Need some help

[gr8mesquite]

[/quote]

It would have been best if you did not tie down the wood. Really - all you need to do is pass the wood slightly against the router bit. [/quote]

Thanks guys. What I didn't say was that I did one side using the center pivot and one side without. Also, I edged the bit up fractionally with each pass. Same result on both sides. So...at this point it's either my inexperience, or the equipment, or both. Since I took great care, I'm inclined to conclude that my 27,500 rpm single speed router may be the problem.

I'm keenly interested in the speed controller. What speed is recommended? The wood was hard maple.

Thanks
Jerome

[shipwright]

Just slow it down a little at a time until the burning stops.

[charlese]

...
Since I took great care, I'm inclined to conclude that my 27,500 rpm single speed router may be the problem.

I'm keenly interested in the speed controller. What speed is recommended? The wood was hard maple.

Thanks
Jerome

Sorry, I don't have a recommended speed for this project. I can tell you that the highest speed on my Porter Cable router is 20,000 RPM. I usually have it set at around 16,500. No burning in poplar, red oak or black walnut.

I remember using an old single speed router (25,000 RPM). I always passed the wood quickly BUT had some burning that could be sanded out. Since this is a very light cut and if you move the wood across the router bit faster I think you can get by with no OR minor burning.

Reference to taking great care: Does this mean you passed the wood slowly?

Also, a duller bit will heat up faster and burn the wood. The only wy I know to sharpen a router bit is to use a fine diamond paddle and stroke only the inside (flat side) of each blade. Always count the number of strokes and duplicate these on both sides. Never stroke on the sloped side of the cutter

Hopefully you have some maple scraps laying around. Try cleaning up your bit and routing some of the scraps. You'll find the correct speed to pass the wood.

[farley]

I can't help any more than what's been said, but I do need to say. Nice Work.