Lazyman commented about 17 hours ago Do you have a pin in your router table? That may help you keep the piece stable as use the pattern bit. Instead of just resting against the bearing, having 2 points can make it easier.
Nathan, that particular router table (which I generally use for flush cutting) isn't outfitted with a pin. My other router table has one, though. I may need to switch over to that one next time.
Pottz commented about 16 hours ago good point nathan, a router pin is a definite must using templates as something to rest the template againts when staring the cut ! one thing sam maloof used on all his templates i noticed when i was in his shop was they all had a big rounded end so he could start the template before cutting into wood. great idea and much safer because he had a large shaper with a "big" trim routing bit on it. but he was shaping 8/4 walnut on templates. i was afraid to even look at it 😬
What a great privilege to have been to Maloof's shop. Very cool. The rounded ends on the templates sounds like a genius idea. That certainly would have saved me.
I just went through this myself. I'd recommend clamping your template and work to a larger flat (like ply wood) with handles. I found holding the leg template with finger tips (narrow) very hard on the hands.
Potts is right trim as much as possible off the blank.
Good idea. I did have a death grip on the narrow work, and notices my hands aching a bit later in the day. I'll keep that tip in mind.
I did try to keep the trimming to within a 1/16" of the line, but admittedly my cut line wandered some.
