Router Jigs: Difference between revisions
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{{ToolInfoBox | {{ToolInfoBox | ||
|tool name=Rectangle Router Jig | |tool name=Rectangle Router Jig | ||
|image= | |image=rectangle router jig.JPG | ||
|synonyms=adjustable rectangle routing template | |synonyms=adjustable rectangle routing template | ||
|type=guidance [[jig]] | |type=guidance [[jig]] | ||
|used with=[[clamps]], TX 30 [[Torx Keys|key]] or [[screwdriver]];<br>[[router]], [[Copying Rings|copying rings]] (optional) | |used with=[[clamps]], TX 30 [[Torx Keys|key]] or [[screwdriver]];<br>[[router]], [[Copying Rings|copying rings]] (optional) | ||
|location=next to [[Router Table|router table]] | |location=[[Location::Wood Workshop]] (next to [[Router Table|router table]]) | ||
|access=read this page | |access=read this page | ||
|tutors=[[ | |tutors=[[User:Lukas|Lukas]] | ||
|similar= | |similar= | ||
}} | }} | ||
| Line 23: | Line 19: | ||
* using a router ''within'' the jig: | * using a router ''within'' the jig: | ||
** <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + router base diameter - router bit diameter</code> | ** <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + router base diameter - router bit diameter</code> | ||
** advantages: maximum depth usable, | ** 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 | ** disadvantage: large enough workpiece area needs to be availabe (easier with a [[Palm Router|palm router]]), router bases are usually not evenly round | ||
| Line 29: | Line 25: | ||
** ''please double-check, not tested!'' <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + copying ring diameter - router bit diameter</code> | ** ''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 | ** advantages: even guidance no matter how you turn the router, also works close to the workpiece's edge | ||
** disadvantages: harder to clamp down loss of routable depth, only possible if copying ring is flatter than the jig | ** 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! | 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 === | === Future Improvements === | ||
* it would be very handy to keep a dedicated [[Torx Keys|Torx key]] in the same place as the jig | * 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? | * maybe we could add precise rulers for easier setup - e.g. glued on or engraved somehow? | ||
<br clear=all> | |||
== Circles == | == Circles == | ||
{{ToolInfoBox | |||
|tool name=Circle Router Jig | |||
|german=Fräszirkel | |||
|image=Circle routing jig in use.jpeg | |||
|synonyms=hole cutting jig, circle cutting jig; DE: Fräszirkel | |||
|type=guidance [[jig]] | |||
|used with=[[Wood Screw|wood screw]], [[Routers#Makita_DRT50|Makita DRT50]] | |||
|location=below [[Router Table|router table]] | |||
|access=read this page | |||
|tutors= | |||
|similar= | |||
}} | |||
''small circle jigs may be included with some routers, let's check and add them here!'' | ''small circle jigs may be included with some routers, let's check and add them here!'' | ||
self-built options: look for "circle routing jig" or ''"Fräszirkel"'' online! | {{P}} made a 3D printed circle cutting jig for our [[Routers#Makita_DRT50|Makita DRT50]]. To use, drive a screw through the small disc so the jig can freely spin around this point and set the desired radius by moving the router along the guide rods. Cutting range is ~200-720 mm ⌀ (depending on the router bit used). | ||
[[File:Router Circle Jig.jpg|right|frameless|Circle cutting jig]] | |||
more self-built options: look for "circle routing jig" or ''"Fräszirkel"'' online! | |||
* [https://www.instagram.com/p/B6wEmYZnVnK/ tip by Wood Magazine on Instagram] - advantages: circle size pretty much as small as you want, works with regular base plate/parallel guides, screw for fine tuning (M6: 1 mm/turn!) | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQdNaJFDUR0 "Smart Router Circle Jig" by Marius Hornberger] - advantages: easily exchanged routers, no cable tangling (router can rotate freely) | |||
[[Category:Jigs]] | [[Category:Jigs]] | ||
[[Category:Woodworking]] | |||
Latest revision as of 08:52, 2 August 2023
When you're routing a hole or recess and want precision, freehanding is not an option. CNC routing may work, but takes a lot of preparation for a one-time cut - so your best option may be a router jig!
Rectangles
| 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
- please double-check, not tested!
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?
Circles
| ToolInfoBox Circle Router Jig | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | hole cutting jig, circle cutting jig; DE: Fräszirkel |
| Type: | guidance jig |
| Used with: | wood screw, Makita DRT50 |
| Location: | below router table |
| Access Requirements: | read this page |
small circle jigs may be included with some routers, let's check and add them here!
Patrick made a 3D printed circle cutting jig for our Makita DRT50. To use, drive a screw through the small disc so the jig can freely spin around this point and set the desired radius by moving the router along the guide rods. Cutting range is ~200-720 mm ⌀ (depending on the router bit used).
more self-built options: look for "circle routing jig" or "Fräszirkel" online!
- tip by Wood Magazine on Instagram - advantages: circle size pretty much as small as you want, works with regular base plate/parallel guides, screw for fine tuning (M6: 1 mm/turn!)
- "Smart Router Circle Jig" by Marius Hornberger - advantages: easily exchanged routers, no cable tangling (router can rotate freely)
