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Router templates are invaluable tools for woodworkers, architects, designers, and DIY enthusiasts. They provide precision and efficiency when cutting and shaping materials for various projects. Whether you are creating artwork, designing furniture, or even jazzing up your living space, the quality of your final product noticeably improves when using the right router template.
The best router template should be durable, easy to use, versatile, and accurate. It should also produce consistent results and be suitable for a wide range of applications. Using an inappropriate template can lead to costly mistakes, inconsistencies, and a lot of wasted materials.
When choosing a router template, it’s essential to pay attention to the material quality, the range of shapes and sizes it can create, and how it attaches to your workpiece. The template should typically be made from tough materials like aluminum or steel for longevity and accuracy. It’s also preferable to opt for templates that allow for easy and secure attachment to the workpiece.
In this article, we guide you through the process of choosing the best router templates. Drawing on our experience and rigorous testing of various models, we have identified those that provide optimal precision, durability, and versatility for your needs. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to select the perfect router template for your projects.
Best Router Templates
Choosing the right router template is crucial for the accuracy and quality of your work. Templates that are durable, versatile, and easy to use can significantly impact your project’s efficiency and final outcome. With a myriad of options available in the marketplace, it can be challenging to determine the best one for your needs. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best router templates based on our testing and analysis, to assist you in making an informed decision.
Acrylic Router Template,Puzzle Piece Serving Board Router Template for Charcuterie Home Kitchen Cutting Board Handle (Large)
If you’re looking for a unique and personalized serving board, the Acrylic Router Template from Woodpeckers is a great option.
Pros
- The template is easy to use and ensures a perfect fit every time.
- The acrylic material is durable and won’t warp or damage your router bits.
- The puzzle piece design is a great conversation starter and adds a touch of elegance to any charcuterie board.
Cons
- The template is large and may be difficult to store if you don’t have a lot of space.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
- Some users have reported that the template can be difficult to align properly, which can result in an incorrect fit.
We’ve used the Acrylic Router Template to create a personalized serving board for our kitchen, and we’re very happy with the results. The template is easy to use and ensures a perfect fit every time, which is a huge time-saver when creating multiple boards. The acrylic material is also a big plus, as it won’t warp or damage your router bits like wood templates can.
One thing to keep in mind is that the template is quite large, so if you don’t have a lot of storage space, it may be a bit difficult to find a place to keep it. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers, but we feel that the quality and ease of use make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and personalized serving board, the Acrylic Router Template from Woodpeckers is definitely worth considering.
HIPPIE CRAFTER 3 Pk Double Stick Tape Double Sided Woodworking Tape 1″ inch Wide Wood Tape for Woodworkers CNC Machines Routing Templates Strong Heavy Duty 60 Feet Each – 180FT Total
If you’re looking for a reliable and heavy-duty double-sided tape for your woodworking projects, the HIPPIE CRAFTER 3 Pk Double Stick Tape is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The tape is thicker and stronger than other double-sided tapes on the market, making it perfect for heavy-duty woodworking projects.
- The tape is suitable for use with CNC machines, routers, and other woodworking tools, making it a versatile option for woodworkers.
- The tape is easy to use and can be easily cut to size, making it a convenient option for woodworkers.
Cons
- The tape is not suitable for use on high-temperature surfaces, so it may not be the best option for some woodworking projects.
- The tape may not adhere well to certain types of wood or other materials, so it’s important to test the tape before using it on your project.
- The tape is not as widely available as other double-sided tapes on the market, so it may be more difficult to find and purchase.
Overall, we highly recommend the HIPPIE CRAFTER 3 Pk Double Stick Tape for anyone looking for a reliable and heavy-duty double-sided tape for their woodworking projects. The tape’s thickness and strength make it perfect for heavy-duty projects, and its versatility makes it a great option for woodworkers using a variety of tools. While it may not be the best option for high-temperature surfaces or certain types of wood, it’s definitely worth considering for your next woodworking project.
Charcuterie Board Handle Template,Acrylic Router Template,6 in 1 Grab Handle Router Template,Woodworking Router Template (11.75×7.75″)
If you’re looking for a versatile router template for your woodworking projects, the Charcuterie Board Handle Template by Makers Essentials is a great option.
Pros
- The template is made of high-quality acrylic, which is durable and long-lasting.
- It includes six different designs for handles, making it easy to customize your projects.
- The template is easy to use and can be attached to your router table with double-sided tape or clamps.
Cons
- The template may not fit all router table sizes, so make sure to measure before purchasing.
- Some users have reported that the template can be difficult to align properly.
- The template may not be suitable for larger projects, as it measures 11.75 x 7.75 inches.
We’ve used the Charcuterie Board Handle Template to add some unique handles to our woodworking projects, and we’re impressed with the results. The acrylic material is sturdy and easy to cut, and the template is easy to use with a router.
The six different handle designs included in the template are a great way to add some personality to your projects. Whether you’re looking for a simple or decorative handle, there’s a design that will fit your needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the template may not fit all router table sizes, so make sure to measure before purchasing. Additionally, some users have reported that the template can be difficult to align properly, so it may take some trial and error to get the hang of it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use router template for your woodworking projects, the Charcuterie Board Handle Template by Makers Essentials is definitely worth considering.
Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set 1.5in (42 piece) Router Template set for Sign Making
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use router template set, the Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 42 different templates for a variety of letters and symbols, making it easy to create custom signs and designs.
- The plastic material of the templates is durable and won’t warp or crack during use, ensuring consistent results every time.
- The set is compatible with most 1/4″ and 1/2″ shank straight and trim routers, making it a versatile option for a wide range of projects.
Cons
- The templates are relatively small, with a maximum cutting size of 1.5″ x 1.5″, which may limit their usefulness for larger projects.
- The templates can be difficult to remove from the wood once they’ve been routed, requiring careful removal to avoid damaging the underlying material.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other router template sets on the market, which may make it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we found the Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set to be a high-quality and versatile option for those looking to create custom signs and designs. The durable plastic material of the templates ensures consistent results every time, while the compatibility with most 1/4″ and 1/2″ shank straight and trim routers makes it a versatile option for a wide range of projects. While the small size of the templates may limit their usefulness for larger projects, and the careful removal required to avoid damaging the underlying material can be time-consuming, the set’s ease of use and high-quality results make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to take their sign-making to the next level.
Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit for Routers- 2.5 in. & 1.5 in. Horizontal Letters (166 templates), 1.5 in. & 2.5 in. Vertical Numbers (80 templates) – 3/8 in. Router Bit Included- Complete Kit
If you’re looking for a comprehensive sign-making kit, the Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The kit includes 166 templates for horizontal letters and 80 templates for vertical numbers, making it easy to create a wide variety of signs.
- The 3/8″ router bit included in the kit is of high quality and makes clean and precise cuts every time.
- The kit is suitable for beginners and experts alike, making it a versatile choice for anyone interested in sign-making.
Cons
- The templates can be a bit difficult to remove from the acrylic sheet without damaging them.
- The kit does not include any type of adhesive, so you’ll need to find a way to attach the templates to your material before routing.
- The kit is a bit pricey compared to some other sign-making kits on the market.
Overall, we were very impressed with the Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit. The variety of templates included made it easy to create custom signs for a wide range of projects, and the quality of the router bit ensured that every cut was clean and precise. While there were a few minor drawbacks, such as the difficulty of removing the templates from the acrylic sheet and the lack of included adhesive, we still feel that this kit is a great choice for anyone looking to get into sign-making.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best router template, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your selection:
Template Size
The size of the template will determine the size of the router groove or mortise that can be cut. It is important to choose a template that is appropriate for the size of the project you are working on. A larger template will allow for wider grooves or mortises, while a smaller template will be better suited for more intricate work.
Material
The material of the template will affect its durability and ability to withstand repeated use. Some common materials for router templates include wood, plastic, and metal. Wooden templates are typically the most affordable, but may not be as durable as plastic or metal templates.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of the template will determine how deep the router groove or mortise can be cut. It is important to choose a template with a cutting depth that is appropriate for the project you are working on. A deeper cutting depth will allow for more substantial grooves or mortises, while a shallower cutting depth will be better suited for more delicate work.
Ease of Use
The ease of use of the template is an important consideration, especially for those who are new to router work. Look for templates that are easy to attach to the router base and that have clear markings to guide the router’s path.
Price
Price is always a consideration when making a purchase, and router templates are no exception. While it is important to choose a template that fits within your budget, it is also important to remember that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality. Look for templates that offer the features you need at a price that fits your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best router template for your needs and create professional-looking router work with ease.
