Using a Vertical Raised Panel Router Bit

Build your own cabinet doors using a vertical raised panel router bit. Most people agree that raised panel doors are beautiful, but many woodworkers admit that they are intimidated by the idea of building them. As a prerequisite to using a vertical raised panel router bit, a woodworker should know how to use a router table. Once this skill is mastered, you will be ready to learn how to make cabinet doors.

The first step in creating a raised panel door requires a choice of bit style. At a high level, panel raising bits come in three styles: vertical, horizontal, and horizontal with back cutter. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages, and we will cover each in its own video. Here, George teaches how to effectively use a vertical raised panel router bit. This style of bit offers woodworkers the ability to use a fixed speed router because the vertical orientation of the bit keeps the linear speed of the bit slower than that of horizontal raised panel cutters. On the downside, a vertical raised panel router bit only allows the user to build rectangular raised panels, so if arched panels are the goal, you will have to look at horizontal panel raising bits.

Key topical areas are discussed:

Quality. It is important to be patient and careful when using a vertical raised panel router bit. Here you will learn how make a proper sequence of cuts, establish feed direction, set your depth of cut, and control other aspects of the process that will ensure success.

Fitting door panels to frames. A final step in making raised panel doors is to ensure a perfect fit into your door frames. As you “sneak up” on the final fitting, you will also improve the surface quality by taking light passes and ultimately create the perfect fit for your door panel.