Router - Bushing question

[pie taster]

neewb question here.

I have a 1/2" straight shank for my router.. and I got a bushing ring (template thing, i think i'm calling that right).  That has a 5/8" opening.

I want to route out some cp stuff and when i tested the shank in the hole.. (by hand).. IT WAS TIGHT... so tight that i was afraid to stick it in my router and turn it on. 

I then started think is it too small of an opening?

If i start routing and if the shank bends or something.. am i risk of screwing up 1) my shank (bad) 2) my router (real bad) 3) my jimmie!  (HORRIFIC!!).

or.. am i good and it won't be a problem.

or.. don't be dumb.. get a bigger hole!

[sstorkel]

Why do you think you need a template bushing in the first place? Unless you have jigs that were designed to be used with a 5/8" template bushing. I'm not sure what you're gong to use it for...

That said, do not use a 1/2" bit with a 5/8" bushing!

Here's why: a 5/8" template bushing does not have a 5/8" hole in it! The 5/8" measurement represents the outside diameter of the bushing. The hole that goes through the center of the bushing is actually smaller. Probably much smaller. Even if the hole was 5/8", that only leaves 1/16" clearance around the outside of a half-inch bit. Ideally you want more clearance. Probably a lot more, especially if you aren't using a centering cone to ensure that your bits are perfectly centered in the template bushing's hole.

[pie taster]

Why do you think you need a template bushing in the first place? Unless you have jigs that were designed to be used with a 5/8" template bushing. I'm not sure what you're gong to use it for...

Well i was going to make the jigs as talked about in this sticky thread.

How to make a Top Mount or Under Mount Joystick Jig

But yes.. thanks for the tip on getting a bigger one.. I was worried about that!

[pie taster]

How big of bushing ring should I get for a 1/2" shank bit?

I was thinking of this one...

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42030-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OOZ/

or this one..

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42039-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OP0/

[sstorkel]

How big of bushing ring should I get for a 1/2" shank bit?

I was thinking of this one...

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42030-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OOZ/

or this one..

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42039-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OP0/

Either of those will work. So will this one, I think.

If I were you, I'd think about whether you want to buy a new template collar or a new bit. Remember, with a 1/2-inch bit you're stuck with a 1/4-inch corner radius (e.g. about the size of a U.S. quarter). Depending on your joysticks and how snug a fit you want, this might be fine. Or it might be too large. My tendency would be to use a smaller bit, to get a tighter radius on the corners. Maybe a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch bit?