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Cutting a template with a router...
Sinner:
I was wondering what type of bit you would use in a router to follow a template to cut another piece of wood...for example, if I cut out once side of my cabinet, and I want to use it as a template for the other, I clamp the cut piece to a new sheet of MDF, then use some sort of bit to route around...sounds simple, and I'm sure it is, but what kind of bit do I use?? I have these plastic discs that came with my router...they screw into the bottom, and are supposed to be guides...
Do I use these to follow the template?? Is there a special bit, or do these "guides" and a regular straight bit allow me to cut the pattern?
AlanS17:
Actually, those are trimming bits. They work in reverse. It's made for things like cutting laminate. It's the same concept, though.
When in position, the router bit will have the bearing on top and the straight bit on bottom. The bearing runs along the edge of the wood on top and prevents you from cutting into it. As a result, you follow along the outside edge.
pcb:
AlanS17's got it right. The bits with the bearing on the top are what you want. FYI they are called Pattern Bits. :)
nostrebor:
Of course you are right :-[ although, I have used both kinds for pattern work. You just put the pattern on the bottom instead.
The correct bit is a pattern bit...
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_flush.html#pattern_flush_anchor
I removed the previous post to avoid confusion...
Sinner:
That's awesome guys...thanks for the information...I think I'm going to go this route for the sides...I think the cost of the bit will be worth the savings in frustration in the long run...
Does anyone know how the plastic discs that came with my router work? I read the manual, but I'm still unsure...BTW it's a Ryobi with the 3 bases...