Routing Template

[Tarheel]

Hi

I need to rout a small (2" x 3 1/2") cross in several projects I have going on for XMas gifts. I don;t think that I will do anything serious like an inlay - just a quick relief cut in the shape of a cross with my Bosch Colt and a small cove bit.

What would be the best way to make a template from MDF or some similar material? Do I try and cut the template with a jig saw or a scroll saw? And. how do I get the corners nice and square? I have looked all over the internet for a pre-cut template, but am coming up empty!

I have never made a template like this and am just looking for some ideas.

Thanks in Advance!

Wayne

[LCHIEN]

jigsaws, scrollsaws are not precision in that you won't end up with perfect straight lines if you freehand it and they are notoriously prone to wander even for guided cuts.

My suggestion would be to take some 1/4" plywood or Hardboard or MDF and cut on the table saw some nice straight pieces that you can butt together to form your cross guide template (e.g. opening in the shape of a cross). you can use an outside frame (farther out than the router base from the opening) to connect them together and to have a place to clamp it down.

[DonHo]

I haven't done something like this so take this for what it's worth. I'd make the template in hard board or MDF and start by drilling holes(sized to the width you want the template) to locate the (4) ends of the lines that will form the cross then set up the fence on a router table or clamp a straight edge as a guide and route between two end holes then reposition to route between end holes.

DonHo

[Tarheel]

jigsaws, scrollsaws are not precision in that you won't end up with perfect straight lines if you freehand it and they are notoriously prone to wander even for guided cuts.

My suggestion would be to take some 1/4" plywood or Hardboard or MDF and cut on the table saw some nice straight pieces that you can butt together to form your cross guide template (e.g. opening in the shape of a cross). you can use an outside frame (farther out than the router base from the opening) to connect them together and to have a place to clamp it down.

Thanks for the tip!!!!!!

I ordered a new base plate (that accepts PC bushings) for my little Bosch Colt off of Amazon and coupled with a template and a 1/4" veining bit with the template as you suggest, should do the trick!!!!

I appreciate the idea! Thanks so much!!!

Wayne