Inlays can add an attractive element to your work, and using a guide makes the process easy. Create your pattern as described previously and rout the inlay recess with the inlay bushing installed on the guide. Then, remove the bushing and rout the inlay using the same template. The bushing automatically accounts for the offset when routing the recess and the inlay, allowing you to use a single template to cut a perfect-fitting inlay. The thing to keep in mind when using a guide bushing is that it will create an offset between the template and the workpiece. This means you'll need to account for the distance from the edge of the bushing to the cutting edge of the bit in your template design. Our templates are laser-cut for optimal precision, ensuring clean and crisp lines every time. Whether you're a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, our templates will make your projects stand out and impress everyone who sees them. Often mistakenly called a flush trim bit, a pattern bit has the bearing on the shank of the bit instead of at the tip. This allows you to secure a template on top of a workpiece and clamp them both to your bench to rout the shape. And pattern-style bits aren't limited to straight cutters. The bowl-routing bit shown below is simply a different profile with a bearing on the shank to follow a template. SELECTING ROUTER BITS. Chances are, you already have at least one of the most common template routing bits. A flush trim bit, like one shown in the photo above, is the perfect choice for templates designed to fit beneath the workpiece. With a bearing at the tip riding against the template, a flush trim bit levels the edge of the workpiece to match.

When creating a template, make your template either smaller or larger by the offset amount, depending on whether you’re routing outside or inside the template (for example, when doing inlays or mortises). Aligning Your Template Guide The clear acrylic material allows you to easily see the wood grain or resin pattern underneath, helping you make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the perfect design. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to showcase the natural beauty of the wood or the striking patterns created by resin.Introducing the Clear Acrylic Router Template - the perfect tool for woodworkers and resin artists looking to create stunning and intricate designs. Made from high-quality, durable acrylic, our router templates are designed to help you achieve precision and accuracy in your craft. With a little imagination, you can make a template for just about any shape you need for your projects. Whatever the application, you'll find that learning to make and use templates with your router will guarantee top-notch results. Creating an interesting edge on tables, cabinet sides or other projects is easy to do with a jigsaw or bandsaw, but you’ll be left with saw marks to sand off. By cutting the shape close to the final size, and then using a template and a router to finish the job you get a consistent, smooth edge, which requires little additional work.

But in some instances, when using a template with a hand-held router, you'll need to attach the template to the top of the workpiece. For this situation you have a couple of options. Usually, I turn to a pattern bit, also shown in the photo above.

This same combination works in a router table as well. Only at the router table, you can have the template on top of the workpiece instead of below. A good example of this is routing matching top rails for "tombstone" cabinet doors.