What is the best way to get a clean splinter free edge on the stile and rails? I have a small jet shaper w/ shaper bits. I still get tear out, I mostly use oak.
-Mark
Omaha, NE
Shaping Stiles and Rails
Our Expert
Using stile and rail cutters, such as Amana Tool 3-Wing Stile & Rail Door Shaper Cutter Set No. SC440 is an efficient way to make a kitchen full of cabinet doors. The "sticking" profile is created with one cutter while the matching cope is cut on the ends of the rails with the mating cutter.
Oak is a tough, coarse-grain wood that has a natural tendency to splinter. Try increasing the speed of the shaper (don't exceed the manufacturer's recommended RPM for the cutters) and reducing the feed rate. Also, because cutting the ends of rails is end-grain work it's important to support the trailing edge with a backup board. Finally, if you've had the tool for awhile and used it a number of times it may be time for sharpening.