Diary of a router in use

Tom76

Diary of a router in actual use: not ideas of what could be done .

Getting more from my router with the use of template guides.
This topic was introduced at my request some years ago as I was I trying to introduce new routing techniques in the past to create some interest in producing projects not considered suitable for producing on the router table, IMHO, to inform members that it is not always possible to produce 90% of all routing processes with the router in the table. I have not posted this to start any conflict among members but only to start a sort of Diary of what the router is capable of. A sort of daily use of the router in the workshop not what I have done in the past

This all started when I volunteered to produce three small tables for our local church: now I really mean SMALL. So I had to consider what mode I would use to produce the various processes required. There are a number of processes required to complete the design I have submitted. It has been necessary to produce some jigs to complete the processes and these will be posted, I suppose in the same way when we are doing dovetails we use a dovetail jig well I'm using my jigs that I have constructed.

It is not my intention to go into great detail on how the jigs were constructed, but simply to illustrate what I used. (Like the dovetail or finger joint jigs)

I will start of by posting a couple of pics of the two tables (by no means completed) as I still have to add the tops so that will require more processes.

You may wish to comment on how you would tackle the problem and I would appreciate any comments you have backed by what has been produced not by 'I think this would work'

Both projects are three legged table joined to a Hexagonal column.

Tom
(Template Tom)

Attached Images

	PICT0033 s.jpg (74.1 KB, 79 views)
	PICT0073 s.jpg (71.3 KB, 77 views)

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allthunbs

Hi Tom:

During this project please, please show us how to make precision templates. You and Harry keep showing us these fantastic projects but never show us the process by which you make the templates. The closest I've gotten to precision is with a striking knife and freehand skis and even that wasn't accurate enough. I'm thoroughly frustrated with how my templates are flawed. Even my straight line ones aren't that good, and that's using a table saw and a jointer. I typically use 1/4" luan plywood.

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Allthunbs

-- I got so tired of typing then correcting "Allthaubonsd fpoo" I've put it in a signature.

AxlMyk

I made some plant stands with a similar base mounting arrangement. Worked well with dowels.
http://www.routerforums.com/show-n-t...ant-stand.html

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Never, under any circumstances, combine a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

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My Gallery @ http://www.routerforums.com/axlmyks-stuff/

BrianS

Tom, I have to agree with Ron here... you have produced some nice things over the years, but for those of us not as experienced as you, a bit more information on process would be nice.

Your church should really appreciate these tables as they are really looking nice. Please post pics of the finished product.

__________________
Brian


A marriage is always made up of two people who are prepared to swear that only the other one snores.

Terry Pratchett

Timberwerkz

Tom

Did you use any other tools besides a Handheld router in the final shaping and joint cutting? If you only used the router in handheld I would like to see the jig you used for all of the bevel cuts on the legs,if you don't mind. I know that would be very easy on a table and am truly curious how to accomplish the same thing with a hand held router

Chris

Tom76

Mike this is exactly what I meant backing up what you have already done with pics. I certainly have no intention of saying "I would not do it that way" but what I will post is an alternative method I used.
Tom
(Template TOM)

Tom76

Chris The only tool I have used so far is the router in the hand held position, you say "that would be very easy" table I assume you were referring to a router in the router table. I was not prepared to attempt such a small item in the table mode.

Tom
(Template Tom)

Tom76

In both instances I decided to construct a Hexagonal column made from 40mm x 12mm material.

Each edge was produced at 60 degrees with the router as I considered the process could be achieved with greater safety. I am well aware that most members would use the table mounted router or maybe a circular saw (Two very large and expensive Jigs) and as I am trying illustrate how we can get more from our router if it is used in the hand held position, and also with the aid of the template guides. If I do have to use other machinery I will add it to the list, but for the moment just imagine the plunge router is all you have to work with.

Hexagonal column:
Material maybe able to be produced dressed to size from your local timber supplier. 400mm x 40mm x 12mm

I put together a box 400mm x 300mm x 40mm deep. This is the same Jig Holder I mentioned in previous postings. Again the material can be purchased 40mm x 19mm

Note; This is one jig I constructed without the need to sit at the computer and design it so I have no such drawings to show

All I did was place some blocks in position cut at an angle of 60 degrees then added a fence connecting them together. This held the material at the angle I required.

I needed some form of fixture for want of a better word so I added a base to the box to begin with then I inserted devices that would keep the material secure at the angle.

I produced a template which overhung the Jig Holder with a slot in it for the cutter to traverse as I pushed the router up and down to make the cut. In this instance I did not use the 40mm guide to control the router movement so I used the 160mm guide (Which is the base of my router) adding two strips to the top of the template to guide the router.

Rout one side, turn it over rout other side; All done with Greater Safety Awareness.

Repeat the process with the next 5 pieces and you are all set to glue them together. To see it in action visit You Tube and look for Routing with Tom O'Donnell where it is explained in detail.

Producing the legs for the smaller table:

I already had the jig and templates for another larger three legged table design completed so I used what I had and simply reduced the size of the material I needed and inserted it into the Jig.

This was more complex as it not only involved producing a small shape there was also added or I should say removed from the face of the material both sides simple to add some design feature.

The initial shape was produced with a 40mm guide and a 10mm cutter and the feature shape was inserted with the aid of a 40mm guide and a flat bottom beading cutter.

Will have to come back on this as I have to go out
Tom
(Template Tom)

Attached Images

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Timberwerkz

Tom,

I didn't intend to start a well I can do that on table debate. I actually am very interested in your methods in the construction of the these tables and appreciate the depth of explanation you have given so far. I use my router table a lot and would like to learn alternative ways that can be faster and safer if applied properly.

I just watched the above mentioned video, that was a great idea

Thank you again for sharing,

Chris

Tom76

Chris sorry if you thought I was getting at you it was never my intention people can produce the various processes any way they wish all I am showing is how I set out to do it. I look forward to your comments in the future as we can learn from each other.
Tom
(Template Tom)