Round over bits for Intarsia???

[JimNC]

I just got into Intarsia, and I have been using a Dremel for sanding the edges. So my question has anyone used a router round over bit for this? I have several Dremel tools one set up as a router table. I also have a full-size bench top router table in my shop. For my fingers safety I think the Dremel would be the best option. I do have small parts jig for my full-size routing but that can slow me down.

Any opinions/experience with using a router.

[barb.j.enders]

I would think it would be way to dangerous to use a router.  I use a flex drum sander, my flex shaft rotary tool, a very small belt sander and hand sanding.  On the rotary tool, I often use the thin, flat sanding discs instead of the drum.  It seems to offer more control for rounding edges over.

[FrankEV]

Most pieces are too small, and are often quite irregular in shape with tight points and corners, to use a router on.  Then ther is a difference in just breaking the joint edges, or rounding over to make a curved shape.  The round-over bit would be too uniform and not produce the curviture needed.

I too use a Dremel tool with a wand to do a lot of the sculpturing on the small parts and intricate areas of the larger parts.  My go to shaping tools is my Bench Belt Sander and a small bench mounted ocilating spindle sander.  I also use a Guinevere with a wand using 1/4" dia shank bits , burrs, and sanding bits on larger pieces when needed.

Just my two-cents.

[Scrappile]

I think for straight pieces, it would be okay, but for curvy ones, I would be very hesitant!

[JimNC]

Thanks for the advise.

[Norm Fengstad]

years ago a fellow gave an intarsia demo at his home. he used roundover bits successfully all the time. What I got of it is no way am using a router for those small pieces. 

[Jim Finn]

I have been making small crosses for pendants  that are less than 2" top to bottom. In order to get into the small sharp corners to round them over I have set up a router in a shop make router table using the smallest round over bit I got from Roxwell. Works well and I think that the bit is so small that one would not get cut if you put your finger into it while running.  iI would expect a burn, maybe though  because of the speed of rotation.  Never got cut nor burned doing this.  I run the router on one of it's slowest speed.  I have used this on hardwood and on softwood, like pine. Love the results. I have made hundreds of these crosses and have not been cut nor burned once!

[rjweb]

Jim, good to see you back here, how's the inlay box business, RJ

[Jim Finn]

On 2/2/2025 at 7:31 PM, rjweb said:

Jim, good to see you back here, how's the inlay box business, RJ

It is no longer.  I still have about 100 boxes made and found them hard to sell. I have made and sold over 3000 of them over the past 16 years.  I was selling at a farmers market and would continue  there but the set up and tear down, loading and unloading in 95+ degree weather has become to much for this 82 year old man.  I was lifting a total of 1300 pounds every Saturday. (325 pounds four times)  I spend my days now  in my shop making toys that we (our club) give to local childrens hospitals and other charities. I made, and gave away, 2000 toys each of the past two years. Our woodworking club has dwindled down to  about 5 guys at the meetings and I am the only one making toys now. I take some toys to the monthly meeting and we all put the wheels on the toys I bring.  I plan to do one sale each September,now but only because my wife needs to sell her crocheted items also.

[rjweb]

Thx Jim, it is still good to see you around, if i take a road trip up north will stop and see you, RJ