Rotate the router until each pin touches the workpiece for a perfectly centered cut.This simple base, used with a plunge router, makes it easy to center a mortise on a leg or post. The base has two downward projecting pins at equal distances from the bit on opposite sides. The concept is elegantly simple: When you rotate the router so that the pins are touching the sides of the workpiece, the router bit is centered.
When building the base, it's crucial to locate the pins accurately. Do this after the base is attached to ther outer and a hole for the router bit has been plunged through. The distance between the pins should exceed the widest part your likely to use it for. With the locations marked, remove the base and drill the holes on a drill press. Finally, insert smooth dowels—not the kind with ridges—or metal pins into the holes.
A better way to locate the holes is with a self-centering dowel jig, used in an unconventional way. With the base attached and the center hole plunged, chuck a 1/2-in. drill bit in your router (you won't be running the router with this, it's just a reference), then place the 1/2-in. bushing of the doweling jig over the bit. Align the 3/8-in. bushing hole so that it is either across or in line with the axis of the router handles, then position a straightedge against the jig and clamp the straightedge to the base. Drill throug the 3/8-in. bushing into the base. Then swing the dowel jig around to the opposite side, use the straightedge to align it, and drill the other hole. You can then enlarge the hole for the router bit to whatever you need.
In use, you may need to leave your workpieces a bit long in order to support the pins on when cutting mortises near the en of a leg or post.
posted in: blogs, router, Jigs, router jigs, mortising, self centering mortising jigIf you enjoy woodworking then you probably also suffer from an addiction to tools. Whether you collect hand planes or seek out the latest and greatest in power tools, our expert tool addicts will keep you in the loop with news, reviews, and commentary on the latest in woodworking tools.
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