Replies

1. 
   Rob_Sp | Aug 26, 2013 08:10pm | #1

   "am moving the router very slowly" That's the problem

   Also you are probably tracing around the perimeter first (full cut) which is a mistake. Friction creates heat, start he bit in the center wasting the wood free hand in increasing sprials and finish the outside edges last, the wood chips carry away the heat, you have to keep moving at speed with light cuts to avoid burning.

   Furthermore a jig to do this is a waste of money. Cut out your butterfly inlays first on a bandsaw, scroll saw, or backsaw. trace around them on your workpiece. Using a 1/4" upcut bit (a laminate trimmer router works great for this), waste the interior of the inlay free hand. Then pare to the line with a chisel and set the inlay tapping in place with a hammer. You can also chop out the center with a chisel and clean out the bottom with a small router plane and avoid the electric router altogether.

   Wasting time and money on fancy tools and jigs to avoid more efficient basic skills is a fools errand...

1. 
   ajames | Aug 27, 2013 12:13pm | #2

   faster, in this case, is better

   A combination of smaller bites (less depth) and faster application seems to work wonders.  Thank you for your input.  I will also try using handtools :-)

1. 
   Rob_Sp | Aug 27, 2013 06:42pm | #3

   You are more than welcome

   Post some pics of the finished project. 

   Best of luck

   Robm