Using Vertical Raised Panels

When you are ready to create raised panel doors for your cabinet project, one of the first decisions you will have to make will be whether to use a horizontal panel raising bit, or one that is used in a vertical orientation such as the one shown here. A horizontal bit can leave a smoother surface, but it requires a router with a higher horsepower as well as the ability to reduce the RPM. A horizontal bit is general a lower cost option, and requires a router with less power and a single RPM. Here we’ll show how to make raised panels using a vertical panel raising bit.

Making raised panels with a vertical panel raising bit can be intimidating at first, but if you break the process down into a few simple steps, it can be done safely and successfully with a minimal tool setup.

Frame First. This will become your guide on how thick the raised panel will be to fit perfectly into the groove that you’ve milled in the frame.

Extend your fence height. Add a height extension to your fence to provide a more stable, substantial surface to support your vertical panels. Special clamps such as these can be used to hold the support without interfering with the travel path of your work piece.

Mill the front portion of the panel. Start on an end grain side, so that your final pass serves to clean up any tearout rather than creating it. Work in multiple passes so that you don’t bog down the router. This will also give you a cleaner cut.

Back cut if necessary. Depending on your panel thickness, you might have to make a relief cut on the back side of the panel to allow the panel to fit properly into your groove. You will use a portion of the vertical panel bit for this operation.

Sand. Although your panel raising bit should leave a good quality surface, you’ll still want to sand prior to finishing to give the best possible final product.

After you’ve mastered the fundamentals, perhaps it’s time to build those new kitchen cabinets?