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A shaped template and a bearing-guided router bit make it possible to reproduce a profile across multiple workpieces—for example, four table legs with matching curves. The template guides the cut; careful preparation and routing still matter. WOOD Magazine describes the method and updated its article on March 4, 2025.
How template routing works
The template carries the profile you want. A router bit’s pilot bearing rides along the template edge, guiding the cutter around the workpiece. Once the template is made accurately, you can use it to cut the same shape on additional pieces.
This is a repeatability technique, not a guarantee that mistakes are impossible. The quality of the template, how securely it is attached, and how the workpiece is routed all affect the result.
Make and attach the template
- Choose template material. Use 1/4-inch hardboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
- Cut the profile. Use a bandsaw or scrollsaw to cut close to the desired shape, then sand the edge to the line. The template edge will guide the bearing, so take care to make it smooth and accurate.
- Attach the template. Use cloth-backed, double-faced tape to secure it to the workpiece. Orient the grain for the best effect.
- Rough-cut the workpiece. Bandsaw the workpiece to within 1/8 inch of the template edge. This leaves a small amount of material for the router to remove.
Choose the bit and orient the template
The two bit setups differ mainly in where the pilot bearing sits. Match the template position to the bit type.
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#1 Best Overall
O'SKOOL Router Bushing Set, Brass Template Guide Bushings, 10-Piece
- 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
| Bit type | Pilot bearing location | Template position |
|---|---|---|
| Flush-trim bit | At the tip of the bit | On top of the workpiece |
| Pattern-cutting bit | Between the shank and cutter | On the router table |
For a flush-trim bit, place the workpiece on the table with the template on top, and set the bit height so the tip-mounted bearing follows the template edge. For a pattern-cutting bit, the template rests on the table so the bearing between the shank and cutter can follow it.
Route the profile
- Ease the workpiece into the bit until it contacts the pilot bearing.
- Move the workpiece from right to left along the cutter, keeping the bearing against the template edge.
- If more than 1/8 inch of excess material remains in places, remove it with a couple of shallow passes rather than trying to take it all at once.
- Avoid pausing too long in one spot; the wood can burn. Inspect the routed surface before removing the template. If a spot is rough, make a further pass to smooth it.
When the stock is thicker than the bit’s cutting length
If the workpiece is thicker than the cutter can reach in one setup, WOOD Magazine describes a sequence using both a pattern-cutting bit and a flush-trim bit. The bearing follows the surface machined in an earlier pass.
Rank #2
POWERTEC Router Guide, Router Bushing Guide Set, Router Template Guide 10 Pcs w/Storage Case, Fits Porter Cable Style Router Sub Base Plate. Size 5/16" to 1" Router Inlay Kit for Woodworking (71051)
- 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.
- PREMIUM DURABILITY: Each router guide is crafted from corrosion-resistant materials for exceptional durability, smooth operation, and a professional finish, ensuring long-lasting performance and superior resistance to wear and tear.
- 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.
- 40 YEARS WOODWORKING EXPERTS: POWERTEC manufactures high quality best selling woodworking products from machines, accessories, measuring equipment and tools. Each product is meticulously designed to exceed your needs and get projects done!
- With a pattern-cutting bit, make the first pass with the template side down.
- Remove the template and make another pass with the pilot bearing following the surface just machined.
- Flip the workpiece and use a flush-trim bit, with its pilot bearing following the previously milled surface.
Source and scope
The dimensions and procedure here come from WOOD Magazine Staff, “A template means never having to say ‘Oops’,” updated March 4, 2025: WOOD Magazine’s template-routing technique. The article provides practical routing guidance; it does not report a measured error reduction or a controlled comparison of router bits.
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Bestseller No. 1
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Best Value
inBovoga 13 Pcs Precision Brass Router Template Bushing Guides Sets, Router Guide Bushing with Carrying Case
- 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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BOZXYE 11 Pcs Premium Brass Router Template Guides Set - Fit Any Routers Sub-Base of the Porter Cable Style Router Bushing Guide Set with Carrying Case
- 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.
- Simple and Scientific Design: Our router bushing guide kit is tailor-made for woodworking enthusiasts, offering seamless compatibility with a variety of routers and templates, extending to different woodworking scenarios, providing precision and durability for every project sex.
- 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.
- Perfect choice for precision woodworking: BOZXYE Brass Router Template Rail Bushing Kit meets the needs of all woodworking operations, completing your woodworking tasks easily and efficiently, making it an ideal choice for woodworking enthusiasts.
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SpeTool 13-Piece Upgraded Router Bushing Guide Set, Premium Brass Router Bushing Kit with Locking Wrench, CenteringPin&Cone,Aluminum Case, Fit 1-3/16"Center Hole Routers, Heavy-Duty Router Bushing Set
- 【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".
- 【Durable Aluminum Boxes Prevent Damage and Oxidation】This packaging not only protects copper rings from bumps, deformation, and oxidation during transport and storage but also keeps your tools organized and ready for easy transport.Crafted from high-quality brass.Its exceptional properties effectively protect the threads of the expensive milling machine slide spindle and the surfaces of precision workpieces during clamping, preventing indentations or scratches.
- 【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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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