Rectangle Router Jig: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:41, 11 May 2024

ToolInfoBox Rectangle Router Jig

Synonyms:	adjustable rectangle routing template
Type:	guidance jig
Used with:	clamps, TX 30 key or screwdriver; router, copying rings (optional)
Location:	Wood Workshop (next to router table)
Access Requirements:	read this page
Tutors:	Lukas

We have some very handy flat aluminum extrusions that Lukas saved from the trash because of their jig potential: they can interlock with each other at 90 degrees at any length!

Before assembly, you will need to calculate the desired inside measurement. This depends on the way you'll use it:

using a router within the jig:
- inside_(jig) = inside_{(hole/recess)} + router base diameter - router bit diameter
- advantages: maximum depth usable, clamps are not in the way of your movement
- disadvantage: large enough workpiece area needs to be availabe (easier with a palm router), router bases are usually not evenly round

using a router with copying ring on top of the jig
- please double-check, not tested! inside_(jig) = inside_{(hole/recess)} + copying ring diameter - router bit diameter
- advantages: even guidance no matter how you turn the router, also works close to the workpiece's edge
- disadvantages: harder to clamp the jig down without obstructing the machine, loss of routable depth, only possible if copying ring is flatter than the jig

Then, make sure to clamp the jig down securely before starting your cut and you'll get great results!

this router jig can also be used with a jigsaw, but at least the corners won't turn out nearly as nice

the jig is very handy if you need slots that are a bit wider than your router bit

Future Improvements

it would be very handy to keep a dedicated Torx key in the same place as the jig
maybe we could add precise rulers for easier setup - e.g. glued on or engraved somehow?

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-#redirect[[Router Jigs#Rectangles]]
+{{ToolInfoBox
+|tool name=Rectangle Router Jig
+|image=rectangle router jig.JPG
+|synonyms=adjustable rectangle routing template
+|type=guidance [[jig]]
+|used with=[[clamps]], TX 30 [[Torx Keys|key]] or [[screwdriver]];<br>[[router]], [[Copying Rings|copying rings]] (optional)
+|location=[[Location::Wood Workshop]] (next to [[Router Table|router table]])
+|access=read this page
+|tutors=[[User:Lukas|Lukas]]
+|similar=
+}}
+We have some very handy flat [[Aluminum Extrusions|aluminum extrusions]] that {{£}} saved from the trash because of their jig potential: they can interlock with each other at 90 degrees at any length!
+Before assembly, you will need to calculate the desired inside measurement. This depends on the way you'll use it:
+* using a router ''within'' the jig:
+** <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + router base diameter - router bit diameter</code>
+** advantages: maximum depth usable, clamps are not in the way of your movement
+** disadvantage: large enough workpiece area needs to be availabe (easier with a [[Palm Router|palm router]]), router bases are usually not evenly round
+* using a router with [[Copying Rings|copying ring]] ''on top'' of the jig
+** ''please double-check, not tested!'' <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + copying ring diameter - router bit diameter</code>
+** advantages: even guidance no matter how you turn the router, also works close to the workpiece's edge
+** disadvantages: harder to clamp the jig down without obstructing the machine, loss of routable depth, only possible if copying ring is flatter than the jig
+Then, make sure to '''[[clamp]] the jig down securely''' before starting your cut and you'll get great results!
+[[File:router jig with jigsaw.JPG|thumb|right|200px|this router jig can also be used with a [[jigsaw]], but ''at least'' the corners won't turn out nearly as nice]]
+[[File:Slot with rectangle router jig.jpg|thumb|the jig is very handy if you need slots that are a bit wider than your [[Router Bit|router bit]]]]
+=== Future Improvements ===
+* it would be very handy to keep a dedicated [[Torx Keys|Torx key]] in the same place as the jig
+* maybe we could add precise rulers for easier setup - e.g. glued on or engraved somehow?
+[[Category:Handheld Router Jigs]]