Woodworking Q: Do I need a router or will a Dremel routing bit work as well?

[Magiver]

@Rocketeer

For that project you’ll need a proper router and a flush-trim bit. The bit has a little ball bearing that rides along the side of the workpiece to guide your cut. Without that type of bit, you haven’t got a chance of doing a neat job; you won’t be able to guide a Dremel straight enough by hand. And a Dremel doesn’t have the power to run a flush-trim router bit.

In the page you linked, Step 3 Photo 4 shows a flush-trim bit being used.

This.

Just build it without overhang. Seems like a strange design that requires routering off an edge. It makes it sound like they threw a bunch of raw lumber in a box and you’re suppose to make nice with it.

And FYI, if you don’t want saggy shelves then screw or glue strips of wood to the edges to create an I-beam effect.