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Great Blog, Mads. I will be making one!!Router template square - Festool MFS type
Router template square
Festool MFS type.
Yet another jig… a template for routing square holes or rabbets, with any router.
Inspired by the Festool MFS, I wanted a simple template, to use with my routers, so I could make a easy fast setup and didn't have to make a new template for each project.
Why not just buy the Festool template?
Well a price tag of 3725dkk / 580usd / 500euro…
Do I need to say more?
There are hundreds of these DIY versions out there on the web, there are three types, those who use a T-track on the side of a board, those who have a routed T-track in to the board and finally the more prof aluminium profile versions. I went for the last because I wanted this to be another recycle project and just found some laminated solid wood core board cut offs in the street, where my workshop is, also I'm a hobbyist, so it will not be heavily abused and yes, I have to pay the cost, out of my own pocket.
Due to the recycle elements and the fact that I had the router bit to route the slot, the price of my template, was 20dkk / 3usd / 3,7euro, for the eight hex head bolts and washers, in other words 1/186 of the price.
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Starting at the table saw, the recycled laminated wood were cut up into strips.
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Laminate fiber board and solid wood core.
I think it was shelf material, to make some stronger shelf's for some bookcases, judging from the rest of the trash I saw there.
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To make the T-slots, this router bit will be used, actually bought it to make keyhole hanging, for another project years back, now it finally get to use again.
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Marking app depth.
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Setting the table saw.
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Test cuts.
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Running the strips through the table saw.
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I do this to take some stress of the wood and the router bit.
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Test, test, test.
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To make sure I find the right spot for the T-slot.
As you can see, I put a fence on each side of the router bit, to make sure it did not move.
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T-tracks routed.
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Are they spot on?
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Nope, but fine enough, as long as you keep the same side down or up.
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Marking up for the hardware holes.
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Do you get the picture?
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At the drill press.
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Let's drill.
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Circe centre hole.
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Dust exit hole.
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Now the big hole can be drilled.
The drilling with these cup drill bits are much easier, when you have a dust exit hole.
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Hole in one!
it's just dust, there are no tear out, as I turn half ways and drill from other side.
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Sides are squared up with a fine tooth jigsaw blade.
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I had some flat bar metal in a junk box and decided to go all in on the hardware part.
Here rounding ends.
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That's it.
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Nice! :-D
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Don't get to close to disc sanders, here I were lucky it was just the nail.
Yes I know I have the worn hands of a working man.
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Marking.
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Making a test threading.
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That's fine.
I pre drilled a 4,5mm hole, the threaded a 5mm thread.
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Using a drill for the rest, to speed up a wee bit.
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We got hardware.
If you are to lazy for this, or don't have the tools, you can just use T-square bolts, it will be fine, this is just a little stronger and put the stress load over a bigger area. If you make them with T-tracks or alu, this would be waste of time.
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Marking for bolt holes.
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Drilling the bolt holes.
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Here we are, the hard part is over.
You might notice I also rounded the edges with a 45degree router bit.
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My bolts were a tiny bit too long, so I decided to adjust them, instead of just putting more washers.
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That's it.
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Test fitting and it seems to be perfect now.
Here you can get the picture of how it works.
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To make all bolts same length, I cut a piece of plywood to the correct depth and drilled a hole in it.
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So the too much part was sticking out.
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Then it was done in no time and they were all the same.
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Cleaning up with sandpaper.
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Waxing the tracks.
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And taddddaaaaaa we got a template.
Mine is a 900mm version, so I can cut rabbets in cabinets if needed.
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Loosen bolts and slide to desired size.
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Then tighten, it's that easy to use.
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Checking for square and it's all fine.
(Also on diagonal).
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Now you can route with a bush bearing bit or a copy ring on your router
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Job done.
Hope it can be to some inspiration, or some templates.
Best thoughts,
MaFe
Cheers, my friend…............Jim