How to Rout Curved Raised Panel Doors?

Our Expert

To shape a raised panel which is curved on the edge you can use any of the horizontal raised panel bits such as Amana Tool no.54119. Because a fence cannot be used for curved stock you'll need to use a starting pin to position the work and pivot the edge into the spinning bit. Once the edge makes contact with the guide bearing feed the stock from right to left in the usual way. Because you are not using the fence it is very important to use a guard to cover the bit and provide a barrier to protect your hands.

Panels which are curved on the face can be shaped on end with one of Amana's vertical raised panel bits such as no.54524. Use a curved auxiliary fence with a radius to match the radius of the panel. A featherboard with a curved end should be used to keep the panel positioned against the fence during the cut.