Routing help needed

[rcp612]

I'm needing to rout the stile (rail?) for the front of a roll-top desk. At first I thought to just do it freehand on the router table. Then I wondered just how to do that while making multiple passes. The stile (rail?) is S-shaped so any thoughts about a fence are out.
I checked the instructions at MLCS and from what I read there, free-hand routing is not an option they will reccommend. But, I know someone has an idea of how to do this.
Maybe I should have went with a single curve instead of the double curve desk top, but this is the one LOML wants.
Please help!!
(P.S. I know the difference between stile and rail but, this stile actually becomes a rail at the top.)
As always, thanks in advance for the responses.

[LarryG]

Make a pattern out of MDF or hardboard, double-stick tape the pattern to the blank for the rail, and use a bearing-guided bit to follow the pattern and make the cut. For safety, you'll need to use a starting pin on your router table.

If that's not sufficient detail and/or you don't know what I mean, holler and we'll find you some links showing the steps involved.

EDIT: Read thru this series on WoodShopDemos.com (at least the first three or four pages) and you'll see the gist of what's involved.

Also, if you need to make multiple passes in order to control the amount of material taken off each time, start with a large bearing and work your way down , using a smaller bearing for each successive pass until you get to where you need to be.

[JimD]

Larry's suggestion is good. All I will add is that a template guide and straight bit will also work (instead of a bit with a ball bearing).

Jim

[rcp612]

Thanks Larry. I must of had one of those "senior moments", or a template would have came to mind.
Also the edit really helps. I was going to reposition the template to make multiple passes but, the bearing step-down will be much more accurate. I may be back for more info when I'm ready to start the raised panel process (with a template ).