Routing out bed slides, which router bit/s to use

[hamiltonmj]

The front gaucho in my Caravel needs new slides but only on the side that slides out. I have all the tools (router, etc) to just do the left side of the slide but I'd like to know which router bit or bits to buy so I can route out the new slides.

[Thalweg]

We may not have the same slides, but I made mine with a 1/4" or 3/8" staight (dado) bit. Then I chamfered each side of the dado on the table saw set at an angle the same as the original side.

This is a drawer glide, but it's the same as my goucho

[hamiltonmj]

This is one of bed slides I need to match...note the rounded edges that fits the other side and keeps the slides from separating.

[hamiltonmj]

Let's try the picture again.

[Thalweg]

Yea, it occurred to me that I was thinking about the wrong thing after I posted the first time. I think I'd cut that with a dado blade on a table saw, then cut the sides with a dovetail bit (or similar) on a router. Then round over the top edge with a convex round-over bit. However, I bet there are a dozen ways to do the same thing.

[Tom Nugler]

I needed to replace the slides in my '67 a number of years ago. Walter of Wabash was the original supplier of slides for that era and I was able to buy replacements from Rockler. The original bed slides for the gaucho were 2 piece. I wasn't able to find extensions long enough and got 3 piece ones from the same manufacturer. They made the pull out bed a lot more sturdy.
I still have one in the basement and took a look at the cross section. They also have the rounded dovetail.
I have never seen a single bit with that profile but I imagine you could reproduce the cut with dove tail and round over or beading bits on a router table.
I figure by the time you've found the stock, bits, done the setup and run and fit the job you would have spent more time and money than just buying replacements.
That being said, I know how good it feels to do a true restoration on a piece despite the challenges.

Good Luck,
Tom

[hamiltonmj]

I thought about ordering them from VTS but they are $60 each and I need three. Since I have everything but the knowledge of which router bit/s to use I figure I can do the work and gain some expertise....

[SuzyHomemakr]

What about...

Fixing the original slides with epoxy glue and some massive wood screws in from the top?

Or, getting some sort of ball-bearing metal slide? Wouldn't it be cool to have a Blumotion bed that slid shut softly, with the touch of a finger

[mayco]

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[mayco]

The one to the left


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