How to use a plunge router with a template

A plunge router is an important tool in the woodworking industry. If you want to make mating parts or to create odd-shaped structures in your woodworking projects, you should use this router. A plunge base router with a template will make it easier for you to complete your tasks. However, here comes the question, and that is- do you know how to use a plunge router with a template?

Well, you don’t have to worry at all. We are here to help you out knowing you are using a plunge wood router with a template with ease. So, let’s go through the guide!

How to use a plunge router with a template?

So before we begin to describe the process in detail, we want to brief it shortly. This will let you easily understand the whole process.

All right, we will divide the process of using plunge router with a template into two main parts to make it easier to understand. And they are:

• Making the template for your woodworking piece
• Using the plunge router with the template

Now, we will go through it in detail.

Making the template for your woodworking piece

Using a template routing idea will perfectly give you identical parts in your woodworking projects. Templates are being made for not only all kinds of projects but also for all types of patterns. However, knowing the process of making your template will let you design your woodworking tasks. Besides, template routing is also a time-saving process after all. Therefore, the first thing for you is to make a template. It can be made from different types of materials like MDF, Plywood, Hardwood, etc. Here, the materials MDF would be the best option for making the template as they are easily available.

However, after selecting the materials, you need to design and create a shape of the template you will place on your woodworking piece. Whenever you are done making the design, you have to cut out the template’s shape using a band saw, a jigsaw or a scroll saw, etc. After finishing the cut, the final task of making it is to smooth the template’s cut. For this, first, you need to smooth it with a file and then a sand strip. And your template is ready for use.

Using the plunge base router with the template

After creating the template, the next step is to use a plunge router with it. And, to use this router, you need to follow these ways-

• Selecting the template router bits

Well, before using this router, you need to select template routing bits. Usually, you will find three types of router bits, and they are:

1. A top bearing pattern bit
2. A bottom bearing flush-trim bit and
3. A straight bit that is combined with a guide bushing

One important thing you will have to remember while selecting the router bits. That is, using the largest diameter bit as much as possible that the router can easily handle. These templates routing bits help match the workpiece’s design exactly that you need for your woodworking projects.

• Sticking the template onto the working piece

Once you have selected the routing bits for your router, then you need to place the template to your woodworking piece in your routing table. For that, you have to stick the template onto your working piece by using double-sided tape. You can also use a few dabs of hot-melt glue for sticking it. But, while using tap, you should use enough tap so that the template can easily place onto the wood piece. And, also you can easily remove the template while your project is finished.

• Cutting the workpiece with the plunge router following the templates

In this step, first, you need to adjust the speed and the depth of the cut to make sure that you’re cutting in the proper position on your board. After adjusting the desired depth, lock the lever and start cutting the template’s inside with the plunge router. You should cut clockwise while you are cutting inside of the template. Yet, while cutting around the outside, you should cut the template counter-clockwise. And, when the template routing is completed, you have to remove the template from the workpiece. Thus, you can get exact duplicate parts of your workpiece in your woodworking projects using a plunge router.

Final thoughts

As a woodworker, you want a power tool arsenal like a plunge router. This router perfectly does the template work, especially while saving the positive and negative shape that has been already cut out and left behind. Therefore, in this guide, we have discussed how to use a plunge router with a template. So, you don’t get in trouble when you use the router in your woodworking project!