[TaleSspin]

I have a table top I need to level out and it's 23" wide, so no dice on the planer. :sad: Was thinking of making a router sled but not sure what bit size would be best to use.

My woods are rock maple and padauk and while I really want to use a 1/2" bit, I'm thinking that might be too aggressive and maybe a 1/4" or 3/8" might be safer.

Also should I have any worry about grain direction with this? With grain, cross grain, against grain? And similarly, are glue points going to have much risk of catching a bit and breaking/tearing out? Not sure how clean this process may be. Videos on youtube make it look really simple though.

 

[cabinetman]

I have a table top I need to level out and it's 23" wide, so no dice on the planer. :sad: Was thinking of making a router sled but not sure what bit size would be best to use.

My woods are rock maple and padauk and while I really want to use a 1/2" bit, I'm thinking that might be too aggressive and maybe a 1/4" or 3/8" might be safer.

Also should I have any worry about grain direction with this? With grain, cross grain, against grain? And similarly, are glue points going to have much risk of catching a bit and breaking/tearing out? Not sure how clean this process may be. Videos on youtube make it look really simple though.

What size router can you use. If it has the oomph, I would use the widest bit I could, not less than ¾".

.

 

[Joeb41]

I don't have a jointer so I use a sled for flattening all my stock. I use an Amana 1-3/4" bit #45453. It does a nice job but you need a router that will take a 1/2" shank and at least 1-1/2 hp. You also need variable speed as the max. rpm is 16000. If you are going to use it a lot it's worth the money.
Amana 45453 2 FLUTE 1-3/4" DIA. 1/2 SHANK - Amazon.com

 

[Dominick]

I used a 3/4 diablo for my oak and olive burl.
No problems.

 

[TaleSspin]

What size router can you use. If it has the oomph, I would use the widest bit I could, not less than ¾".

Well my neighbor said he has a 2hp I could use. But if not I have a 1.5hp in the basement.

So probably I'll go with a 3/4" then, given what others have said as well. Routers and I have a history, so I don't feel comfortable with using a 1" bit.

As always, thanks for the feedback everyone!