Using router, template and collars to cut out section of floor
I know this is not the best place to discuss home repair but I thought I’d get some good router template advice. I want to cut out a section of subfloor and fit in a repair piece. I figured a tremplate with guide bushings and spiral downcut bit is the ticket. What I’d like to do is make a template of plywood, screw it to the floor, using router cut out defective piece.
Then I’d like to use same template and different guide bushing to cut repair. I am hoping I can get very good fit. but I am not experienced with guide bushings (collars). If I use a 1/2″ spiral downcut, and what size bushing do I put in my router base to cut the opening, then the same bit and what size bushuing to cut the the repair piece to get what I want?
Can you help me?
Replies
other options
Depending on the size of the piece you need to remove and replace, you might be better off using a plunge cut with a circular saw, with the depth of cut set to the thickness of the subfloor. You'd still need to clean out the corners, or deal with the overcuts. That's not a big issue if you're down to the subfloor already, or will be replacing the top flooring.
To use router bits and bushings with a template, you're working with the "offset" - the distance between the edge of the bit and the outside of the guide bushing. The typical "inlay" kits use a secondary bushing that slips over the guide bushing to accommodate the offset for inlay. But, the typical inlay kits are made for working with veneer, and use a 1/8" solid carbide bit - a little dainty for what you are doing. Woodworker's Supply has a set of "inlay" bushings for over-sized templates that might be handy:
http://woodworker.com/five-piece-brass-inlay-bushing-set-mssu-959-596.asp?search=router%20guide%20bushing%20kits&searchmode=2
In practice, the precision depends on the precision of the bushing inset on your router base, and the precision of the bushings. Due to manufacturing variances, getting a precise fit isn't always easy.
Just not sure I can get my circular saw into the tightest spot
Multimaster
Good excuse to go out and get a Fein Multi-Master.
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