Hi everyone! I'm considering purchasing the 3.25 hp Metabo router and I'm curious about increasing my depth of cut in a single pass. While I have solid experience with routers, I don't use them daily. Sometimes I have to make multiple mortises, like 10-20 cuts of 1.5 inches deep in lumber. I want to know how realistic it is to achieve a 1.5 inch depth using a .5 shank and either a .5 or .75 cutter diameter. I plan to use a miter track with a sturdy sled jig, or potentially a handheld setup with a robust jig or baseplate. What's the maximum depth others are able to achieve?
3 Answers
A typical guideline is to only take half the diameter of the bit as the depth of cut per pass. It definitely keeps things safe and manageable.
Honestly, how deep you can go really depends on the wood type you're cutting. Handheld routers can be super scary, and I'd prefer making shallower, safer passes for better results. I mean, taking lighter passes can sometimes be quicker and way less stressful!
Totally agree! When I tried a single pass through thick plywood, it felt way harder. Two lighter passes definitely saved me effort and gave me cleaner results.
Also, I think using a 3.25 HP router for handheld work is a bit much. I’d recommend a 2 HP router for more control.
Taking off too much material in one go usually leads to a rough cut. The bit will struggle clearing all that wood, which can create a lot of heat and could burn the cut, cutting your bit’s lifespan short.
I’ve worked with powerful routers like that, and I believe they can produce clean cuts if set up correctly. Just gotta keep the user in check!
I get that, but I'm aiming for a more aggressive approach! I've gone deeper than that before; just looking for a solid setup and a steady hand.