When using a vertical raised panel bit in the router table, the workpiece is held on edge. When you try to steady the workpiece with a regular featherboard, it only puts pressure along the bottom.
So, I came up with a roller “featherboard” that applies pressure to more of the panel. In the drawing below, you can see that it’s simply an L-shaped fence with a pair of appliance casters. Springs are fastened behind them to push the casters against the workpiece. The casters let the panel glide easily past the bit while keeping it pressed firmly to the router table fence.
The base and fence of the featherboard are made from 3⁄4" MDF. I drilled oversized holes for the caster studs, so the springs could move the casters in and out easily. And since the studs on the casters are rather short, I also counterbored the holes, as shown in detail ‘a.’ There’s one more thing to mention. It’s easier to put the springs and casters in place before the base and fence are glued and screwed together. -Rob Reyher Michigan City, Indiana
