FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Router Jig / Guide ?

joewood | Posted in Construction Techniques on March 26, 2005 08:06am

I laid a 1×6 piece of ipe up against the house and scribed it to fit nicely, then laid the decking on a 45 to it. Now I want to cut a dado along the seam where scribed piece and decking intersect. Dado will be 1/2″ wide and maybe 1/4″ deep. Into this I’ll glue a filler strip. (pic #1)

I’m kicking around ideas as to how to make a perfect cut .. one slip and I’ve caused myself alot more work replacing a board or two.

What I’ve always done before is make up a router guide, and use a 1/2″ flush trim bit (Pic #4). Problem with that is your bearing could wander off of the guide. What I’d like to do is maybe make a guide with a slot cut into it, and have some sort of attachment arm coming off of the router that guides in a slot cut into the guide piece. (Pics # 2 & 3)

 

Anyone have any ideas for me ? The guide will need to be 18′ long, so it’ll have to be wood, and not an aluminum store bought router guide.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    jonblakemore | Mar 26, 2005 09:07pm | #1

    I think the a bushing riding along a fence is your best bet. Your idea of the slot arm looks like it could have too much play.

    If you're really concerned about chewing into the 1x6, install a straight board about 1/16"-1/8" from the house side of the bushing to limit the damage. The bushing would push against your safety and couldn't really get out of hand.

    Why are you so concerned about the router going wild? I would imagine if you kept constant pressure agains the fence you're going to be ok. Am I missing something critical?

     

    Jon Blakemore

  2. dinothecarpenter | Mar 26, 2005 09:37pm | #2

    Nice drawings. I wish I can do that.

    The only THING that comes to my mind (funny) is the EZ.

    And for decks can be the only JIG that you ever need.(trimming the boards with no splintering,Tapered cuts for stardust designs, Any dado you need with out repositioning the guide rail, Traverse routing if needed, Circles...... whatever.)

    The only problem that I can see is the length. If you can secure the 100" guide rails (2/50s with true zero play.) from the top of the deck ( have one guy to hold the one end and clamp the other from the end of the deck?) then you only need the standard SGS-1 system and the SRK.(smart router kit)

    Or, if you don't like the idea of resetting the 100"..I have another idea. Get 2 more 50" guide rails. And if you promise to send some pictures back...

     I know the manager of the CO. and I can get you a good deal.:)

    Or, I have a better idea. I can send you what you need to do the job EZ, and you send the system back with pictures when you done. And you get all your money back. IF you send it back.

    Oh Men. To many ideas for a day like this. Oh well.

     

    1. joewood | Mar 26, 2005 10:04pm | #3

      What's this EZ guide rail YC ? Got a link for me ? How's the router attach to the rail ?  That sounds exactly like what I want !

      1. dinothecarpenter | Mar 26, 2005 10:11pm | #4

        http://www.eurekazone.com/gallery.html

         

         

      2. dinothecarpenter | Mar 26, 2005 10:53pm | #5

        Joe.

        You set the guide rail anywhere from 5-1/2" to 11" parallel to your dado line.

        Then you use the control knob for the final adjustment.

        Your working (rout area) is anywhere from 5-1/2" to 11" without the need to reset the guide. You can do a 5-1/2" dado with a 1/2" bid by moving the sliding arm on the SRK.(smart router kit)

        The play on the router base iis TRUE ZERO.The flex on the guide rails TRUE ZERO. The locking of the sliding arm to the base is very strong with the oversize control knob, And there is no room for screwing up. Even if you need to stop few times for any reason, you can start your restart your router and finish your job without any visible (stop and start) lines.

        You can even stop the parallel routing and start going  90 (traverse movement)

        without any problems.

        Some time soon we will have an adjustable square so you can rout at any degree to the guide rail.

        Think of it as a "manual" CNC.

        1. joewood | Mar 26, 2005 11:08pm | #7

          hhmmm .. this is sounding interesting, especially that part about doing trasverse moves. You can see here how that scribed board follows the house jog. I need to dado all around it.

           

          The main part of the operation I always worry about is the initial plunge. This is where I'd like the router fixed to the guide .. sounds like this would do it !

          I bet I could find some more uses for something like this. I'll be in touch !

          1. joewood | Mar 26, 2005 11:12pm | #8

            Not exactly sure by what you mean Mike. Do you mean where you have a guide rail on each side of the bearing ? How would you build one in a situation like this ?

          2. mdresimprov | Mar 27, 2005 12:00am | #10

            Hey Joe,
            I've had my EZ for only about a month so I'm still learning its uses. Recently cut up 4 sheets of ply for cabinet carcasses and used the circ. saw attachment. Then did all my rabbets and dadoes using the router attachement. I really like its simplicity and safety. It would definitely work for a plunge cut with the router.
            Good luck
            Mark

          3. joewood | Mar 27, 2005 12:09am | #11

            Jay, the problem is I don't have room for much of a rail on the wall side, only maybe an inch or so, and probably less. That is still a possibility though .. I'm just fishen for some alternate feedback on how to accompolish this.

             

          4. dinothecarpenter | Mar 27, 2005 12:16am | #12

            How far from the wall you need to dado?

      3. mikerooney | Mar 26, 2005 10:58pm | #6

        Do you know how to make a shoot-board?

        18' will take one sheet of 1/2" plywood.

         And Reason alone can never explain

             how the Heart behaves. 

         

                                                            

         

  3. Jay345 | Mar 26, 2005 11:23pm | #9

    Keep it simple--- two boards[straight edged] tacked to the deck the width of the router base apart, centered on the joint. Set router to desired depth and plow. No wandering is possible, the only mistake you could make would be if you lifted the router, and this would cause  no damage.

  4. User avater
    hammer1 | Mar 27, 2005 12:38am | #13

    You could have put a rabeting bit in the router and done the fitted boards before you attached them and put down the angled ones. The round bases on routers can be slightly uneven in different positions. I replace mine with a square or rectangular base plate that makes running against a straight edge much easier. You can buy different gizmos if you like, but all it would take is a straight edged board or piece of plywood. You just have to put the straight edge in relation to where the bit will cut. This is the same whether you use a template guide or just the edge of the baseplate. You sort of turned an easy job into a complicated one by putting things out of sequence. It's still not very hard, you'll just have to pull up your knee pads now. Now, tell about those cool drawings.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

    1. joewood | Mar 27, 2005 12:49am | #14

      YC, I think it's around 5" from the wall, maybe a little more .. I scribed a 1x6 to start with..

      Hammer, I didn't rabett them beforehand because I want to let the boards shrink a bit first. I'll probably do this in 2 weeks, when the rest of the job's almost complete. Then we'll sand and seal.

      The program is SketchUp, took me awhile to master it because I was so new to computering, but now I can draw anything I could ever build. Best 'Tool' I own now.

      Comes in real handy times like this too, when only a quick Sketch will do !

      1. dinothecarpenter | Mar 27, 2005 01:42am | #15

        Just for info.

        With the standard base you need 3-1/2" min.

         And you can go down to 2-1/2" by cutting the ez base.

        Good luck.

  5. ClaysWorld | Mar 27, 2005 04:00am | #16

    You can also use a smaller trim router with a much smaller base and make more passes. Little square base el get you like 1+1/2" center to edge or yOu can use the flush offset to get it to 0". Use a double rail/track and you won't wander, If its a oner time just use ply or if your a tool nut like the rest of us just keep spending, it's good for the economy.
    Show a couple of more pictures of the deck, it looks real nice.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower

Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data