Noob Alter: looking to expand skills and continue learning. Would like to try joining drawer sides and front/rear with a drawer lock router bit. I've got a few questions I hope someone can help with!
But not a locking *miter* bit.
1) There seem to be predominantly two styles of "drawer lock bits". CMT, Rockler, Amana, Whiteside make one with this profile:Near as I can tell - they're used in a similar fashion, the stock sizes required are the same... Question - why pick one style over the other? Is it more a matter of preference?
2) Documentation is sparse, but Infinity and MLCS I think say the minimum thickness for the front and rear stock is 3/4". I don't see *why* it couldn't be less? Why couldn't you raise/lower a bit like the Whiteside 3347 to take a smaller bit and use thinner (1/2") stock?Is it because they're designed to be used with one setup cutting the fronts and sides w/o repositioning the bit?
3) I think they've also said the side thickness can vary from 1/2" to 3/4". But they don't mention if I have to reposition or realign the bit when using thinner side material.I *think* I'd like to use 1/2" Baltic Birch for the sides and 3/4" hardwood for the front. ( I guess I could use 3/4" Baltic Birch for the back). Is there a good reason to avoid this mixed thickness approach when using these bits?
4) Finally - are these bits more along the lines of "fine if you're in a production shop making dozens of drawers but more of a PITA if you're making only six drawers"?Looking for opinions on these things! Thank you!