I’m making some costers for my daughter using 2 1/4 tile that I used when making a cofee table for her. What is the best way to make a tempalte that I can route out a space for the inlay. I tried to jig saw a square and it seem to never be a rignt angle and fit the ties exactly.
Edited 11/10/2008 2:40 pm ET by wjcopper
Replies
Hi,
I think the easiest method is to make up a template on the router table. You will use that template and a straight bit and a template guide in your router to make the hole.
Cut up a square of 1/4" mdf about 3" to 4" bigger than the tile. Then lay out the square you want PLUS the offset of the bit to the guide. Put this square right in the middle of the mdf.
So, for instance, if you're using a 1/2" bit and you have a 3/4" OD [outside diameter] template guide, your offset is 1/4" total. So your template hole will need to be 1/4" larger in both directions for the tile to fit nicely. You may need to try this a few times until you get it just right.
Drill a starting hole in one corner of the template material. Jig saw away most of the waste first. Set up a fence so that it places the cut just where you want it. Drop the mdf right down onto the bit and start to make your cut. Make that first cut, hold the work in place, and stop the router. Rotate the piece and make the next cut, etc.
You will of course end up with round corners which will have to be squared up by hand. But if your template stock is the right size square and you set your fence up properly, you will make up a template that will allow each tile to drop it just fine.
But also be aware that tiles, particularly ceramic tiles, are not always square or the exact same size. Check your tiles for variations too. Good luck.
Gary Rogowski
http://www.northwestwoodworking.com
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