I've never used either so please let us (me) now you experience with them.

I always thought a pantograph was cool but seemed intimidating.

 

After a quick look at a Youtube video or two, mine looks just like the Milescraft.

 

Same here

 

I've owned both since the mid-1980's, and still use both for occasional projects. Both accessories are easy to learn, but practice is a must! Just use up some of those plywood scraps.

The Rout-a-Signer is designed for engraving lettering or other designs, using templates (non-freehand). The router uses a bearing-bit or router template guide to trace around the inside of the template. The lettering/designs sizes are limited to the size of each template. Great for carving all types/sizes of wooden signs. IMO, the purchase of additional size lettering templates AND a router template guide kit is a big plus for its usage.

I've included an Amazon link so you will be able to search for the many available templates and template bushing guides. Rockler and other vendors have similar items, but at higher a pricing. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=router+template+inserts&ref=nav_bb_sb

Sample kit:

* If ordering a bushing guide kit, make sure to note which brand router(s) are compatible. All router sub-bases are different. Also, I would suggest a metal guide kit for longer wear, as opposed to a plastic material.

The Router Pantograph is designed to enlarge or reduce a drawing/design. The print is then transferred to the wood, with use of the router. Transfer is freehand, instead of having to use a template. The nice feature is that any straight, cove or vee-bit can be used for the process.

Any wood can be used with either accessory. However, some hardwoods may tend to show burn marks from the router bit, depending on the router RPM. To compensate, I invested in a portable router speed control from Rockler -- only because the lighter-weight router that I dedicate for use with both accessories, isn't variable speed.

In closing, make sure your workpiece is secure when using either accessory. You can use clamps, but may have to move them around when routing. To make securing easier (in most cases, no clamps), I use a bed of woven shelf liner underneath the workpiece. The liner is the same material used in making the marketed router pads.

Here's what I use:

 

Thanks, Bob. That helps a lot. Looks like it's time to practice. I have a good supply of 1x and pallet boards to start having a little fun. My wife's garden may end up well marked. ;^)

 

Welcome to the forum @aaaaaaaaa

 

Got the pantograph set up.

First attempt at letters:

And, a cute little squirrel:

Both done on pallet wood. Next, I'm gonna try a narrower bit, on some cedar fence pickets.

 

Yes I have this exact pantograph .I use coloring books put a plastic sheet protector under the stylus with a page from coloring book and trace presto squirrel or what ever ....last one I did was a large cedar chest with a truck with eyes fir headlights and bumper was the smile. And balloons on t ge other side

 

Get the pink or blue FOAM from the big box stores and practice on that. It is cheap, it won't eat up your bits, and there is no grain to fight.

Joe