Woodworking Tip of The Week - Simple Flush Trim Fence

The easiest way to trim edging applied to a plywood panel is to use a flush-trim bit in the router. With a hand-held router, this can be an awkward and tricky operation. Doing the job on the router table is a much better option.

The only catch is that you still need a way to support and steady the panel as you pass it across the bit standing on edge. My answer to this challenge falls into the quick and simple category.

As shown in the drawings, I make a flush-trim fence by temporarily attaching several strips of hardboard to the router table fence with carpet tape. The bit is then aligned with the surface of the hardboard strips. This arrangement provides plenty of support as well as the clearance needed to trim the edging flush to the panel.