harrysin

I really do agree with you George that beginners could be intimidated by these advanced methods which is precisely why I had long discussions with Tom yesterday and SUGGESTED that his first DVD should start from the very beginning ie; points to look for when purchasing a router,matters relating to safety,height adjustment, making a jig holder box,making simple templates,the basic techniques of plunge routing etc etc. Tom has previously produced all this information on CD ROM but I feel sure that he will now add video to end up with a much sought after source of plunge routing information. Beginners can find out all about table routing by watching Bob and Rick, who, I would hasten to add, put on a very polished performance in their demonstrations, but at the moment where can they turn to for plunge routing tuition? This imbalance will soon end! or my name isn't Harry Sinclair

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harrysin

It probably could be done as you suggest Joe,but Tom's methods are designed with safety first and foremost,just imagine a sight impaired person using you're method, the holding devices,in this case cams would be difficult to avoid and I doubt that the finished box would turn out as well but having said that,one day I may well try you're suggestion Joe.Harry

Joe Lyddon

I didn't know we were performing tasks for the 'sight impaired'! If that was the case, I don't think I'd let them touch a router, let alone USE it!

I do not understand, I guess...

To me, missing those 'holding devices' would basic router adjustment functions; again, if this can't be done safely, the person shouldn't touch the router. The main cut would be a simple Template cut, which I thought this was all about... with all of the router base on the template.

I do not understand Toms & your objective, I guess... I thought I was 'getting' the picture... Now, I don't know. (??????)

I guess I'll just sit back and watch for now.

curiousgeorge

Hi Joe,
Harry was talking about a plunge router class for sight impaired people that Tom once taught using this method. Tom made the jigs and templates but the sight impaired guys did the router work. Check out Tom's blog for pictures of some of their work (very impressive). The safety factor in using female templates is one of the features that Tom stresses.

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Mike

Joe, perhaps I can shed some light on the subject for you. While it is possible to use a saw to shape the outside of the box you would then have to do a great deal of finish sanding. Using the router to cut the shape eliminates the need for all but the finest sanding before finishing. In addition to this consider it is possible to reuse this jig time and again so you will always have exact copies of the project. Using the female templates and guide bushings means the bit is always enclosed with no way to contact it. This is why it is safe for blind students. Tom will be the first to tell you that this method is one of many ways to complete a project; it is by far the safest. Tom uses a router table for many of his projects. His message is this: Think about if there is a safer way to do the job.

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challagan

Harry, one thing I am not clear on is how is the template is attached over the top of the already hogged out interior so the bearing rides along it solidly for routing out the side.

I have another question for you, when you make a project like this one, do you get much life out of your bits. In particular the routing of the sides of the box, does that cutter have a short life after doing that work... which seems like the bit has to work pretty hard and in particular hardwoods like this. I haven't done any pattern work like this so that is why I ask.

Thanks,
Corey

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curiousgeorge

Good question Corey. I was wondering the same thing.

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Mike

Corey, The router is in "ski mode", supported by the ski's. The guide bushing only directs the path. Common sense will tell you that the heavy cutting is done in steps with cool down periods in between or my name isnt Harry Sinclair! (Oh wait, that isnt my name!)

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challagan

Mike I see now that this was done on the skis but I still don't see how the template was held firmly in place which I would think it would need to be.

"Common sense will tell you that the heavy cutting is done in steps with cool down periods in between or my name isnt Harry Sinclair! (Oh wait, that isnt my name!"

I am quite capable of using common sense and understand that multiple passes are made, however it is still some fairly heavy cutting. I was just curious with this kind of cutting what kind of life you get out of a bit like this. I haven't done any pattern or template routing.

Corey

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harrysin

Well, gentlemen, I was ready to answer all you're questions but Mike has beat me to it in a most eloquent manner. I do indeed take cuts of about 1/8" at a time in hard woods and I don't force the router, with the result that I have never had any of my cutters re-sharpened, although some are probably ready for it. You all really should make a set of skis, they give the operator total control of the router,bearing in mind that it is controlled from the ends. Lets face it, beginners are just as vulnerable as sight impaired people when using the router so safety is a must.
Don't forget Joe, that "the box" was designed as a ROUTER project to teach new methods of using this most versatile tool,also bear in mind that I did not go all the way through to the bottom,if I had,the box would have been free to move and be hit and damaged by the cutter.One of the shots shows the last 1/8" being removed on the band saw prior to clean-up on the table using a straight bearing cutter.
I have just spoken to MIKE and been given an insight into the guides and cutters available in the USA and shall pass this information to Template Tom to consider including projects on future DVD's using imperial guides and cutters that you guys are likely to have. Harry