First Build - "Lucifer"

[RichterScale]

Whatever, I knew that

 

[TerribleTim68]

 

[John_Nicholas]

Okay, here's a quick question while I'm hanging out at work not really doing any work.

How do I make sure the edge of my template (the face the router bit bearing will ride on) doesn't get al messed up? I did some routing on that bridge recess and noticed that the MDF edge that the bearing was riding on was getting smashed a bit or something. It was no longer smooth like I started with, it had little ripples in it. You can't really see the ripples on the area I routed, plus I ran a sanding block along those faces to clean it up a bit anyways. But the MDF appears to have been a one use item, or am I missing something here?

I've read where some people put CA glue on that face to harden it up some. Is that the trick?

Yes, definitely add CA Glue to the edge of the MDF templates. It makes a huge difference. When you do this, make sure you are either outside or do it in a well ventilated room.

When I did mine, I used Latex gloves, squeezed the CA glue onto the edges, then using a small piece of paper towel wipe it along the edge.

Once the glue is dried, I used some sandpaper to smooth the lumpy edge.

Before using this treatment on my earlier templates, the edges would get easily dented just by the roller bearing on the router bit. It really makes a difference!

 

[ctmullins]

MDF, yuck.

Plywood for me & my templates.

 

[RichterScale]

Not all of us are millionaires and can afford plywood

 

[TerribleTim68]

MDF, yuck.

Plywood for me & my templates.

Not all of us are millionaires and can afford plywood

I mostly like that @RichterScale replied the exact same thing I was gonna.
@ctmullins, you fancy!

 

[TerribleTim68]

Thanks for the tips on the CA glue deal gang. It's funny 'cause I've mentioned it to a few people and they always reply with the same thing, "But the CA will make the MDF wet and it'll swell up!"

 

[RichterScale]

"But the CA will make the MDF wet and it'll swell up!"

You have to sneak up on it and do it fast, when it's not expecting it.

 

[ctmullins]

Heh, I forgot that plywood is currently $7920 per sheet...

I use salvage stuff. But I guess one day I'll run out of salvage stuff...

 

[TerribleTim68]

Heh, I forgot that plywood is currently $7920 per sheet...

I use salvage stuff. But I guess one day I'll run out of salvage stuff...

I had a quick chat with my buddy Scott over at Bonehead and he uses plexi, gets it from the Depot of Homes. But his stuff is pretty repeatable. I'm building a one-off here that'll most likely never see another build again. Choices, right?

 

[dwizum]

I use MDF. I don't even CA treat it. A sheet of mdf is cheap! When I have a template I'll use often (like for a common pickup shape) I make a second template and stick it on a shelf as a backup. And I'm a pretty gentle touch with a router, I don't force the bearing against the template.

That said, I've only ever worn out one or two templates, the ones I use the most, and it usually only happens after 20 or 30 routing jobs.

 

[RichterScale]

I wonder if there's different grades/densities.
I made a pup template out of 3/4 MDF and the bearing barely left a mark.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I'll admit, I probably push a little harder than I need to. This being my first build, I'm so worried about making that massive mistake that I just know is coming that I tend to be a little heavy handed with things like this because I'm super worried about the router "getting away from me". So I tend to hold it pretty tight against the template (whatever that "template" is, even if it's just a straight edge).

 

[RichterScale]

I tend to death grip the router too.
They're angry little mother truckers.

 

[ctmullins]

Yup.

I just spent the morning climb-cutting my way around some moderately expensive wood. Just the little Colt, but still, I don't want that thing launching itself.

Router table? Never again...

 

[dwizum]

The zen spot is gripping enough to maintain control but not forcing it against templates or the workpiece. I try to remind myself that the work is done by the cutting edge, and the bearing or bushing only has to just barely kiss the template. I also try to take multiple small passes such that the last pass is just a whisker of wood as the bearing rides on the template.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Zen, yeah.......

 

[Rôckhewer]

Zen, yeah.......

"Empty... your mind"

"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind''.
-Bruce Lee

I make sure I'm in a grounded stance...
Chakra-khan's aligned and all that. Summon my Chi to lock my core... prepared for disaster, yet graceful, like a coiled cobra.
.. but seriously
Maybe find support for elbow(s) or forearm on the bench or workpiece... or otherwise bracing with the hypothenar eminence ... (the muscular bulge on the underside of the palm).
But the wrists remain supple... like the willow.

And that whisker light final pass thing that @dwizum mentioned?
... Yeah... like a will-o'-the-whisp.
(See what I did there)

 

[dwizum]

Yeah, what he said.

 

[Flying B]

I wonder if there's different grades/densities.
I made a pup template out of 3/4 MDF and the bearing barely left a mark.

Yes there is. At work we only use moisture resistant mdf which is much denser and less fluffy than the cheap stuff. It's normally a greenish colour on the inside so you can tell the difference.