Ask WWGOA: Square Route a Hole for an Inlay

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Question:

I’m trying to rout a square hole 6″ x 4″ x 1/8″ deep, for an inlay on a jewelry box lid. What kind of bit should I use? The lid is 3/8″ thick.

Submitted by roberttalmadge

Answer:

Any straight bit will do the job. If the material you’re routing into has a tendency to chip, I’d recommend a down-cut spiral bit, which will reduce chipping. If the inlay has square corners, until such time as a square route bit is invented, you’ll need to hand chisel the corners square after routing.

George

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One Response to “Ask WWGOA: Square Route a Hole for an Inlay”

  1. Cliff

    you could use a mortise chisel to square the corners either before or after you router out the rest of the material