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The whole package is rather cheaply made, but for the purchase price-I got what I paid for. Purchased the SignCrafter Signmaking Template Kit to make mile marking post on our local rails to trails. Once I did some mods and started routing it did an OK job. First in spite of what the box said it is not ready to use. The jig had to modified to allow routing numbers in the vertical position on 4 x 4 posts. Not professional grade, but again not professional grade money. Not something you would want to use on a daily basis.
If assembled correctly and you tighten everything before using the router this kit is good for beginners such as myself. Upon receiving the item I opened the box and was surprised at the amount of items in the package. It's fun, and the instructions are easy to follow. I've read some reviews that have stated that the template kit flexes when using the router. I have not had this problem, my router must not be as big as others I guess. I used a piece of scrap wood to get the hang of it, routed my name and the next time I was ready to go.I only have one issue with the kit and that is only one router bit is in the kit for the larger letters. So be prepared to purchase a smaller box cove bit for use with the kit.
The unit is well thought out and easy to use. Although the whole set up appeared to be securely in place when checked by hand, it was not the case. Router pressure against the sides of the template caused the whole locking mechanism to move out of position. I would advise that bracing or clamps be applied to both ends, top and bottom before ever starting the first cut.
Lining up the cutter depth. Opening the box, I was astounded by the number of items and spares that were included. Following the instructions, I was preparing for the final steps before powering up the router for the first time. Now my second and last letter L has been trashed.
Now mind you, no where in the instructions does it give you an idea of what speed to run your router. Instantly this melts the plastic template and runs the router away making a mess of the first try. The Signcraft base that is included with the kit is VERY thick, you may need longer screws to use it with your router. I have a Dewalt 618 and I used the plunge base for this task. I couldn't wait to carve the names of my kids into the sandbox seats.
You only have 10mm or so distance to power it down without it sitting on your work surface spinning away. With a straight bit, you can use the plunge as designed. I'd suggest buying a straight bit as you need to be able to move the bit around the template and power off/raise after each letter. I had probably 2-3 threads holding the base in place with the screws that were included in my router kit. Got everything set to the correct depths, and was retracting the bit before turning it on.
What was that. I was really excited about this kit, people seem to rave about it all over the place. Now, back to the letter box, good thing they give you so many letters, I had an extra capital L to replace the one that is now broken. Secure a piece of wood to practice on.
This is a small bit, so logic would tell you to crank up the speed. I very carefully now insert the router into the template, turn it up to 5 out of 6 and power it on. I went ahead with the name carving, it didn't turn out nearly as good as I had hoped.
I easily created a full stack of letters, since my kids each have four letter names, I could put them both into the carrier and put in one extra letter to fill it out. I had to run by hand in areas of the L since the template was melted from previously. Crack.
As the bit was retracing, it hooked on the letter and snapped the template. Great. I'm aware it would increase the cost, the templates really need to be made out of something less flimsy, and more resistant to heat.
Clamps to hold rail extensions also holds very poorly. Some parts are of poor design as follows. Built in clamps to hold template to work piece does a very poor job. I had to create my own low profile parts to hold the kit firmly to the work piece. Other than the clamping problems the kit works well.
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