Mirror Template

One of the early Router Workshop videos was inlaying a ceramic tile using a bushing guide inlay bit. I don't know if the edge of your mirror is thick enough to guide a bearing and accommodate the little gap between the bearing and the cutters.

I would trace the mirror, cit with a jigsaw and sand to the line.

you will break the mirror from resonation alone.....
listen to Doug..

kp91 said:

I would trace the mirror, cit with a jigsaw and sand to the line.

Click to expand...

Totally agree. I make all my masters that way, except I cut almost all of them out with my scrollsaw. I only use a jigsaw on the larger masters, such as a 4' cigar store Indian. I use a ROS on them, and the final product is very accurate.

I would try it on a scrap piece and see if it works. The only thing I would nemtion is to besure that you're using the correct mastic for mirrors. You can get around the possible chipping by removing the bearing and placing a very thin shim or washer under it. You won't be able to router to the very edge of the mirror doing it this way but there will be only a small lip to sand off. Is your final objective to leave the mirror as is or are you going to be using it as a pattern for something else?

I've done it with 1/4"tempered glass but, a thinner, untempered mirror would be problematic. Other's suggestions of cutting and sanding to fit would be best.

Thanks Everyone. I appreciate all the feedback. This forum is so great for newbies. Thanks again

One more word of caution, from somebody who did that and got the T shirt....
I stuck a small mirror inside a jewellery box using a dab of two part epoxy and its SHOWED right through the mirror! I had to break the mirror out and fit another using double sided tape across the whole surface so there werent any bad marks showing through the glass.

But apart from that, DONT use a mirror as a template, oh no oh no ho no.

sunnybob said:

One more word of caution, from somebody who did that and got the T shirt....
I stuck a small mirror inside a jewellery box using a dab of two part epoxy and its SHOWED right through the mirror! I had to break the mirror out and fit another using double sided tape across the whole surface so there werent any bad marks showing through the glass.

But apart from that, DONT use a mirror as a template, oh no oh no ho no.

Click to expand...

Bob, thanks for the word of caution. Didn't know epoxy would eat through the mirror silvering. Must be more caustic than I thought.

Not all DB tape is the same, I have had some turn gooey over time and release the part. I am not sure which one to recommend, as I don't use them for permanent attachment anymore. It might be best to call a glass outfit and have them recommend the best adhesive.,
Just saying,
Herb

+1 for Doug's solution

Believe me, I was not amused when I saw it.
This was a very thin mirror glass, only 4 mm, and also only a few inches across. If youre doing a big mirror then tape might not hold it. Just try a piece of epoxy first if you can.

there is only one way to glue mount a mirror...
Loctite PL 520 Mirror Adhesive from Loctite Adhesives
or the equivalent...

I am thinking of using CRL GN105P Gunther Premier Plus Ultra Low VOC Mirror Mastic, 10.1 oz Cartridge. I saw some negative comments on Loctite. Anyone have any experience with this product? Thanks again!