- I was surprised that with all the router stuff I have around that I did not have a pair of medium sized router base plates with template profiles in them.
I mostly do template routing with my plunge bases which I prefer teardrop bases on. I didn't realize that when it came to plain round bases with step openings I had . . . none!?!
Pull some plexiglass out of the bin and cut off a piece. Then cut that piece in half because I need two bases.
This bandsaw template jig was made for different saw so the clamping is a little kludgy; still works.
Leave the commercial base taped on and flush trim the bandsawn blank.
Use the commercial plates holes as a guide for the through holes for the screws. These holes are a bit oversized to allow precision centering (later) of the template collar.
For the counter-bores, the screw head thickness is the depth guide. That is, I drill the counter-bore deep enough so that the screw head is recessed.
Nearly there.
I attach each plate to the base it will be used with. I use a router and a 1/4" bit to mark the approximate center.
Now using this hole at the drill press as an alignment aid I can drill the stepped hole for the collar.
That's just what I needed.