How to route a blood groove in a cutting board

[wgeils]

I am making some end-grain cutting 12" X 15" boards for gifts. I was hoping to route in the blood groove in the top as I have seen in many manufactured boards. I have tried to do this using an edge guide on my router but am having trouble getting the corners made cleanly.

What is the best way for a novice like myself to route this groove in these boards?

Wayne

[dwacker]

Just make a square template with hard board. Use a bushing and cove bit they will be perfect.

Don

[wgeils]

I assume then I mount the template on the board with double stick tape?

[dwacker]

Double stick tape works. I prefer pin nails but either way as long as it holds your good.

Don

[wgeils]

won't the pin nails leave holes in the board?

[dwacker]

won't the pin nails leave holes in the board?

Most of the time you cant even see them once they are pulled. 23g pin nails are tiny.

[ViolinMagick]

Do it by hand with a gouge and mallet?

[Jfitz]

Double sided tape should work.

[andreas]

I've done this a few times and I always get some burning from the router bit at the bottom of the groove. Sanding out those burn marks is a nightmare; especially at the corners. It helps to route the groove in several passes with your final cut being very shallow (1/64"). You'll probably still get some burning but this will minimize it.

[nateswoodworks]

Yeah, multiple passes with the last couple just removing a hair will all but elimintate burn marks, well that and a sharp bit.

Nate

[dwacker]

Yeah, multiple passes with the last couple just removing a hair will all but elimintate burn marks, well that and a sharp bit.

Nate

Slow the router down if it has adjustable speed. Burning is from the bit spinning to fast for the feed rate.

Don