jcmmgm

Hi, I bought a 9X13 aluminum plate and template from Rockler and I noticed that the radius on the template is not the same as the plate. Has anyone else ever run into this situation? If so, is there any way to modify the template so that I can solve the problem before I rout out my new table? Thank you all for your help. John.

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bobj3

Hi jcmmgm

Reworking any template can be tricky,,, once you cut in to the template you can't repair it,,, without doing alot of work...

I would suggest to just put it to one side and do it like the link below, then the hole for the plate will be dead on...
But besure to use a PATTERN bit ,that's a bit with the bearing under the cutter...on the shank...

http://wealdentool.com/acatalog/tips_20.html

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http://www.cmtusa.com/store/index1.i...routerbits.jpg
http://www.cmtusa.com/store/index1.i...routerbits.jpg
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http://www.routerforums.com/attachme...inges-8102.jpg
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how to make a template that fits your base plate..about a 5 min.job.
http://www.routerforums.com/50705-post43.html
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Bj

S Bolton

I noticed the same thing on the Rockler plate and template. It is irritating because you buy it with the expectation it will be exact and it clearly isn't.

Steve Bolton

RustyW

I dont have one from Rockler. But I have learned from Tom and Harry that a template does not need a radius to end up with one on the finished product. Is it possible that Rockler specifies a certain size guide that will give the desired results?

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Rusty

If You Want It Bad, You Get It Bad The Worse You Want It, The Worse You Get It

jcmmgm

Steve, Do you think I can use something like bondo or JB weld to fill the voids in the corners and get them to the correct radius before routing the top? I've gone to a lot of trouble getting the top just how I want it and really don't want to mess it up now. Thank again. John.

bobj3

Hi John

Just a BUTT in post...

You may want to use fiberglass resin, it's hard as a rock when it's setup..
you can also just a add a drop or two of food coloring to get it to match the top or the plate...
But just the resin not with the fiberglass,, just some masking tape and some cardboard and the resin....and you will have it done..you don't need that much just drop by the craft store or the auto parts store and pickup one of the small kits,,,comes in two parts and it's in plastic tubes, like JB...comes in 5sec.,20sec.,1 min.,5min.,30 mins.,and one hour type...

Use it on a test board to get the feel of it b/4 you use it on your top...



"bondo or JB" don't hold well and you know bondo it likes to chip off, JB weld will shrink just a bit and you will have a low spot..

fiberglass resin
http://www.fibreglast.com/showproduc...FQKHPAodu3m_IQ

http://www.diseno-art.com/tutorials/fiberglass.html



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Bj

curiousgeorge

John, I agree with Rusty. When I used a template to set my plate I had to use a specific sized bushing and bit to get the correct radius on the corners. You might want to check on this before messing with fill-ins and maybe ruining the template. With a bushing it doesn't matter if the corners on the template are round or square you will still get the correct radius.

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George

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem...

Mike

John, if you follow the directions for the template and use the set up called for there should be no slop in the installation. A template is designed to use a specific bit or guide bushing and bit to get a desired result; that is to say the template may not match the plate's radius but when using the proper set up the resulting cut should be a flush fit. Not having done a Rockler installation I am wondering if it requires a guide bushing? That would explain the different radius.

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Mike

S Bolton

Actually, I found two things with the Rockler plate. I bought the MDF template and recommended bit.

1. There is a little slop. The template isn't as snug as it could be.

2. The radius is a little off.

I was a little disappointed. I now see that I could have easily made my own template and it would have fit better. As far as the correct radius, I don't know the solution to that. I am very much a rank amateur.

Steve Bolton

Drugstore Cowboy

I haven't used the Rockler template -
I'm cheap -- prefer making my own similar to the one demonstrated in BJ's earlier post.
BUT - I found the following under the "More Info" tab on their web site ad for the template.

We suggest using our 1/2’’ Pattern Cutting Bit #33536 (sold separately, but other 1/2’’ pattern bits also work.

I would be willing to bet a doughnut -- if you do this -- you will get a good fit.
If you do this and STILL get a bad fit -- then Rockler is at fault -- and I owe you a doughnut.

If you are (understandably) concerned about messing up your table -- you can always test the template on a scrap of plywood first.
--
Just read your last post - that you followed directions and still got a bad fit.
I owe you a doughnut.
As for determining the correct bit to get the correct radius --
Thats a matter of geometry and I think someone else has already addressed that.
BTW ---
Thanks for helping confirm my decision to make my own template rather than buy one.

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