fyb Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 I have an acrylic Stew Mac neck pocket routing template whose outer edges work pretty well as a straight edge when I need to do straight lines with my router. I was wondering if anyone knew of something similar but longer, perhaps 3' or 4' long. It would need to be thick enough to use with a piloted router bit and very straight. What do you suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegarehanman Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 I use a strip of plywood that's been run through a jointer. Should I need one, I could have a 8' straightedge router guide with that method. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Factory edge on an MDF sheet is as close to dead straight as you'll find. Copy route that onto something harder (plywood), and you've got something dependable and straight. MDF itself can dent/compress a little too easily for my liking, so just using the factory edge itself every time isn't always the greatest idea. Just check with a straightedge, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 I use MDF machine edges with no problems Mattia, although I run two bearings against 1/2" board. You're right about how easily damaged it can get though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Oh, so do I, but I mean if you want to make a dedicated something for this purpose, copy it onto something else, or give the MDF a hard finish or something. Doublestick can damage the surface of MDF after multiple uses, for instance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyManAndy Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Factory edge on an MDF sheet is as close to dead straight as you'll find. Copy route that onto something harder (plywood), and you've got something dependable and straight. MDF itself can dent/compress a little too easily for my liking, so just using the factory edge itself every time isn't always the greatest idea. Just check with a straightedge, though. Extremely useful tip. Thanks a ton, Mattia! CMA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j. pierce Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 I usually use the factory edge of MDF as a master, as Mattia mentions; however in a pinch, when I don't have any MDF available (I do my woodwork in a couple of places, either my parents' backyard or my apartment porch, and somehow it often turns out that what I need is in another location, or oops, I made something and used my last true edge in the woodpile ) I've used a long, heavy duty steel straight edge. I don't like the idea of the router bit running so close to the steel edge of course, and it's a bit too thin to use with bearing anyway, but I clamp it a ways away, and clamp the edge guide that came with DeWalt router to ride on the straight edge and transfer the true edge to another piece of wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigM555 Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Just picked up a Samona 50" clamp on straightedge for $20 CDN. Samona is a Canadian distributor but I'm sure they're available in the US and abroad too. Haven't really had a chance to use it much yet so cant' really report on it. It was cheap though. Samona Web Site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 I use jointed hardwood or plywood. Maple or 3/4" sheets of plywood. Jointed is the key! I've had poor results with MDF, sometimes it's just a little too soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Yeah, it never keeps after repeated use! It's all just an excuse to clamp up a random piece of wood and plane it to death isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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