When it comes to woodworking, routers are one of the most versatile and useful tools you can have in your shop. With a router, you can create intricate designs, make precise cuts, and add professional-looking edges to your projects. But in order to get the most out of your router, you need to have the right templates. That’s where printable router templates come in. These templates are essentially patterns that you can use to guide your router as you make cuts. They allow you to create consistent, uniform shapes and designs, which is especially important if you’re making multiple pieces that need to match. There are a few different types of router templates you might need, depending on the project you’re working on. Here are some of the most common ones: 1. Letter templates: If you’re working on a project that involves lettering or engraving, letter templates are a must-have. These templates allow you to create precise, uniform letters in a variety of fonts and sizes. 2. Shape templates: Shape templates are useful for creating consistent, symmetrical shapes, such as stars, hearts, and circles. They’re also great for creating custom shapes that might be difficult to cut freehand. 3. Edge templates: Edge templates allow you to create precise, consistent edges on your workpieces. They’re especially useful for creating decorative edges on furniture and other woodworking projects. Now that you know what kinds of templates are available, let’s take a look at some of the best printable router templates on the market. 1. Lee Valley Tools Lee Valley Tools is a well-known name in the woodworking world, and they offer a wide variety of router templates for all kinds of projects. Some of their most popular templates include letter templates in a range of fonts and sizes, as well as shape templates for stars, hearts, and other designs. They also offer a set of edge guides that allow you to create precise, straight edges on your workpieces. 2. Woodsmith Magazine Woodsmith Magazine is a great resource for woodworking tips and projects, and they also offer some excellent printable router templates. Their templates are designed to be used with a router pantograph, which is a device that allows you to trace designs and patterns onto your workpiece. Some of their most popular templates include decorative edge templates and inlay templates for creating intricate designs. 3. Rockler Rockler is another well-known name in the woodworking world, and they offer a wide range of router templates for all kinds of projects. Some of their most popular templates include letter templates in a range of fonts and sizes, as well as shape templates for circles, ovals, and other designs. They also offer a set of signmaking templates that allow you to create professional-looking signs with your router. 4. Family Handyman Family Handyman is a popular DIY magazine that offers a variety of woodworking projects and tips. They also offer some excellent printable router templates that are perfect for beginners. Some of their most popular templates include edge guides, circle templates, and decorative edge templates. 5. Woodcraft Woodcraft is a popular retailer of woodworking tools and supplies, and they also offer a range of printable router templates. Some of their most popular templates include letter templates in a range of fonts and sizes, as well as shape templates for stars, ovals, and other designs. They also offer a set of inlay templates for creating intricate designs on your workpieces. No matter what kind of project you’re working on, there’s a printable router template out there that can help you get the job done. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner, using templates is a great way to ensure consistent, professional-looking results. So why not give them a try on your next project?
