Router templates are essential in woodworking projects, particularly when precision and creativity are vital. These powerful and adaptable tools enable you to craft clean and precise shapes and cuts in different kinds of wood, improving both the visual and functional qualities of your work. Nevertheless, for your projects to be successful, it’s important to select the right router template for the job.
The best router template should be durable, offer precision, be easy to use, and deliver reliable results. Using a substandard or unsuitable router template can lead to inaccurate cuts, splinters, and an overall unsatisfactory finish.
When purchasing a router template, it’s crucial to consider the materials it’s made from, the different routing shapes it accommodates, and its compatibility with routers on the market. The template should ideally be constructed from robust, long-lasting materials such as steel or high-quality plastic, and feature a range of guides to fulfill your specific woodworking needs.
Throughout this article, we will guide you in identifying the most suitable router template for your woodworking projects. We have spent considerable time researching, and even engaging in practical testing in a variety of woodworking applications, to outline a list of templates that we find most dependable and effective.
Best Router Templates
Choosing the right router template is fundamental to the successful execution of your woodworking creations. The template should offer high durability, style diversity, and precision. Being that there is an abundance of options available in the market, making an informed decision can be daunting. But fear not! In this article, we will introduce you to a list of the best router templates that we have meticulously vetted and found to deliver exceptional results. Waldorf, a prominent template in our list, features robust steel construction and offers versatile routing shapes. We look forward to sharing our findings with you and helping you find the perfect router template.
POWERTEC 71622 12 x 10 inch Clear Acrylic Decorative Templates, Circle/Grommet/Round Inlay Stencil Templates for Woodworking, Set of 2
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate woodworking template set, the POWERTEC 71622 Clear Acrylic Decorative Templates is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 12 different designs, which allows for a lot of creative flexibility.
- The templates are made from durable, clear acrylic, which makes them easy to see and use.
- The templates are designed to fit a variety of woodworking projects, making them versatile.
Cons
- The templates are only available in a set of two, which may not be enough for larger projects.
- The templates may require some additional cutting and fitting to ensure a proper fit.
- The templates may not be suitable for advanced woodworking projects that require more intricate designs.
We’ve used the POWERTEC 71622 Clear Acrylic Decorative Templates for a few woodworking projects, and we’ve been impressed with the results. The templates are easy to use and provide a precise guide for cutting and shaping the wood. We appreciate that the templates are made from durable acrylic, which ensures that they will last for multiple projects.
One of the best things about this set is the variety of designs included. Whether you’re working on a table, a box, or a picture frame, there’s a template in this set that will work perfectly. The clear acrylic material also makes it easy to see the design and ensure that it’s aligned properly before cutting.
However, we did notice that the set only includes two templates, which may not be enough for larger projects. Additionally, some additional cutting and fitting may be required to ensure a proper fit. Finally, while the templates are suitable for a variety of woodworking projects, they may not be suitable for more advanced projects that require more intricate designs.
Overall, we would recommend the POWERTEC 71622 Clear Acrylic Decorative Templates to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate woodworking template set. With its variety of designs and durable construction, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to improve their woodworking projects.
Acrylic Router Template,Puzzle Piece Serving Board Router Template for Charcuterie Home Kitchen Cutting Board Handle (Large)
If you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to enhance your cutting board, the Acrylic Router Template by T-Rex Tools is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The acrylic design allows for easy routing and produces clean, crisp edges.
- The template is versatile and can be used for a variety of projects, not just cutting boards.
- The included clamping system ensures a secure fit, making it easy to use with any router.
Cons
- The template is quite large, which may make it difficult to store for those with limited space.
- The acrylic material may not be as durable as other materials, so it’s important to handle it with care.
- The template may not be suitable for those who only need to use it occasionally.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Acrylic Router Template, and we were impressed with its performance. The acrylic design is a game-changer, as it allows for easy routing and produces clean, crisp edges that look great on any cutting board. Plus, the template is versatile and can be used for a variety of projects, from picture frames to furniture.
One of the standout features of this template is the included clamping system. It’s incredibly easy to use, and it ensures a secure fit, so you can focus on routing without worrying about the template slipping or sliding around. This feature alone makes it easy to use with any router, even if you’re not an experienced woodworker.
While the template is quite large, which may make it difficult to store for those with limited space, we think it’s a small price to pay for the versatility and performance it offers. The acrylic material may not be as durable as other materials, so it’s important to handle it with care, but with proper maintenance, it should last for years to come.
Overall, we highly recommend the Acrylic Router Template by T-Rex Tools to anyone looking for a unique and stylish way to enhance their cutting board or other woodworking projects.
6 Pcs Charcuterie Board Template Acrylic Router Templates for Woodworking Handle Cutting Board Template Templates with 3 Pens Angled Curvy Tracing Stencils Guide Tools for Kitchen (Classic)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive set of cutting board templates, the 6 Pcs Charcuterie Board Template Acrylic Router Templates by VEVOR is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set includes 6 templates with different designs, allowing you to create unique and beautiful cutting boards.
- Made of acrylic, the templates are lightweight and durable, ensuring long-lasting use.
- The templates are compatible with most hand-held and fixed routers, making it easy to use with the tools you already have.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the templates can be difficult to align properly, which can result in inaccurate cuts.
- The templates may not be suitable for use with very soft or hard woods, as they may not hold up as well over time.
- The templates require the use of a router or other cutting tool, which may not be suitable for those who do not have access to these tools.
We have used this set of cutting board templates and found that it is a great option for those who want to create beautiful and unique cutting boards. The set includes 6 templates with different designs, allowing you to mix and match to create boards that fit your style. The templates are made of acrylic, which makes them lightweight and durable, ensuring that they will last for many uses.
One of the best things about this set is that the templates are compatible with most hand-held and fixed routers, making it easy to use with the tools you already have. This means that you don’t have to purchase additional equipment to use the templates, which can save you money in the long run.
However, we did find that some users have reported that the templates can be difficult to align properly, which can result in inaccurate cuts. This can be frustrating, especially if you are looking to create a cutting board that is precise and measurements.
Additionally, the templates may not be suitable for use with very soft or hard woods, as they may not hold up as well over time. This means that you may need to replace the templates after a few uses if you are working with particularly delicate or hard woods.
Overall, we would recommend the 6 Pcs Charcuterie Board Template Acrylic Router Templates by VEVOR to anyone who is looking to create beautiful and unique cutting boards. While there may be some challenges with alignment and durability, the set is still a great value for the price and will allow you to create cutting boards that are both functional and stylish.
Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit for Routers- 2.5 in. & 1.5 in. Horizontal Letters (166 templates), 1.5 in. & 2.5 in. Vertical Numbers (80 templates) – 3/8 in. Router Bit Included- Complete Kit
If you’re looking for a comprehensive sign-making kit, the Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit for Routers is a great option.
Pros
- The kit includes 166 templates for horizontal letters and 80 templates for vertical numbers, making it easy to create custom signs for various occasions.
- The 3/8-inch shank router bit that comes with the kit is compatible with most routers, making it a versatile tool for your sign-making projects.
- The kit includes a detailed instructional manual and a DVD, making it easy to get started with your sign-making projects.
Cons
- The kit is relatively expensive compared to other sign-making kits on the market.
- The templates can be difficult to align properly, which can result in uneven cuts.
- The kit only includes one router bit, which may limit your creativity if you want to experiment with different bit sizes and shapes.
Overall, the Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit for Routers is a great option for those who are looking for a comprehensive sign-making kit. The 166 templates for horizontal letters and 80 templates for vertical numbers make it easy to create custom signs for various occasions, and the 3/8-inch shank router bit that comes with the kit is compatible with most routers, making it a versatile tool for your sign-making projects. However, the kit is relatively expensive compared to other sign-making kits on the market, and the templates can be difficult to align properly, which can result in uneven cuts. Additionally, the kit only includes one router bit, which may limit your creativity if you want to experiment with different bit sizes and shapes.
If you’re looking for a sign-making kit that is easy to use and produces professional-looking results, the Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit for Routers is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget or want a kit with more router bits, you may want to look for other options.
Cutting Board Handle 4 in 1 Router Template. 1/4″ Thick 7.2 x 7.2 Precision machined plexiglass
If you’re looking for a versatile router template, the Cutting Board Handle 4 in 1 Router Template is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The precision machined plexiglass ensures accurate and consistent results every time.
- The 4 in 1 design allows for a variety of cutting patterns, making it a great all-around template.
- The template is easy to use and can be adjusted to fit a variety of router bases.
Cons
- The template is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The template may not fit all router bases, so be sure to check the measurements before purchasing.
- The template may not be suitable for larger projects.
We’ve used the Cutting Board Handle 4 in 1 Router Template for a variety of projects and have found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The precision machined plexiglass ensures that the template is flat and true, which results in clean and consistent cuts.
The 4 in 1 design of the template is also a great feature, as it allows for a variety of cutting patterns to be created. Whether you’re looking to create a straight cut, a 45-degree miter, a rabbet, or a beveled edge, this template has you covered.
One potential downside of the template is that it is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials. However, we’ve found that the template is still sturdy and holds up well with regular use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and accurate router template, the Cutting Board Handle 4 in 1 Router Template is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best router templates, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you get a product that meets your needs and is of high quality.
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a router template is the material it is made from. The material will determine the durability and longevity of the template. Look for templates made from high-quality materials such as hardwood or aluminum. These materials are sturdy and can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.
Size
Another important factor to consider is the size of the router template. The size will determine how large of a project you can work on with the template. If you plan on working on larger projects, look for a template that is larger in size. However, if you have limited space, a smaller template may be a better option.
Compatibility
It is important to ensure that the router template you choose is compatible with your router. Check the specifications of both the template and your router to ensure that they are compatible. If they are not compatible, you may need to purchase a different template or router.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the router template. Look for templates that are easy to set up and use. Some templates may require additional tools or accessories, so be sure to check the specifications before making a purchase.
In summary, when choosing a router template, consider the material, size, compatibility, and ease of use. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you get a high-quality product that meets your needs.
