How to Route Raised MDF Panel Doors
- 1). Install the raised panel specific knife that routes the outer edge of the raised panel into the router collet (the collet is the circular opening in the vertical router shaft), and tighten using the router wrenches. The knife will be clearly marked. If it is not, choose the knife that has a small round cutting edge on the right outside corner or a "bead" edge. Measure, then use a straight edge and a pencil to draw a perimeter around the inside of the door at two inches.
- 2). Place the MDF door on the router table. Push the foot lever to lower the raised panel knife all the way and lock it down. Raise the table so that the top of the bead on the knife is even with the top edge of the door. Place the fence on the router table. Measure over 3 1/2 inches from the tip of the knife to the fence and clamp the fence down on both ends. Let the panel knife spring back up.
- 3). Slide the door under the knife, against the fence. Turn on the router. Slowly bring the raised panel knife down with the foot lever, letting it cut down into the door until it stops. Push the door along the fence until you come to the 2-inch perimeter line and stop. Cut all four sides, stopping each time at the inside perimeter mark. Let the panel knife spring back up and turn off the router.
- 4). Install the inner perimeter raised panel knife into the router collet. Slide the fence over to four inches from the tip of the raised panel knife to the fence.
- 5). Slide the door over to the fence. Turn on the router and bring the raised panel knife down with the foot lever until it bottoms out. Slide the door along the fence as the raised panel knife cuts the inside perimeter. Do all four sides to complete the raised panel.
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