what router bit to cut patterns?

[Arnie]

I have a router guide and a flush cutting bit that works ok but it doesn't give true pattern cut (its always just shy of the guide thickness), and this caused me grief today.

I see bits with guides and that is all well and good if I want a 1" deep cut but it doesn't give flexibility if I need a precise depth cut.

So bottom line is if I want to trace a stew mac control cavity my cut is considerably shy of the template edge. Is there a better way to route this?

 

[Musiclogic]

Stew Mac template bits are 1/2" deep, using the right combination of pattern bits can be quite benefiscial. Using a bushing with a spiral bit is also a good option if you are good at making adjusted templates

 

[Arnie]

Can you buy a bushing to go on a spiral bit?

 

[Phendyr_Loon]

I've got a Freud bit, 1" long, 1/2" diameter, top bearing. It's great for perimeter patterns like bodies, necks, and headstocks. For the inside cuts like electronics and pickup cavities, I just jack up the routing template on scrap plywood to compensate.

 

[Musiclogic]

Can you buy a bushing to go on a spiral bit?

I haven't seen one, usually you use a Porter Cable plate with lock bushings

 

[Jazzdogg]

Can you buy a bushing to go on a spiral bit?

Are you talking about guide bushings/template guides, or bearings?

 

[Arnie]

Are you talking about guide bushings/template guides, or bearings?

I was wondering if a bearing guide could be installed on a spiral bit, but I think I will go with the Stewmac bits as they should work better.

 

[Musiclogic]

Not generally, they have bottom guided spiral bits, but I have not seen on with a bearing on top, or any that could have that done

 

[Itchy 47]

Ok,here goes,I took the stew mac template and used it to make a thicker one,1/2" thick acrylic.I used 1/16" double side tape @ Lowes,to do this.Once you do this it gives you a thicker template to clamp down where u want to route the cavity.i use my bigger router with a 1/2" up spiral bit.The temp being 1/2",I set my router to 2".Also use a guide bushing attached to the base plate that will cut all but 1/8" inside the template.Do the routing at 1/8" at a time till your all the way down.Once thats done its at the correct depth but an eighth of an inch to small all the way around.Now use a D handle router with a top bearing 1/2" x 1/2" bit and make ride the temp and go down 1/4" at a time,after 3-4 trips around the cavity hole you should be able to remove the temp,then continue on.watch when ya get deep so the chuck doesnt contact the wood.If its going to u need to change to a one inch long x 1/2" bit,top bearing to get all the way down.
I hope this helps you,Itchy