Add Routing Service?
You might have spotted that we've added the option to 'Add Routing Service' when you order a frame on our Chop Service. This means you'll receive the frame with routed slots in each mitred face - they allow you to join the frame with the supplied dovetail keys, instead of on your underpinner.
Routing service takes the hassle out of joining moulding, and is especially useful on tall, narrow profiles, and hard woods like Ash, Oak and Black Walnut. Even the best underpinners and most skilled operators can struggle with joining dense, hard woods because the v nails can’t displace the timber fibres, causing gaps and v nail blowout.
Routing works differently – it removes timber to make a slot for a dovetail joining key. When you receive your chop frame, tap the supplied dovetail keys in with a hammer to pull the corner tightly together. The dovetail keys not only hold the mitre, they actually pull it tightly together to give an unbeatable join.
Routing Service costs £7.80 + VAT per chop frame, including dovetail joining keys. It's available on almost all our mouldings and stretcher profiles, apart from a few that are just too small.
Tips for joining a routed Chop Service frame
Lay the pieces face down on a clean surface that won't scratch the face of the moulding.
Check you’re using the right size keys for each slot. Once they're in they can't be easily removed.
Apply PVA glue sparingly to the cut faces, not in the routed slot.
Use something to support the corner if the face of the moulding is not flat, such as a stack of foam centre board.
Use a lightweight hammer to tap the keys into place.
Have you tried Chop Service from LION?
Let your clients choose from our entire range without holding stock; order before 12:00 for same day despatch.
A super-efficient way to buy moulding - no more long lengths to handle or wasted offcuts to dispose of.
Skilled chop operators will check the moulding before cutting it on one of our automatic mitre saws.
Receive each frame wrapped and labelled with your purchase order number.
Join the pieces on your underpinner - work in batches or one job at a time.
Chop Service Ordering Guide
Explains how to order every profile including spacers, L Style profiles, and stacked frames.
