I wish to route 16, 1inch wide, 15 inches long and 1/4 inch deep recesses in
birch. I think it is a good application for plunge routing with a pattern.
I have a plunge router and both pattern bits (router bits with same size
bearing 'above' the cutting edges), and template guide bushings. I hope those
are the correct terms. I have ordered a square chisel to convert the round
corners resulting from the router bit to square..
It seems there is little difference between the use of a pattern bit versus
template guide bushings. The opening in the pattern has to be a little larger
when using a router bushing but I see no other difference.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of one method over the other?? Which
would you recommend??
TIA
Eric
Pattern bits onna 'count of the 1:1 relationship 'tween the
template and the area being routed.
Also, it isn't always a problem, but there may/could be a
slight "offness" with the collar in relationship to the bit
due to there being the router, the base plate and the collar
and any one of these could be off a little, not to mention
the combined error if each is a "little" bit off.
Both have their uses/places but in this case I think the
pattern bits win with a slight edge.
UA100
Some general information at the 2 links:
1) http://www.patwarner.com/patternbits.html and
2) http://www.patwarner.com/collarguide.html
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> I wish to route 16, 1inch wide, 15 inches long and 1/4 inch deep recesses in
> birch. I think it is a good application for plunge routing with a pattern.
>
> I have a plunge router and both pattern bits (router bits with same size
> bearing 'above' the cutting edges), and template guide bushings. I hope those
> are the correct terms. I have ordered a square chisel to convert the round
> corners resulting from the router bit to square..
>
> It seems there is little difference between the use of a pattern bit versus
> template guide bushings. The opening in the pattern has to be a little larger
> when using a router bushing but I see no other difference.
>
> What are the advantages/disadvantages of one method over the other?? Which
> would you recommend??
>
> TIA
>
> Eric
The "recess" is the key. To use a pattern-routing bit you'll have to have a
top bearing, and your pattern will have to be pretty thick. You'll also
want to be careful to either bore a start hole with a Forstner or a router
bit with a plunging bottom. Not all pattern bits are capable of boring
their own holes.
The objection to poor centering can be overcome by centering the bit (doh),
or if your setup or equipment is so poorly aligned that you can't get it
properly centered, you can rout by referencing the same quarter of the
collar for critical dimension.
I've a Lee Valley router plate, properly centered, and love the ability to
pattern rout on my table with a 1/4" template and almost any straight bit in
my selection. If I want to use the router freehand, back to the Bosch.
BTW, your stated problem seems to be one for fencing, not pattern routing.
"RubEric" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I wish to route 16, 1inch wide, 15 inches long and 1/4 inch deep recesses
in
> birch. I think it is a good application for plunge routing with a
pattern.
>
> I have a plunge router and both pattern bits (router bits with same size
> bearing 'above' the cutting edges), and template guide bushings. I hope
those
> are the correct terms. I have ordered a square chisel to convert the round
> corners resulting from the router bit to square..
>
> It seems there is little difference between the use of a pattern bit
versus
> template guide bushings. The opening in the pattern has to be a little
larger
> when using a router bushing but I see no other difference.
>
> What are the advantages/disadvantages of one method over the other?? Which
> would you recommend??