Ok...so the goal is to turn THIS into something similar to this. (With a few tweaks.)
The plans are drafted. Measurements checked 500 times. Pieces cut out. (I'm pleased with myself because I managed it on the scroll-saw instead of needing to borrow a table saw!) That seemed like the hard part.
NOW, we're on to the routing of the edges. H is taking that part, but both of us are new to using this tool. He got the edges of the main floor done and it worked beautifully!
Next easy part...the straight lines. We know the bits. Are having a little trouble keeping the depth of the bits, so haven't ventured beyond scrap-wood yet. I did read this article which should help us with the depth of the bit. So we'll probably do something like that with a bit of plywood if H can't fix the router to keep the depth.
The HARD part...if you look in the picture linked at the beginning, there are some curves. Doorways and curvy roofs. And then eventually windows to cut out.
I've thought about making templates to follow like we're doing with the straight edges, but it just doesn't seem like it would be practical.
ANY AND ALL TIPS FOR PRACTICING WITH A HANDHELD ROUTER??? ... esp for free-handing curvy lines!
I'll probably pass the info on to H, but may take a stab at it myself. Luckilly, we've got LOTS of scrap bits to practice on and no deadlines!
Any and all info/advice/tips/warnings would be highly appreciated!! I really want to get my hands on the router myself. I've come to think of this woodworking like sewing but with wood. Pattern drafting is nearly the same! And this is just like the (formerly) scary serger. I CAN do it!!
The plans are drafted. Measurements checked 500 times. Pieces cut out. (I'm pleased with myself because I managed it on the scroll-saw instead of needing to borrow a table saw!) That seemed like the hard part.
NOW, we're on to the routing of the edges. H is taking that part, but both of us are new to using this tool. He got the edges of the main floor done and it worked beautifully!
Next easy part...the straight lines. We know the bits. Are having a little trouble keeping the depth of the bits, so haven't ventured beyond scrap-wood yet. I did read this article which should help us with the depth of the bit. So we'll probably do something like that with a bit of plywood if H can't fix the router to keep the depth.
The HARD part...if you look in the picture linked at the beginning, there are some curves. Doorways and curvy roofs. And then eventually windows to cut out.
I've thought about making templates to follow like we're doing with the straight edges, but it just doesn't seem like it would be practical.
ANY AND ALL TIPS FOR PRACTICING WITH A HANDHELD ROUTER??? ... esp for free-handing curvy lines!
I'll probably pass the info on to H, but may take a stab at it myself. Luckilly, we've got LOTS of scrap bits to practice on and no deadlines!
Any and all info/advice/tips/warnings would be highly appreciated!! I really want to get my hands on the router myself. I've come to think of this woodworking like sewing but with wood. Pattern drafting is nearly the same! And this is just like the (formerly) scary serger. I CAN do it!!
