Molding Router Bit
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How do you make quarter round molding?
I have an ongoing project, and it calls for quarter round molding as a "glass stop" in doors. The stock is 1/4" x 1/4" square.
Do I just need a "quarter round" router bit? If so, is there a special size to get it evenly rounded, or is it just based on how close you put the stock to the router bit as you rout it?
If all else fails I can just go buy quarter round, but I wanted to at least try and make it myself.
Thanks!
GREAT responses so far! You've all given me a lot of good tips.
And snowman: that's exactly why I want to make my own. I'm using hardwood birch and maple for this project. You're very right, pine just won't do!
I've seen them called 'beading', 'quarter round', and 'round-over' bits. Some come with an additional edge which would allow you to put a square notch along one edge too, by letting the bit cut farther down into the stock. Shank sizes are usually 1/4", or 1/2". The important part here for your consideration, is the radius of the bit. Since your stock is 1/4" square, you probably want a 1/4" radius bit, so you get the curved round-over to start at one edge, and go to the other. A smaller radius would leave a small flat edge before the round-over starts, and a larger radius would result in a sharper angle at the edge of the stock, because it would be removing more stock.
Rockler carries several sizes, but you can also find this common style of bit locally at most hardware, and building supply stores -
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?Offerings_ID=2127&TabSelect=Details
By the way - quarter round stock is easier to make if you have the router mounted in a table. I start by cutting my stock LONGER than it needs to be, before I start running it through the router. I do that just in case I leave a bump, or have a blowout. Keep your fingers away from the bit, obviously, and use a feather-board, push-stick etc. In an industrial setting, when I made these, I'd use a feather board from the side, and a feed motor from the top. At home, I use a feather board from the side, and one from the top, for best effect. It is also easier to make, if you start with a wider board as stock, and then rip it on a table saw to the 1/4" finished width. This gives you more control over the stock as you run it through the router.
Purchasing quarter round, might be the cheapest way to go, but its more fun to make it yourself, I think, heheh. And you can use any species of wood, for customization, that you cannot find when purchasing stock trim from a store.
By the way, you may be able to get a router bit 'kit' with a few different sized radius bits, or a matching set of bead/cove bits for just a few dollars more than the single bit.
Have Fun