Routing plywood

[email protected] (Chris Nail) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I need a little advice. I want to build a blanket chest using mostly
> plywood. I've thought about using a "joint cutting bit" in a router
> to create the 90 degree slots in which to join the corners; I'd like
> to conceal the plywood edges. Would this work? If so, what kind of
> bit is recommended?
>
> Your advice is very much appreciated...
>
> Chris

I actually built several drawers for custom-built cabinets in my
woodshop. The drawers varied in size from just 4 inches high X 14
inches deep to 19 inches high X 25 inches deep. All drawer fronts and
backs were joined to their sides via half-blind dovetails and all were
made of 3/7 inch Lauan plywood. I used the PC 24-inch jig (part of
the reason for this project was to teach myself how to use the jig).
That was about 4 years ago and all of the cabinets have been
holding-out quite well since; many have been storing heavy hand
tools, blades, etc.

Now, understand that, visually, without the, sometimes, liberal and
imaginative, use of wood putty, they wouldn't be a pretty sight.
There was a fair amount of tear-out but mostly on the top veneer. For
"indoor" furniture projects, I'd recommend using "real" wood for an
attractive, and durable, outcome.

Guy

"Chris Nail" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
: I need a little advice. I want to build a blanket chest using mostly
: plywood. I've thought about using a "joint cutting bit" in a router
: to create the 90 degree slots in which to join the corners; I'd like
: to conceal the plywood edges. Would this work? If so, what kind of
: bit is recommended?
:
: Your advice is very much appreciated...
:
: Chris

I used a lock miter on plywood with no problem. Did not get any blow out. Make nice 90's. You need a
variable speed router and a table with a high fence. Feather boards help to keep the stock against
the fence.

I've been tempted by this idea myself. If you try it, post the results.

On 17 Oct 2003 05:03:55 -0700, [email protected] (Chris Nail)
wrote:

>I need a little advice. I want to build a blanket chest using mostly
>plywood. I've thought about using a "joint cutting bit" in a router
>to create the 90 degree slots in which to join the corners; I'd like
>to conceal the plywood edges. Would this work? If so, what kind of
>bit is recommended?
>
>Your advice is very much appreciated...
>
>Chris


It would probably work, but I might question the overall strength of
the chest. A better plan is to use grooved rails and stiles with ply
panels.