How To Make And Use 3D Printed Router Templates / DIY Router Templates / Woodworking Hacks

In this video I will show you another way to use a 3D printer in your workshop. The primary focus is is how to use 3D printed templates to expand what you can do with your router. Router templates can allow you to make repeatable shapes and designs using a flush trim bit.

Links:

[wallaceworkshop]

Really I got a 3d Printer last year. Excited to incorporate mine into my woodwork.

[botjimllfixthatellis]

Brilliant - really enjoyed watching this.

[jonbailey]

I do this a lot, I have a cr10s and the Ender 3 pro and am always looking for ways to incorporate my 3d printing into my woodworking. I print templates for mounting feet on cabinets as well as handle jigs and even some tools. I typically use 40 percent infill when using pla using 4 walls, so they don’t warp with the heat in the garage. Awesome video by the way!

[stormbytes]

Wow this video was so much fun to watch! Nicely done :)

[TekDrgn]

I've already done this. Honestly, it was a natural evolution of my work for me to use 3d printing with my woodworking

[TheRealPlato]

For the big template Prusaslicer includes several mating options like a dovetail. You can cut out large portions of some templates to save print time, as long as there's enough for the router base to ride. I don't have the flush cutter bits to use a 1:1 template, I have been trying to find a good workflow to create offset templates from arbitrary input shapes to use with template bushings and a straight bit.

[nctplarry]

Man, alive!! I just "happened" across this episode and, fella, you absolutely lit my fire! I've been working on some designs in the shop, but I just haven't worked out a few wrinkles yet. However, watching you build that "double-ended" cutting/food/charcuterie board, I found myself saying "Aha!" out loud. I have some "luxury lazy susans" in the production line (I have a URL to my luxury lazy susans, but won't post a URL here, because I feel like that's taboo) and need to get them moved on through the process. I've made about 60-70 of them in the past year and a half by using a variety of hardwoods...and I cannot keep people from ordering them. I'm already booked until next October, but watching this one video made me think that I can use some new twists. For sure, I'll give you credit.
Too, I just gave away my Artillery Sidewinder X1 v4 3D printer this week to a young fella who is gonna add that to his printer farm. Now, after watching your episode, I feel something tugging on my wallet to make me order one of the current models that is far superior to my Sidewinder X1. I can see more ways that another 3D printer, coupled with my laser engraver, will give me some new ways to stretch my old 76-year-old wings! (I began my teaching career by teaching Industrial Arts to 8th and 9th graders...and still have 149 of my former students from 40 years ago in my private Facebook group. So, I'll be sharing a link to your video with them, because I just cannot quit teaching. It's in my DNA!)
Thanks for your keen inspiration!
~Dr. Larry S. Anderson • Tupelo, MS (birthplace of Elvis!)

[michaelgrosser]

When printing multiple pieces like this, I’ll often incorporate a dovetail into the design and then tap it together with a mallet. You can avoid the taping that way.

[rtmsound]

Good video. Great ideas. I use a laser cutter to make templates out of MDF or acrylic.

[StoneCut]

If you are using PLA as material you can use superglue to attach the pieces. The bond will be very, very strong.

[dworkin]

I've used this technique several times although eventually I caved and bought a shaper origin which makes doing this almost a doddle. 🤗

[boonjabby]

for @3:10
You can design a puzzle piece into the 3D design and then depending on the material used, glue them together permanently (ABS: Acetone, PLA: CA glue etc.)
This way you aren't using multiple materials and steps to get to the final template

[canadaplease]

You can connect them using joints in the model rather than just trying to line up 2 straight lines of different pieces, also, UHMW over acrylic

[BerHarSenSam]

Great stuff. Although, you do not seem to be getting any kick backs when routing? What type of the router bit you use please?

[andax]

Nice video! Very helpful tips. Ps. Didn’t know Al Bundy had another son! 😉

[jamesstoffel]

When you are creating the 3D template, what is the infill setting?
Thank you for posting this info / how to video - great idea!

[lhotse]

For people who have issues with printing speeds - a 0.6 or a 0.8 will make a world of a difference in printing speed compared to the standard 0.4!

[Elitefrr]

can you do the something similar using hand routers?

[AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I have a laser that I use to make templates. I also have a cnc. But I just got a 3D printer for Christmas. Now I want to make some templates with it. LOL. I will probably make the corner rounding one. I just want to use the 3D printer to make all the things! LOL> Is there any other items you’ve printed to use in your shop?

[Jasonstory]

Where did you download the 3d printed handle jig?