Combine common bits to create new profiles.
Woodworkers have been combining router bits for years. Shadow lines are created by making multiple passes down the same piece of wood. Shadow lines add complexity to the profile of a project. Creativity is key here; there is no right or wrong way to use router bits for aesthetics. For molding ideas, you don't need expensive molding profile bits--gather common router bits and experiment on some scrap wood by combining profiles.
Instructions
1. Lay the pine board on a worktable with the edge protruding over the edge of the table approximately 3/4-inch. Clamp the board to the table on both ends.
2. Open the router collet, (this is where the bit inserts into the router) by placing the small wrench that came with your router on the axle nut where the shaft emerges from the motor. Place the large wrench on the large nut directly above the small one.
3. Insert the rabbeting bit into the router collet, bottoming it out and tighten the nuts working the wrenches against themselves.
4. Set the router on the board with the edge of the bit against the outer edge of the pine. Loosen the height-adjusting knob on the side of the router. Crouch down at eye level with the bit. Slide the bit up or down, until the bottom cutting edge of the router bit is approximately 1/8 inch lower than the top surface of the board. Tighten the knob.
5. Turn on the router. Ease the bit into the wood. When the bearing makes contact with the wood, begin pulling the router toward your body as you step backward. Make a test run approximately 36-inches down the length of the board. You should have a 3/8 by 36 by 1/8-inch shoulder cut into the wood.
6. Take out the rabbeting bit and insert the ogee bit into the router using the wrenches and tighten. Set the router down on the board. Get at eye level and position the bit so that the top shoulder of the bit is approximately 1/8-inch below the edge of the cut line of the rabbeting bit.
7. Turn on the router, ease the bit into the wood and make a pass down the length of the board. You should have the ogee profile on the side of the board, with an extra shadow line shoulder on top from the rabbeting bit.
8. Turn off the router, remove the ogee bit and insert the chamfer bit. Get at eye level and position the chamfer bit to cut approximately 1/4 inch off the round edge of the ogee profile. Turn on the router and run it the length of the board, creating a new profile.
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