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Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 10:46
by Andyp
When template routing on a router table do you prefer to have the template on top or underneath the wood?

I have never done either but I notice that trimming bits can have the bearing either at the top or bottom.

I need to use a template to rout precise mating curves in possibly 2" Ash and Cherry. I see that Wealdon do a 4 flute double bearing cutter. Is this a good choice?
https://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/On ... e_889.html.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 11:27
by Rod
I always use the template on top as you can see what you are doing.
I suppose if you were following something in situ ie like a cut out shape then bottom bearings would be used.
The more flutes the better the cut and with top and bottom bearings you have all aspects covered.
Wealden sell good stuff - over the years, I've gradually replaced my cheapo cutters with theirs.

Rod

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 11:31
by chataigner
Both work fine, but there are practical differences.
Bottom bearing bits usually have a screw to remove the bearing so that you can sharpen the bit, top bearings are not normally removable.
Notwithstanding the above, with a top bearing in the router table the template is underneath, so you can see what's going on with your work piece - I find that more comfortable.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 12:01
by Rod
Andy I was referring to a hand held router

Rod

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 12:38
by Mike G
Hand held......then I guess the bearing at the top is the sensible approach, as it allows you to plunge the cutter in, and it allows you to put the template on top of the work. Also, if you simply want to deepen a mortise, I guess you could chop out the top 10 or 15 mm nicely and use the router to take it deeper.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 13:11
by RogerS
Handheld. Template on top works for me.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 13:26
by Tusses
handheld with unibase template follower rather than bearing. template on top.

or .. I use my CNC as an overhead router.
I just park it in the middle of the bed, set the height, and use a top bearing (which is now on the bottom )
Template on bottom for that setup.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 16:12
by Andyp
I definitely prefer to do this in the table. I will be taking a 12" diameter bowl blank 2" thick and cutting it in half with a curvy line. The templates should make sure that a contrasting bowl blank similarly cut will form a mating half.

I have a Triton TRB001 in the table and it is too heavy for me to manage anything hand held.

I will order that cutter from wealdon and have a practice.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 16:53
by Mike G
Remember Tom ("Wizer")'s finger........

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 17:31
by Andyp
Urm. I dont recall that one Mike but I can see that the table is more of a risk. Maybe a pair of safety gloves would be a good idea.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 17:54
by Mike G
Andyp wrote:Urm. I dont recall that one Mike......


You're lucky! I do.....

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 19:00
by Rod
What sort of safety gloves? Gloves can get caught up and drag pinky bits into the cutters!

Be very careful with the direction of cut and hold the timber, jig etc in a holder of some sort to keep your fingers well away.

Rod

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 19:20
by Tusses
Mike G wrote:Remember Tom ("Wizer")'s finger........


gosh, that was a while ago ! .. but yes, something you can't (and don't want to) forget !

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 19:22
by Tusses
arhhh !

just my HO .. but never ever wear gloves with spinney sharp things about !!!

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 19:24
by Tusses
just to add .. my dad has white finger from years of sanding etc .. so he feels the cold ..
So he put some gloves on to go chop wood for the fire .. now he has 2 fingers less :shock:

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 20:01
by Andyp
Indeed, having just googled I see what you mean. I'll just have to be carefull.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 05 Jan 2017, 23:31
by Robert
My chairs thread that got bumped recently had a few pictures of my template routing.

I used MDF templates for all the shaped pieces with curves. The template was double sided taped onto the workpiece using carpet tape - you need some thickness to get a good hold. the thin sellotape stuff is no good.

Here the template runs along some bushes that set the distance to the bandsaw blade
Image

This picture shows it after cutting but you get the idea..
Image

Having sawn the profile the next step is to machine it to dead size using a bearing router cutter.

This was the router table setup with home made guard and laminate floor panels to make the table bigger. The cut was brilliant and needed next to no clean up (Wealdon normal 2 flute tool)
Image

I never used gloves but when it didn't feel as safe as it should I did clamp on a block to hold that could be repositioned as necessary.
Image
I'll admit I'm not sure what is going on in this picture but it does show the support/safety hold block :)

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 09:51
by Andyp
I like your guard Robert. Unfortunately the inside curve I need to do will not allow for that arrangement.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 10:50
by Robert
Do you have a sketch of the shape you want to do?

And wouldn't a bandsaw or even scroll saw give you 2 bowls instead of 1 ?

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 11:22
by Andyp
At the risk of spoiling the surprise for someone who does drop in here every so often here is a video:-

[youtube]fa95ZC-n4-8[/youtube]

and if your skip to 4.17sec on the next video there is a how to on making the templates.

[youtube]c1GNkLrQ-Tc[/youtube]

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 11:25
by Tusses
could you glue a block to the top as a handle ?
then take it off when you are done

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 12:00
by Andyp
Tusses wrote:could you glue a block to the top as a handle ?
then take it off when you are done


I am not with there, sorry. Glue a block to the top of what?

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 12:06
by Tusses
Andyp wrote:
Tusses wrote:could you glue a block to the top as a handle ?
then take it off when you are done


I am not with there, sorry. Glue a block to the top of what?


it depends if you go for top or bottom template

If top, you can glue "handles" to the template
if bottom, then you can glue to the blank (with a paper barrier if the would be more suitable, as you would for gluing to a faceplate.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 12:12
by Andyp
Tusses wrote:
Andyp wrote:
Tusses wrote:could you glue a block to the top as a handle ?
then take it off when you are done


I am not with there, sorry. Glue a block to the top of what?


it depends if you go for top or bottom template

If top, you can glue "handles" to the template
if bottom, then you can glue to the blank (with a paper barrier if the would be more suitable, as you would for gluing to a faceplate.


Ah! I see what you mean. Good idea. I could screw a handle on the template and leave it there, I see no reason to remove. The template itself will be screwed to the blank, the screw holes disappearing during the turning.

Re: Routing with a template

PostPosted: 06 Jan 2017, 12:42
by Phil
Nice idea Andy, should look good.

Here are some nice candle holders to go with the shape.

Image


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