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How to Make Lines in Plywood

Cutting parallel lines or grooves into the surface of plywood requires a router and a guide fence. The sharp router bit spins at a high velocity, cutting into the wood. The guide fence is clamped in place to prevent the router from moving out of a straight line as it cuts the groove. The shape or profile of the routed groove is determined by the style of bit that you choose. The depth of the cut is set by moving the base plate closer or further from the router's motor. Although router guides are commercially available, you can make your own, using milled lumber and wood clamps.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Straight edge
  • Pencil
  • Router with bit
  • Milled lumber, 1 inch by 4 inches
  • 2 wood clamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the plywood on a flat surface. Using a measuring tape and a straight edge, mark the cutting lines on the plywood with a pencil.

    • 2

      Install the router bit into the router by loosening the chuck, inserting the bit and tightening the chuck. Loosen the thumb screws on either side of the base plate to adjust the cutting depth. Tighten the thumb screws. Measure and note the distance from the center of the router bit to the edge of the base plate.

    • 3

      Lay a 1-by-4-inch plank on the plywood, with the 4-inch surface horizontal. Position the plank so it is parallel to the first cutting line. Measure to ensure that both ends of the plank are the same distance from the line as the space between the center of the bit and the edge of the router's base plate. Securely clamp the plank in place, with one clamp on each edge of the plywood.

    • 4

      Hold the router with two hands. Rest the base plate on the plywood so the bit is 1/2 inch from the left side of the edge of the plywood and is pressed firmly against the guide fence. Turn the router on. Slide the router from left to right, cutting the first groove. Cut in one continuous, fluid motion. Then, turn off the router, and set it aside.

    • 5

      Remove the guide fence. Measure and reposition the fence to cut additional grooves.

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Interior Remodeling
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