DeckWise® Router Bits have been specifically designed to create a perfectly symmetrical groove to accept Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners. The 4-wing design provides a smooth cut for creating slots and grooves in decking material including exotic hardwoods, thermally treated softwoods, and composites. Two sizes available and fits most router devices.
Warning: Do not use bit if dull, cracked or damaged. Bits exceeding 1” diameter should be mounted in a router table. Never exceed maximum (16,000 RPM) recommended for this bit. (Visit deckwise.com/safety for additional safety instructions.)
Safety Equipment: Eye Protection, Dust Mask, & Ear Plugs
Residents of California: Please see Proposition 65 information & warning
Make sure the deck board is securely clamped to work area using a clamp at each end.
ALWAYS unplug the power cord before removing or installing router bit. Insert the bit until the arbor (shank) hits the bottom of the collet chuck; then ease it out about 1/8” to 1/4” before tightening the collet.
Adjust the bit to the correct depth following the deck groove profile above.
(Visit deckwise.com/deck-groove-profile for more details on the groove profile.)
Place the baseplate on the edge of the board so the router bit is in position. Turn on router and grasp the router with both hands. Do not allow the bit to come in contact with the wood until the router is up to full speed. Moving from left to right, plunge the cutting bit in the side of the deck board above each joist and cut.
The DeckWise® Ipe Clip® should slide into the slot above the joist with the legs flush against the side of the deck board. Make sure the top of the clip is level in the slot above the joist.
Determine the correct cut depth setting of the router bit by following the diagram above.
Make sure both ends of the deck board is securely clamped before routing.
Turn on the router. Ease the bit into the left end of the deck board while keeping the baseplate of the router flat on the surface of the deck board. Cut groove from left to right, moving the router along the deck board with both hands while allowing the bit to cut the groove. Keep moving the router steadily until you reach the other end. Turn off router.
Set up router table according to manufacturer’s instructions. Tighten the DeckWise® Slot Cutter bit into the router and mount the router in the base. Adjust the height of the bit to fit the groove profile shown on the previous page.
(Visit deckwise.com/deck-groove-profile for more details on the groove profile.)
Attach the fence guide to the router table to keep deck board straight. Clamp featherboards to the table and the fence to keep the decking snug against the fence and to help resist kickback.
Turn on router. Hold deck board firmly against the fence and push past the bit moving from right to left. Use push sticks or pads to keep your hands away from the bit. Turn off the router when entire board is grooved.
Tip: To avoid burn marks from the router bit, feed the board at a steady rate without stopping. The rate of feed depends on the bit and type of hardwood.
The DeckWise® Ipe Clip® should slide into the groove with the legs flush against the deck board. Make sure the top of the clip is level in the groove.
The symmetrical groove profile allows boards to be reversed and/or flipped to put the best side up. Whether using pre-grooved deck boards or cutting groove slots on the job, the DeckWise® Hidden Deck Fastener Clip fits perfectly within the edge groove and allows just the right amount of tolerance for an easy installation.