Router Trammel / Compass

[morpheus83uk]

Hello,

I am looking at making some arcs and being able to make my own jigs opposed to keep buying hole saws for the near enough size I need. So I was thinking of getting a Trammel / Compass.

What are good / bad etc? I would like one with measurements on so I can pick the diameter as required to make the jigs as needed. I would need them to make both small and larger holes as I am making small jigs and large. I am also sorting out some corner shelves which would be arched as well.

What are peoples thoughts?

Thanks

James

 

[KenGMac]

morpheus83uk, good evening.

As a start in your quest for the shall I call it a Specialised part, not probably available in B&Q?

Suggest you have a look at a "Guitar" repair and build site, the people who build, repair and do things with Guitars are to put it "Quirky" unusual and may assist?

Try.
stewmac uk

Another really good site in the UK is

http://www.axminster.co.uk/

Both above may be able to get you the components you need ?

"Luthier" supplies may also get you a viable economic part?

Why, because guitar makers and repairers need such bits of kit?

Ken

 

[big-all]

i just use hardboard or thin ply in a peardrop shape
remove the plastic router base use as a template to mark then drill countersunk holes in the hardboard and replace the base with the hardboard

 

[morpheus83uk]

Thanks Big-All I was looking at doing this but I think it would be easier if it were marked up already saving time as I wouldnt know where to measure from an to for each of the holes meaning I would probably end up having more jigs than I needed and loads of holy wood everywere lol.

Hi KenGMac thanks for your reply I was looking on Trend and places like that as they offer them but I am wondering would I need to get a small one and a large for or would one (and if one which one) would be suitable? I know the Trend does from 100mm to 660mm I think but I need to do smaller jigs than this currently so I am wondering if I need two or if there is a one size fits all kind of deal?

I hope that makes sense?

Thanks

James

 

[big-all]

a jig off any sort would need setting up to the router and cutter anyway
if you go for a teardrop shape you can have a series off holes in a line every say 10mm so your specific setup will give you say 70mm/80mm/90mm radius
you can also have a series off holes to one side say 65/75/85/95
also for smaller radius a guide bush a cutter and template are easier to use just make sure the material you use is thicker than the lip on the guide bush

 

[morpheus83uk]

Thanks big-all.

I do have some hole saws to make jigs for smaller ones I was just thinking that it maybe easier to have a single or two compasses for small and large arcs or circles. I will give it a shot for the smaller ones though see what happens as its only for making templates so I can make circles of various sizes.

Out of curiosity how would you hold it on the work piece? Would it be nailed to the work piece or is there a much neater solution?

Thanks

James

 

[big-all]

i use a say no6 screw through a 3mm[1/8"] hole
remember a cuter will pull all slack out[stretch] in a clockwise direction if pined centrally or push in[shrink] all slack in a anticlockwise direction
if you are making a template for a specific job you would work out if you can cover or place holes from the "securing " action on the waste area to be cut off
other options is double sided sticky tape
batons on all four edges to positively locate
router mat if no great material removal so minimum pull this could be fixed to the jig if easier to use

 

[big-all]

should also mention its worth thinking about leaving extra "handles" or "areas" to permit clamping around the perimeter with at least two clamps but this off course can make the jig quite big and cumbersome and difficult to store

 

[morpheus83uk]

Thats great thank you. I was thinking making the teardrop compass for the smaller circles and purchasing one for the bigger ones.

What I have done with the two I have done so far is I have used the same piece of wood and just put two holes in it so basically once I have a few more templates on it then it will be a holey piece of board with gaps in between for clamping as you say. Its more just the making of them currently as it was handy I has near enough the hole saw sizes for the templates but going forward I don't unless I keep purchasing them which is very costly.

Does anyone recommend any compasses which can be purchased from say 100mm radius and up? I know Trend do one which has markings on it and looks alright but I am unsure of the build quality etc so I am looking for recommendations for that too.

Thanks

James

 

[morpheus83uk]

Also when using the compass is it just a normal straight bit which is used?

Thanks

James