Make a template from 1/2 plywood. Mark template with any round item like a jar top. Cut template with bandsaw, scroll saw, jig saw, or coping saw. Use rasp, file, and/or sand paper to fine tune radius.

 

I was trying to go for the ultimate in laziness and not be trying to cut and form a radius with a saw, as I'm likely to not get it quite right anyhow. But... maybe somewhere between. Perhaps I just take a plastic jar lid screw it to a piece of scrap with a 90 degree corner, and use that with the flush trim bit?

 

is there any reason you can't get a top-bearing pattern bit ? I find them much more versatile than the bottom bearings.

 

Just trying to work with what I've got at the moment. Agreed that a top bearing bit would be great in the future.

 

... without a proper template?

I was trying to go for the ultimate in laziness ...

Routers deserve some respect in the shop. When things go wrong you're up close and personal with a very powerful tool.

 

Router circle cutting attachment would work. Easy to make if you don't already have one.

Cheers,
Brad

 

I started to try and answer this but there are too many "ifs" involved to respond. The first one is how big of a radius are we talking about. Brad's suggestion about making an extended jig (out of 1/4" material)that attached to the base of your router and using a straight bit start with shallow cuts. Here is a video on one approach.

 

"Perhaps I just take a plastic jar lid screw it to a piece of scrap with a 90 degree corner, and use that with the flush trim bit? "

Be sure to alert 911 to get the ambulance rolling before attempting that. Make a template first. Then rough saw the corner to shape then use the template with the flush trim bit.

 

"Perhaps I just take a plastic jar lid screw it to a piece of scrap with a 90 degree corner, and use that with the flush trim bit? "

Be sure to alert 911 to get the ambulance rolling before attempt that. Make a template first. Then rough saw the corner to shape then use the template with the flush trim bit.

And exactly what is the hazard, bud? The bearing rubs against the lid? If there aren't any moving cutting parts in the plane of the lid, what will be happening that will require summoning 911?

 

you do or do not have a way to make templates?

 

you need to bandsaw or jigsaw it first..

I only have a metal bandsaw. I think I'd go for using some other object as a guide to make the template. For instance, using a hole saw to cut out a round, which then gets screwed to the template board and routed with a flush bit.

Router circle cutting attachment would work. Easy to make if you don't already have one.
Cheers,
Brad

We're talking pretty small radius.... corners on a piece of wood about 8x12 that will be used as a flower press.

I started to try and answer this but there are too many "ifs" involved to respond. The first one is how big of a radius are we talking about. Brad's suggestion about making an extended jig (out of 1/4" material)that attached to the base of your router and using a straight bit start with shallow cuts. Here is a video on one approach.

Yeah, it's a small radius - smaller than using a circle jig, but thanks for the idea. This is a corner on an 8x12 piece of wood used for a flower press gift.

If you all were looking at a pre-made jig for various radiuses, which style makes the most sense? I'd like to make use of them both with a freehand router as well as a router mounted in a table. It seems like some of these would work only with a router table.

 

Why are you trying to Rube Goldberg it?

You can’t do it without a template. It’s simple. Find something to trace with the appropriate curve, rough it out on the bandssaw, sand it to final form!

 

Why are you trying to Rube Goldberg it?

You can’t do it without a template. It’s simple. Find something to trace with the appropriate curve, rough it out on the bandssaw, sand it to final form!

phe only has a metal bandsaw. Hard to believe he can’t us3 a jigsaw and a sander, sand block, etc..

 

I'm not the only one thinking a plastic lid works....

 

I have a hand held router with a bottom bearing flush trim bit, but no radius templates.

If that's all you got, then you need to make/buy/steal something to use as a template. That is what the bearing is for, to ride on something as a guide, and that is what you need to use. Otherwise, just take off the bearing and free hand it. However you will still need to knock down the corners first, close to their final shape, using your jigsaw - despite your apparent aversion to using it.

Cheers,
Brad

 

Yep, MrVI, that's exactly the conclusion I came to with the thought about fastening a lid in place as the guide. And, for others who may be looking for a similar approach it seems glue, double sided tape, and screws are all ways folks are getting there.

However, in the long haul, and for posterity, what I ended up doing was cutting a round from thin plywood with a hole saw of the right size, using the pilot hole to screw it to a piece of scrap, and taking it to the router table. Turned out great without bandsaw or jigsaw.

Yeah, that jigsaw creates more work than it does help... it needs to go in for warranty since the base isn't flat.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

Glad it all worked for you..

 

+1 buy/find/make a router template.

You can download FREE 3D models for router templates. That is how I got mine. Thingverse has many different corner templates for routing, such as this one. If you don't own a printer, ask your friends. I spent about $7 in filament printing an entire set of templates from 1/2" to 4" Radius; that would have cost $100 in a store. Can also find 3D printing services that are not too expensive.

 

He’s not a seasoned woodworker. All you can do is help the best you can and move on..