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Cutting Grooves in a Wood Raised Panel

A groove that you need to cut into a raised panel can be done by using a tool called a router. A router is used to make many types of cuts depending on the type of bit that is used with the tool. To cut a groove, you need to first make a jig. The jig is a type guide that is used to make an error-free cut into a piece of wood.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Pencil
Straight edge
1-by-3 board
Clamps
Straight-cut bit
Router

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the raised panel with the tape measure. Mark the panel with the pencil. Place the straight edge on the mark and draw a line for the groove.
- 2
  Measure the width of the router bit on the bottom of the router to the edge of the guard. Make a note of the measurement.
- 3
  Measure from the edge of the line in Step 2 by using the measurement in Step 1. Lay the 1-by-3-inch board on this spot. Square the board to the panel by using the straight edge. Secure the board to the panel with clamps.
- 4
  Replace the cutting bit on the router with a straight-cut bit. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
- 5
  Place the router on the edge of the raised panel. Keep the bit of the router slightly away from the edge of the panel.
- 6
  Press the trigger on the router. Push the router into the panel and move it along the guide to cut a groove.

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