Router bit for producing dibond trays?

[Richard Urquhart]

I have made hundreds but never used the correct bit just a normal half round bit works just fine.
Rich

[Andrew Blackett]

Just rang Jag and one bit on its own is £49, thought that was a bit dear – am I wrong??

Andy

[Andrew Blackett]

Rich, how does that work???? I’ve googled a half round bit but can only come up with ones that profile the edge of the board.

I assumed that I would need to cut the groove to a point to make it easy to fold.

Andy

[Pryam Carter]

Just the grind the point of the bottom and try that, should be fine.

[Martin Pearson]

Andy, I’ve always used an ordinary "V" groove bit for the ones that I have done. Never had any problems the same as Rich. Not sure how much difference the flat bottomed bits would make but they are a lot more expensive than the normal "V" bits. Have seen them cheaper than £49 but not that much to be honest so never bothered buying one.

[Richard Urquhart]

Just try a standard half round 15mm bit, set depth to just leave a thin layer on top of 2nd ali sheet and it bends really easy with no cracking to the face.
If you go to deep and don’t leave enough plastic the sheet will crack, if you don’t go deep enough the sheets hard to bend !
really easy once you have a play at cutting depths

[Andy Gorman]

I use a pointy one (90deg I think) with the point ground off. You need to grind quite a bit off the point, until you have about a 3.5mm flat surface. Price depends on what quality of bit you buy. A straight bit works OK though, I’ve used a 6mm before.

[Andrew Blackett]

Rich,

Just tried it with a 12mm half radius job…………………… my man you are a genius!!

Just got to play about to see how best to get the corners looking neat and tidy… suggestions gentlemen??

Andy

[Richard Urquhart]

Andy pm me your email addy mate

[Andrew Blackett]

Cant PM mate but if you PM me with your email I’ll send you something by return

Cheers
Andy

[Andrew Blackett]

Also whats the best way of fixing these?? the least visible way anyway.

Sorry for all the questions but I’ve finally found a use for the router I bought 2 years ago to build a bathroom cabinet (which we bought off ebay about a week after I got the router as it was easier!)

Andy

[Martin Pearson]

Andy, I normally just make up a frame with right angled ally that the tray just fits over. Fit the frame to the facia and then slide the tray over the top and fix in place with rivets.

[Andrew Blackett]

Cool, will have a proper play next week and will post my results. I’m pretty impressed so far though

Andy