Making and Using Router Templates - Rockler Demo

Learn how to make and use router templates on your woodworking projects. Now, templates can help you do three main things: First, they can help you trace complex shapes onto your project parts quickly and easily. Once you’ve got the template, you don’t have to lay all of this out again manually. Second, you can use your templates to actually make your project parts with a router and the right bits. And finally, you can keep your templates for possible re-use. That can save a lot of layout time down the road, if should you decide to make the project again.

[@MichaelDonovanOOMDO]

I counted the word “tem-PLATE” 487 times in this video. Good job Chris! I like the proper pronunciation of template!

[@mindyhall4638]

Always such clear, straightforward advice; thanks! Super helpful!

[@ixholla1]

Not a Woodworker, i'm a Technical expert by trade. I'm attempting to route the decorative ends on Pergola/Lattice i'm (Attempting to Build lol) and this video cleared everything up for me, thank you for taking the time to put it out there, it was very very helpful!

[@marinespirit10]

Greetings from the UK, Appreciate you making this video, very informative

[@rockler]

Thanks for watching, hope it helps!

[@geoffkelly2760]

thank you - the ideal mix of application and demonstration is valuable

[@rockler]

Thanks for watching!

[@volli56]

I'm used to larger, corded routers czcams.com/users/postUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.

[@razco7]

Great video! Thanks for all the information.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@MultiTom1956]

Thank you Chris 😊

[@gatsu8634]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@TJFNixon]

Thanks Chris! 👍🏻

[@VictorAntonioLive]

Clear and succinct! Great job!

[@rockler]

Thanks for watching!

[@A6Legit]

4:40 I agree, plus it makes it easier to identify so I dont mistake them for scrap material

[@kentparker6494]

1/4" melamine is a good alternative to mdo. Tape doesn't stick to it and it glides over the router table very easily. Also, the edges are not quite as brittle so a template will last a long time

[@ektorish]

Greetings from Mexico !!!!!!

[@scotthed9944]

Nice video. Thanks for the info.

[@vonclap]

Well thought out , useful advice (UK carpenter)

[@davidwright2851]

Well done!

[@jobaecker9752]

Superb tips and well done video - thanks!

[@rockler]

🙌

[@pdwoodwerkz9625]

You mentioned using up old finish to add durability to the template. Great suggestion. Also consider the material used. When I make templates from MDF, I always make sure to use shellac or some other film coat on the edge where bearings and bushings will rub. This insures the edge lasts longer and remains true.

[@bobross5580]

Very helpful for this woodworking newb. Thanks.

[@rockler]

You're welcome. We have many articles, videos and free project plans on our website as well at - www.rockler.com/learn - Thanks!

[@jamartin1]

Thanks!💜

[@ZappninLLP]

Very helpful!

[@rockler]

🙌

[@bicivelo]

Good video. I’m glad he didn’t go nuts with pushing rockler products. Makes me want to shop there more. Wait… what?! 😅

[@greenghost6416]

"We got 'em boys"-Rockler😎

[@paulkneale8293]

thank you

[@fireworxz]

Thanks

[@A6Legit]

5:02 this is gold

[@guyh.4553]

Thanks Chris, very helpful to a novice. One question that I have is why 1/4" rather than 1/2"?

[@rockler]

Hi Guy, half-inch-thick MDF or plywood will work fine for template stock. Really, any thickness can be used for making templates, but the thinner the template material is, the faster and easier it will be to cut and smooth by sanding. Thicker stock than 1/2-in. offers no real benefits for template-making, and 1/4-in. material is really ideal -- thin enough to shape easily but thick enough to stand up to regular use.

[@edreusser4741]

I have a bunch of 1/8" baltic birch plywood. Is this stuff too thin to be used for templates? I can always get some 1/4" panels, but it is of course 2x as expensive...

[@joe_ferreira]

Carbon paper also helps a ton.

[@rockler]

Yes, that is also a great option!

[@reedjasonf]

If you want to use a template guide set in the router, is there a way to under/oversize the template for the lip of the template guide?

[@rockler]

Hi Jason Reed, Please reach out to our product support team at 1-800-260-9663 or [e-mail]. They'll be able to assist you. Thank you

[@edreusser4741]

sure be nice to add a link to the router bit you are using

[@rockler]

Hi Ed, you can find the router bit used in this video at www.rockler.com/2-flute-double-bearing-shear-flush-trim-bit-3-4-dia-x-1-1-2-cutter-x-1-2-shank

[@matthewmolina642]

Is 3/16 material too thin for templatesl? I have a bunch of it in my scrap pile.

[@rockler]

That should be just fine for templates. Just needs to be thick enough for the bearing of a router bit to follow.
Have a great day

[@rjgarcia9371]

Why would rockler sell cardboard templates you have to then transfer and make yourself, instead of giving you the rigid templates to begin with?

[@rockler]

We do sell cardboard and MDF templates for several of our templated plans. The cost varies depending on the material chosen.

[@keith7630]

Tough crowd.

[@allivanaip]

Template
Not temm plates!

[@JohnLobert]

Thanks for the tips. Can I ask why you start most of your sentences with the word "now"? Rather strange speech pattern.

[@KodieS]

Record yourself speaking/presenting and you'll pick up on a lot of odd speech patterns. Everybody has their own thing.

[@timeforfacts732]

Very informative video, but man, is it PAINFUL to hear "template" being mispronounced so many times.