A router guide bushing rides along a template so the bit can make repeatable cuts, but the finished cut will not match the template’s dimensions exactly. The bushing’s outside edge sits away from the bit’s cutting edge, so you need to account for that offset, confirm the bit clears the bushing, and check that the bushing and adapter fit your router.
What a router guide bushing does
A guide bushing—also called a template guide—is a collar fitted to the router base. Its outside rim follows the edge of a template or pattern while the router bit cuts the workpiece. This lets you repeat a shape or route a controlled path, including for tasks such as dovetails, stair components, or inlays. WOOD Magazine explains the pattern-routing principle; Lee Valley discusses template-guide use for inlay work.
How to size a bushing and account for its offset
Check the two diameters
- Outside diameter: This is the bushing surface that rides against the template. Its size affects the spacing between the template edge and the router bit’s cutting edge.
- Inside diameter: The bit must fit through this opening with clearance. Bosch’s DIY guidance says to use a bit smaller than the bushing’s interior diameter. Bosch’s guide-bushing instructions cover that clearance requirement.
Allow for the gap between bushing and bit
The radial distance between the bushing’s outside edge and the bit’s cutting edge is the offset. Because the bushing follows the template while the bit cuts inside or outside that path, the workpiece cut is displaced from the template edge. A template made to the finished part’s exact dimensions may therefore produce a part that is too large or too small.
Work out the offset from the actual bushing outside diameter and bit cutting diameter, then apply it according to whether the template guides an inside or outside cut and which side of the template the router follows. The sources establish the offset principle, but not one formula that applies to every template arrangement; verify the direction and finished dimensions for your specific setup. WOOD Magazine and Lee Valley explain why the template and routed edge differ.
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- DESIGNED FOR CONTROLLED TEMPLATE ROUTING : Built for template-guided routing, this router bushing set helps deliver clean, controlled cuts in everyday woodworking tasks. When properly installed, it keeps your router tracking along the template for consistent alignment and repeatable results
- COMPLETE 10-PIECE SET WITH PRACTICAL SIZES : Includes 8 guide bushings and 2 lock nuts. Sizes: 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 51/64", and 1", covering the sizes most commonly used in real shop work—no extra pieces you won’t use
- FITS 1-3/16" CENTER HOLE SUB-BASE SYSTEMS :Compatible with router sub-bases that use a 1-3/16" diameter center hole and Porter Cable–style guide bushing systems. Please verify your base opening and mounting style before purchase
- BUILT FOR COMMON ROUTING TASKS : Made for template routing such as hinge work, dovetail jigs, inlay routing, and pattern cutting. Suitable for a wide range of woodworking applications including cabinet projects, jig making, and general shop use
- ORGANIZED STORAGE FOR WORKSHOP USE : Includes a blow-molded storage case to help keep components organized and protected. Designed for straightforward installation and convenient storage in the workshop
Center the bushing before routing
The bit should be centered within the guide bushing. If the bushing, base, or bit is off-center, clearance will be greater on one side than the other. As the router follows a template, that uneven clearance can change the effective offset and shift the cut. Use the centering procedure specified for your router and its guide-bushing setup rather than assuming the base opening or adapter centers it automatically. Bosch’s DIY setup instructions describe centering guidance.
Check template thickness and bushing projection
A bushing needs to project far enough to contact the template without the router base or another part of the setup interfering. Match the bushing’s projection to the template thickness and the way the router is configured. In the setup described in Bosch’s guide-bushing manual, the template must be at least 8 mm thick. That is a requirement for the configuration covered by that manual, not a universal minimum for all guide bushings or routers.
Rank #2
- ROUTER GUIDE SET 10 PCS: Includes 8 precision router template guide bushings, 2 locknuts with carrying case which provides a complete solution for template routing, trimming, and dovetailing across various woodworking projects.
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- VERSATILE APPLICATION: Includes 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", 51/64", 3/4" and 1" bushings. Compatible to fit Porter Cable style router sub bases with 1-3/16” diameter center hole base plate to integrate for existing tools from DeWalt, Bosch, etc.
- PROTECTED STORAGE: Equipped with a rugged molded carrying case featuring custom-fit compartments and foam padding to keep router guide bushing set components safe, organized, and ready for transport, making it ideal for workshops or on-site projects.
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Confirm router and adapter compatibility
There is no universal fit standard that makes every guide bushing compatible with every router. Before using or buying one, check the router model, base, any required adapter, the bushing’s dimensions, and the template or jig requirements.
For example, Bosch specifies its RA1109 as a quick-change template guide with a 1/2-inch outside diameter, a 13/32-inch inside diameter, and approximately 7/16-inch protrusion below the subbase. Bosch says it requires the RA1126 quick-change adapter and lists compatibility with models 1613, 1614, 1617, 1618, 1619, PR10, and PR20. These are specifications for this Bosch product, not a general guide-bushing standard. See Bosch’s RA1109 product listing.
Rank #3
- 【Wrench Quick and Effortless Locking】Router bushing address the common issue of products becoming loose, we've upgraded our design with 4 grooves along the copper ring's edge. Router guides for woodworking Simply hook a wrench into the grooves to tighten securely.Its comfortable grip saves time and effort, ensuring the copper ring remains absolutely locked and immovable during high-speed machining while significantly improving router guide installation and removal efficiency.
- 【 Eight Size Suitability】 Provide router guide bushing eight sizes fits router bit includes 5/16" OD - 1/4" ID; 3/8" OD - 9/32" ID; OD 7/16" - ID 11/32"; OD 1/2" - ID 13/ 32"; OD 5/8" - ID 17/32"; OD 51/64" - ID 5/8"; OD 3/4" -ID 21/ 32" OD 1" - ID 7/8".
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- 【Position Pin & Router Centering Cone】3 Positioning methods by locating pins to assist in finding the centre holes (1/4" and 1/2") of base plates or router guide bushing when aligning them, providing high accuracy for replacing or adjusting sub-bases.
- 【Multi-Machine Compatibility, Versatile Functionality】 Brass bushings Fit most porter Cable-type cutter base and any router having a base plate with a 1-3/16" diameter center hole, significantly enhancing your machining capabilities and productivity. Patent Notice: This product is protected by one or more patents in certain jurisdictions.
Choose a single bushing or a set for the job
A single bushing can be sufficient when its diameters, projection, and mounting system suit one known template. A multi-size kit may be useful when different jigs or operations call for different offsets. CMT lists a seven-bushing template-guide kit for template-controlled work such as dovetail and stair routing (CMT template guides). Avanti lists guide-bushing and template sets in multiple sizes for applications including hinge and dovetail routing (Avanti guide-bushing and template sets). Product ranges vary; confirm the mounting and adapter requirements for your particular router before relying on a kit.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Solid Brass Bushings: Our router guide bushing kit is made of high-quality solid brass, which has been tempered and has a color preserving surface to improve durability and color retention. It maintains reliable performance even after long-term use
- 3 Positioning Methods: The center positioning pin helps to quickly locate the center hole when aligning the substrate or router guide bushing, providing high precision for adjusting or replacing the sub-bases
- 8 Precise Router Bushing Sizes: The Brass Router Template Guides Bushing Set includes 8 sizes: O.D 5/16” - I.D 1/4”; O.D 9/32” - I.D 3/8”; O.D 7/16” - I.D 11/32”; O.D 1/2”- I.D 13/32”; O.D 5/8”- I.D 17/32”; O.D 51/64”- I.D 5/8”; O.D 3/4”- I.D 21/ 32" O.D 1" - I.D 7/8"; 3 Nuts; 1 centering Pin; 1 cone and 1/4" shank woodworking drill bits, Satisfy machining options for different types of tools
- Universal Design: This brass bushing guide kit is suitable for most porter cable type cutter bases and is compatible with guide bushing router plates with a hole size of 30-35mm, effectively preventing damage to the bit and bushing
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- High-Quality Brass Material: Our router template bushing rail kit is made of solid brass, with surface tempering and color-preserving processes to enhance sturdiness, increase service life, and keep the color new and long-lasting.
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- Woodworking Tool Box: Suitable for a wide range of router applications, the versatile option for a variety of woodworking tasks. Woodworking bushings in 8 sizes, OD 5/16” – ID 1/4”, OD 9/32” – ID 3/8”, OD 7/16” – ID 11/32”, OD 1/ 2” - 13/32” ID, 5/8” OD - 17/32” ID, 51/64” OD - 5/8” ID, 3/4” OD - 21/32” ID, OD 1”- 7/8” ID, 3 nuts, 1/4 shank double edge mill cutter in black tool box.
- Porter-Cable Base Compatibility: Specifically designed to fit any router base in the Porter Cable style, ensuring seamless compatibility with your tools and enhancing your routing rail kit experience.
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Pre-cut setup checklist
- Identify the router model and base, then confirm the bushing or adapter is specified for that setup.
- Measure or verify the bushing’s outside and inside diameters; ensure the bit fits inside the bushing.
- Check that the bushing projection works with the template thickness and router configuration.
- Center the bushing and bit using the router manufacturer’s procedure.
- Calculate how the bushing-to-bit offset affects the finished cut for the template’s inside or outside edge, and test the layout on scrap if dimensions are critical.
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