As might be expected, this tool has its prob.'s from
being too lightweight to do much. The bit is cheap too
because this is all trial work for me on a first
from-scratch project.

So before I make any more pieces just suitable
to roast weenies over, my first question is this:

I'm using the tool counter-clockwise in the
prescribed manner but I'm getting way too much
tearout on the edges to make these baffle cuts worth
finishing off. Also there's some smoke involved and the
bit edges have blackened.

The material is birch ply from the local home Depot.

I have a few blanks left to get this technique down.
How can I eliminate the tearout? Is it just a dull bit or
something to do with grain direction? Or is it a problem
handling the tool itself? A couple of my samples turned
out pretty good with rabbets front side and chamfers on the
rear. But I can't get any consistency. One practice piece
looks like a daisy from what looks like hitting a knot. :-|

Well enough of that for today. I have a filing
cabinet to put together of the "Insert Flap "A" and
Throw It Away" type. :-)

lon@athenet.net

That's a good tip on back-cutting clockwise. Was wondering if I
was using too much pressure laterally too.

The machine has got a good enough workout that returning it
would be real problematic. There's still a laminate gizmo
to play with for flush trim and a circle cutter. The whole
shebang ony cost $30... not including the standard router bits
I bought. I have a diamond stone... may I can touch up the bit
and get the -- melted glue or whatever black crud is on it.

File cabinet is upright. Drawers not done yet-- too hot here.

Bwhahahahahaha!

No ads for this one-- it's the Tool Shop brand packaged
for Menards.

I have this thing set up in a spare room where I live.

If I got _real tools_ management might blow a gasket. As it
is I do my couple of passes when the parking lot is empty.
I'm like Bob Brines who also practices the craft in an apartment.

First I sharpened my bets on a simple kitchen knife
diamond stone... it is getting pretty worn down anyway.

Then I did incremental cuts which improveds things
immensely.

The peduliar thing I noticed was that the cut would
consistently be uneven-- one side higher than another.
It must have been my technique so I just worked
from the opposite side of the piece so the pressure
was evened out.

Result: a smooth even cut which I was able to edge
sand to get the tear-out smoothed.

No smoke this time. ;-)

lon@athenet.net