In Part 1 we cut slots and recesses for our baseplate screws and for our guide strip, and glued in the guide strip.

The next step is to cut a wide slot where the router bit will pass through the baseplate.  Use the stock router base to determine the location of the wide slot.  Note: the wide slot may not be centered between the two screw slots!  Use your router with an edge guide and a large bit to cut the wide slot in the top side of the base plate (guide strip down).  If you like, you can cut the guide strip out of the screw slots.

Now you're ready to mount the baseplate on the router.

Adjust the bit the desired distance from the guide strip and route your first bead allowing the guide strip to ride along the edge of the workpiece.  Moving the router left to right will help keep the guide strip tight against the workpiece.  For varied spacing like I'm showing here, start with the baseplate set for the shorter distance between beads and make one pass with the guide against the edge.  Next, adjust the baseplate for the total bead spacing (the short distance plus the longer distance) and make another pass with the guide against the edge of the workpiece.  On each subsequent pass, the guide strip simply rides in one of the previously cut beads.

In just a couple of minutes you will have a panel full of perfectly straight, parallel beads.  Hint: If you make the panel oversized, you can trim both sides so that the beads wil be centered in the frame.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.  Please feel free to send me an email or add your comment below.

Tags: jig, router, beaded panel

Categories: Jigs & Tools