done on MDF into the back of it.
-Todd
A simple task, but my tools are limited and I have no router experience:
I'll be making picture frames for paintings, and would like to use my router to accomplish the rabbet/inset feature. Take a look at my "blueprint" to see what I'm trying to accomplish--the drawing displays just how I want the finished product, before I start the mitre process.

As you can see, I'm using pretty small wood (off the shelf stuff from Lowes, about 1.5" x 0.75" and several feet long).
-I don't have table saw, shoulder plane, or any fancy equipment. Just a mitre/chop saw, a router (about 20 years old, nothing fancy), hand saws, chisels, etc.
-I don't have a router table, although I'd be willing to build an inset into plywood over a garbage can to serve as one for this process. I wouldn't know how to do that just yet...
-I'm making about 2 dozen of these frames, so, investment up front into jig-building and whatnot for consistency might be best... ?
So, having NEVER used a router, how would you go about doing this in my corner of the garage? I bought a straight bit for the router, but will that be sufficient? Where do I start? I just can't see the steps to get from A to B safely, with consistent results.
Thanks for taking the time. The other picture shows what a finished frame looks like. Imagine setting a painting done on MDF into the back of it.
-Todd
