Raised panel bits w and w/o undercutter

[Jerry]

I need to purchase a raised panel bit for my router table. I would like to use an undercutter to keep the top of the panel flush with the rails/stiles.

I notice that you can buy a raised panel bit with or without the undercutter. You can also use a separate bit to do the undercutting as a second step.

I'm using an P-C 892 (2 1/4HP) router.

Is it better to use a separate undercutter or just use the bit with the undercutter wings included given my relatively small router. I understand it will take multiple passes anyway to get the job done. Anyone with similar experience can make a recommendation?

Thanks.

[toller]

Why can't you just flip it over and do the otherside? That is what I do. (My 12a Bosch can barely do one side; if I tried to cut both sides at the same time it would just seize.)

[JGS]

[George]

You may not want all the panels undercut, and it's a load, so I undercut on a second bit.

[Leon]

If you want to change the depth of the raised panel cut, the under cutter may be of no value. If you want to cut the panel shallow so that it is actually proud of the rails and stiles the under cutter will probably not cut enough material away to fit in to the slots. Better to cut the raised panel top and then simply use a straight cut bit on the bottom.