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One of the key steps in the process of creating router inlay is using a template. Templates allow you to repeat the same process over again and produce uniform results. The process of making a template is simple, but there are a few tips you should follow to ensure that you get it right. You will also need a few other supplies, such as Guide bushings and Double-sided tape. There are also a few tips for setting the bit height properly.
Guide bushings
There are several factors to consider when choosing guide bushings for router inlay templates. In order to get the proper cut, the depth of the guide must be at least as deep as the router bit. Different manufacturers use different depths and diameters of guide bushings, so you must know what works for your router before buying a guide. Guide bushings should be securely attached to the template by double-sided tape or screws. Clamps can be used if the router is not in the way of the guide bushing.
You can make a star insert by placing a template over the desired material, but you must make sure that the radius of the template is smaller than the guide bushing. This will make the star insert appear to have rounded corners. If this happens, you can trim the star insert’s point with a chisel, but it’s best to do this after the hole is already made.
Guide bushings are a necessary part of the Router Inlay Set. Guide bushings attach to the router’s base plate. They also include a retaining ring that holds the sleeve or pocket in place while you plunge the router. Once you have the right depth for the cut, plunge the router until the bit sticks out far enough to cut through the inlay material.
Double-sided tape
To create a template, you first need to align the inlay negative material. You may also use strips of sheet material to hold the template in place. The strips must be long enough to clamp to the edge of the work-piece without obstructing the router’s base path. You can also use double-sided tape to secure the template to the work-piece. Once the template is in place, you must fix the work-piece to the workbench.
Next, prepare your wood. It is important to choose a hardwood that is 1/8″ thick. This can be either domestic or exotic. If you choose the latter, it is best to buy a small plunge-base router that has a brass inlay guide bushing installed. Using a plunge-base router can also be beneficial for cutting small pieces. Using a template to create an inlay is an effective method for making a router inlay.
For a high-quality result, use different species of wood. Try to use different grain directions and contrasting colors. One common shape is the dutchman “bowtie” style. Then, place a contrasting stain over the patch to highlight the edges. Once dry, you can glue the pieces and proceed with the router inlay. A double-sided tape template makes the process easier.
Setting up the router bit height
After laying out the template, you should clamp it to the workpiece at four corners. You will want the inlay to stand out of the recess at about the thickness of a sheet of paper. You will want to check that the template cuts past the router bit, and that the depth of the cut is about 1/8″. This means that you need to remove a little bit of material from the positive side of the sheet, but not too much.
You can now move onto cutting the inlay. Using a guide bush, you can slide the router bit in a single progressive pass around the template, or you can make a number of progressive passes. If the router bit is not long enough, you may have to make several passes to cut the entire inlay. To do this, make sure to press the guide bush against the template edge.
Before you start routing, you need to measure the depth of the wood. A jig-it-style tool makes this step simple. It features a grid, which helps you to determine the inlay depth accurately. The jig-it router bit setup jig also provides the same level of accuracy as a standard ruler, without requiring you to do any math.
Using a plunge router to make inlay templates
Using a plunge router to make inlays can be a challenging process. The template must be thick enough to prevent the collar from touching the work surface, and the opening should be large enough to hold the removable bushing. The router bit and bushing must enter the work piece against the template’s edge. Deviation from this template will ruin the inlay. The plunge base of a router makes it easier to position the bit and guide bushing before it plunges, which reduces the risk of error.
To remove the template, you can use a putty knife and peel the sleeve off the guide bushing. You can then remove the template. It’s easier to remove small amounts of positive material rather than removing a large quantity. Before starting to make the inlay, you need to measure the depth of the inlay template to determine its thickness. If the inlay negative is more than 3.2mm thick, you will need to make several passes to remove the desired thickness.
The next step in using a plunge router is cutting the key to the desired shape. This step requires more precision than cutting the mortise. It is important to trace the outside edges of the key with the guide bush, as the wrong positioning can affect the final fit. The guide collar should remain in contact with the walls of the template to prevent the router from changing its shape. You may have to do two passes to cut to the desired depth.
