How to Set Up a Corner Lock Router Bit
The corner locking router bit is a carbide-tipped router bit that produces a 45-degree interlocking joint. This bit provides a lot of glue surface and produces a strong joint. The corner locking router bit can be used for creating boxes, box beams, columns and cabinet face frame corners, and to glue up matching boards. The corner locking router bit is for router table use only.
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Things You'll Need
- Protective gear including safety glasses and hearing protection
- Router table
- Medium density fiberboard (MDF)
Instructions
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1
Put on your protective gear for shop safety.
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2
Unplug the router table and install the corner locking router bit.
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3
Cut several pieces of wood the same thickness as your project into 3-by-12-inch test blocks. These will be used to adjust the router bit height and fence for a perfect fit. MDF works well for this.
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4
Position the router fence so that the outside edge of the router fence is in line with the top inside edge of the corner locking router bit. Lock it in place.
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5
Place a setup block on the router tabletop. Adjust the router bit so that the top edge of the cutting surface is even with the top of the block.
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6
Start the router and run one piece of the test blocks through the router in the horizontal position and one through the router in the vertical position.
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7
Put both pieces together and check the fit. Adjust the fence and router bit height until you have a perfect 45-degree locking joint.
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8
Add feather boards to help hold your project tight against the fence or table while you are using the router.
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Tips & Warnings
Save the test blocks for future use. They will make the setup very fast the next time you want to use this joint.
Make sure you are wearing a dust mask and safety glasses when cutting MDF.
