How to Use Router Guide Bushings - Ask Matt #18

Guide bushings are a great way to make your router even more versatile. In this video we look at what a guide bushing is, how to set them up, and we'll look at a few examples of how to use them.

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[billwells]

Thanks Matthew. I had not used my guide bushings for 10 years and needed a refresher.

[Bill_CBR]

Matt, that has to be one of the best explanations on the use of those template guides. Really well articulated and demonstrated. Thanks for sharing this.

[tituscanby]

Clear, concise, with meaningful demonstrations and relevant applications. You are a natural teacher. Thanks and now a subscriber.

[bussin]

Great explanations and examples! As someone EU based I very much appreciate the metric units showing up in the video when you mention imperial dimensions. Keep up the good work!

[jfgaxeworks]

I just found this - it's the most relevant video on template guide bushings, hands down. It's clear, there's lots of supporting video, and the style is easy to follow.

[tedtolentino]

Matt, thank you for this informative video. As a novice, I had heard of these bushings but have never known how they are used or how versatile they were. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[Woodementary]

You see Matt; this is why you will hit 100k viewers by the end of the year. you are instructing viewers that are 5 or 6 years behind you in knowledge and they are finding your way of demonstration extremely useful. I love it! thanks Matt.

[kenjohnson]

My wife bought a set of these for me about 3 years ago. Only now do I know what they are for! Thanks a lot for making this video.

[hardnox]

Good instructional video Matt, as always. Just a note: 1/2" acrylic (bullet resistant glass) makes for great templates. . You can get it free from any glass shop that does commercial windows and glazing. They remove it from banks and storefronts etc. when it gets scratched. Normally it gets tossed in the dumpster. My buddy owns a glass shop and he turned me on to using it. It's actually very easy to buff crystal clear using a headlight reconditioner compound and a power buffer. Clear templates are really nice to use and it makes locating the layout lines much easier. It cuts really easy too on a table saw or router using the lower rpm range.

Btw, there's no such thing as bullet proof glass, it's only bullet resistant. Don't tell any bank tellers. It will stop pistol bullets but that's it. Not a high velocity rifle round.

[ehRalph]

Good explanation. I learned about guide bushings years ago, and never needed them, then over time forgot the details. Now, currently have a project where guide bushings look like the best option.

[yoreeby]

*I just finished building the handrail on my deck **MyBest.Tools** and used this great little router to clean up the top rail before the final sanding and stain. It was light weight but packed lots of power. Either size battery didn't seem to make it top heavy and I'm a 64 yr old women so I really appreciated how easy it was to CORDLESS only way to go !!*

[dancoleman]

Hi, I just stumbled upon your channel today. This is the first video of yours that I have watched. You have instantly become my favorite teacher/woodworking coach. You demonstrated very clearly exactly what I most desired to learn and understand better. I appreciate that - a lot! You have a new subscriber. I just wish I could be your apprentice for one year. God bless. Thank you for what you are doing.

[andrespadilla]

I bought a metobo router that came with the bushing. I didn't know the use of them, I was ready to through them away. Watching you video save the bushings.

[mrJanniekoen]

Thanks Matt. I love how easy you can make mortises for floating tenons.

[derer]

finally the only video on Youtube which shows how these guides work. thx

[tedh]

Great explanation on how to use guide bushings. My wife made these carrying crates for mason jars to transport and store our canned goods. She wants handles routed through the sides of the crates. I have the same Bosch router as you and use it so sparingly it is not even funny so I did not even know guide bushings existed until a few days ago. I run a business that performs commercial and residential repairs so I do not come across the need to use my router very often. Guide bushings are exactly what I need to route the handle holes. Thank you Matt.

[mitch]

Thank you, Matt. This was very helpful. I short time ago I bought the PORTER-CABLE Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit (4216), and the Router Template Guide, 9-Piece (42000). These bushings are great and work well. I'm in the process of building a barn door cabinet for our foyer and went out yesterday and bought a 23/32" straight chute router bit and the 1" OD x 25/32" ID Porter Cable guide bushing. I have to make 3 dado cuts in the top and bottom panels for the cabinet dividers and this was recommended as the best option. I'm building a simple router jig that the 1" bushing will fit into and cut perfect 23/32" dadoes. Your video explains how to use the bushings and offsets which is very helpful. Thank you again! You have a new subscriber!

[jonatham]

I use guide bushing to make signs from patterns. I found under heavy use they like to work free. A little Teflon tape or locktite does the trick. Awesome video! Thanks.

[willb]

6 years later and you helped me. A LOT. ❤️

[WPGinfo]

Very useful Thanks. This shows 'old' videos don''t get old.