Router bushing help?

wannabewoodworker · Post by **wannabewoodworker** » Sun May 01, 2011 11:22 pm

So I received my Bosch router template bushing set on Friday. I got a chance to play with it this afternoon. My problem is after figuring out how to set it all up in the router I decided to see if I could figure out the Porter Cable dovetail jig I got a couple of weeks ago. So after messing around with it for over an hour I just gave up. It seems that the Bosch bushings are too long to be of any use at all unless I am an idiot? The Bosch has a quick connect adapter that goes on the inside of the base plate I think? That is how I have it installed and then you put the template bushings in from the underside of the base. That all seems to work fine but when I put it on the dove tail jig the nose of the bushing protrudes a heat distance beyond the base plate. I thought that these bushings were just supposed to protrude just enough to run along the fingers of the dovetail jig or any other template for that matter. I am totally confused and not sure how this is supposed to work. To make matters worse Bosch does not include on tiny bit of instructions for any of this stuff. I also purchased the Bosch centering pin dodad that seemed like something I should have to keep things perfectly aligned. That also did not come with instructions for use. I think I figured that out and believe the you chuck it in the router then install the base plate over the cone that slips over the chucked arbor. This centers the base plate to the arbor then you install the bushing adapter which should now be centered as well.

I am thinking unless I am missing something obvious that the bushings need to be machined a heck of lot shorter to be of any use at all. Anybody with a Bosch and the Bosch bushings that can help me out here I would be in your debt. I will take some pics tomorrow which should be a lot easier to see and understand what I am talking about. I must say that I am not very impressed with the Bosch bushing kit. Very cheap stamped steel and they don't look very sturdy at all. I love the quality of the Bosch tools I have and that is why I bought this Bosch router but the template kit so far is a big disappointment.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Mon May 02, 2011 2:18 am

I bought a cheap bushing set from a local big box store. Yep, I used the strip sander to "file" down the length of the bushing I needed for a jig.

Before you use that dovetail jig, make sure you have your bit centered in the bushing. It would help if you got a centering bit with your set.

I understand the bushing sets made of brass are easier to use, mostly because the bushings are screwed to the router base and brass threads hold more securely, resisting vibration caused loosening.

wannabewoodworker · Post by **wannabewoodworker** » Mon May 02, 2011 8:14 am

Charlese,
I did also purchase the new and improved centering cone/arbor with the templates and have centered up the base and template guide holder. I guess I will use my bandsaw metal blade and cut the bushings down to a useable size.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon May 02, 2011 9:19 am

Hi Guys;
First make sure that the bushings and bits are centered properly. The routers that use a clamp around the router body to secure the depth have a tendency to pull the bit off center slightly and this can cause an interference between the bit and the guide bushing. Ask me how I know this!!:eek:
The bushing sets, either brass or steel, are designed to folow a normal template. I think the dovetail jig should come with a bushing with a shorter collar. I use my router for hinge mortises and I use 3/4 MDF for the template. I also have a bushing set that is used for inlays and that set does have a very short collar. To use the router with a standard collar bushing it is probably better to use a piece of 1/4 or 3/8 inch plywood attached to the router base with double stick tape to effectively shorten the collar and not ruin a good set of bushings.
Just one guy's opinion.
Bill V

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Mon May 02, 2011 9:46 am

wannabewoodworker wrote:So I received my Bosch router template bushing set on Friday. I got a chance to play with it this afternoon. My problem is after figuring out how to set it all up in the router I decided to see if I could figure out the Porter Cable dovetail jig I got a couple of weeks ago. So after messing around with it for over an hour I just gave up. It seems that the Bosch bushings are too long to be of any use at all unless I am an idiot? The Bosch has a quick connect adapter that goes on the inside of the base plate I think? That is how I have it installed and then you put the template bushings in from the underside of the base. That all seems to work fine but when I put it on the dove tail jig the nose of the bushing protrudes a heat distance beyond the base plate. I thought that these bushings were just supposed to protrude just enough to run along the fingers of the dovetail jig or any other template for that matter. I am totally confused and not sure how this is supposed to work. To make matters worse Bosch does not include on tiny bit of instructions for any of this stuff. I also purchased the Bosch centering pin dodad that seemed like something I should have to keep things perfectly aligned. That also did not come with instructions for use. I think I figured that out and believe the you chuck it in the router then install the base plate over the cone that slips over the chucked arbor. This centers the base plate to the arbor then you install the bushing adapter which should now be centered as well.

I am thinking unless I am missing something obvious that the bushings need to be machined a heck of lot shorter to be of any use at all. Anybody with a Bosch and the Bosch bushings that can help me out here I would be in your debt. I will take some pics tomorrow which should be a lot easier to see and understand what I am talking about. I must say that I am not very impressed with the Bosch bushing kit. Very cheap stamped steel and they don't look very sturdy at all. I love the quality of the Bosch tools I have and that is why I bought this Bosch router but the template kit so far is a big disappointment.

Many of the router technique videos talk about the need to cut down the guides significantly. one cut off to ~1/4" with a hacksaw and a homemade guide (a piece of 1/4" acrylic with holes) then belt-sanded, so you might try that.