Templates
Using template patterns lets you duplicate designs or letters uniformly time after time. This technique requires the use of a guide bushing.
GUIDE BUSHINGS
The guide bushing shown in (Fig. 14), is essentially a plate with a collar which is insert- ed into the hole in base as shown, and secured by threading a bushing plug on top of the guide bushing. The guide bushing rides along the edge of the template while the router bit, protruding below, cuts into the work.
FIG. 14
Bushing
Do not use a bit that may touch the inside of the collar. Select a bit that is at least 1/16" less in diameter.
In addition, special templates are easily pre- pared for cutting repeated patterns, special designs, inlays, and other applications. A template pattern may be made of plywood, hardboard, metal or even plastic, and the design can be cut with a router, jigsaw, or other suitable cutting tool.
Remember that the pattern will have to be made to compensate for the distance between the router bit and the guide bushing (the “offset”), as the final workpiece will differ in size from the template pattern by that amount, due to the bit position (Fig. 15).
Plug
FIG. 15
Router Bit |
Collet Nut
Guide Bushing
Base
Templete
Pattern
Guide
Bushing
Base
ATTENTION: Be sure the thickness of the template is the same or larger than the length of bushing protruding below the base.
Offset 
Workpiece
FREEHAND ROUTING
Many effects are gained by using the router freehand with a small diameter bit. Usually the craftsman pencils the outline or script he desires onto the work and uses the pencil line as a guide.
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