Best router templates according to redditors

I think a curve template is what you're looking for.

The challenge for buying something for someone that likes woodworking is that you don't know what kind of tools they want/need. Not to mention tools tend to be quite a bit more expensive than the price point you mentioned.

You could consider purchasing them something that will come in handy, if not immediately so. Router bits, saw blades, drill bits, or wood project packs are all something that would see mileage.

Here's a couple ideas from browsing Amazon.

Rosewood Cutting Guage

[Crown Marking Knife] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V9KOTQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1XH9ERR8QY3ND&coliid=ILFECPNG7H6C1)

[Router Radi Guide] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040BNLRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1XH9ERR8QY3ND&coliid=I1EHDP8Y8SGNEO)

[A Flush Trim Bit for Patterns] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225XQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1XH9ERR8QY3ND&coliid=I1TEA98C23FQ2D&psc=1)


Edit: I should point out that not everyone may agree with this list. This is just stuff that, in my experience, is either a Quality of Life type item or something that people have to buy as bits tend to wear out, etc.

Don't use the edge guide, nothing stopping the router from kicking towards the edge guide. Pick up the Bosch template guide adapter (RA-1100) and a cheap set of PC template guides like these. Then make a big wide picture frame with a right angle fence sticking out the back. The fence gets clamped to the table face. [Here's me doing something similar] ( https://imgur.com/gallery/zysGwxF). Sorry I don't have a simple, more relevant set-up, but the concept is the same. My router is sliding in the frame. The short board just underneath is my fence.

If you build more, try making a jig for your router. They are easy to make and with the use of a guide bushing and guide bushing plate (you can get universal or model-specific ones), you can make it look perfect every time.

you need this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1100-Threaded-Template-Adapter/dp/B0009H5INI

and this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1126-Change-Template-Adapter/dp/B005HPUP80/

Milescraft 12190003 CircleGuideKit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744PD3VS?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

That’s the exact one I bought. For each coaster I had to screw the jig into the center. Wasn’t the most efficient way I’m sure but worked for me. I did get annoyed after awhile though haha

here's the saw plate and guide, and here's the router base plate for the guide.

I've got the 1617 set which I'm assuming is what OP has as well and I've been confused by this also. If going the PC style bushings are both of these pieces needed? Is there anything else (aside from the bushings) that is needed?

Bosch RA1126 Quick Change Template Guide Adapter


Bosch RA1100 Threaded Router Template Guide Adapter

http://www.amazon.com/Router-Circle-Template-Peachtree-Woodworking/dp/B003UO676O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420155050&sr=8-1&keywords=router+circle+template

Just get the template bit and bushing. Make your own template out of 1/4 inch plywood.

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-9500-Solid/dp/B0012JI6HM

Might lead you the right way

I use Bosch's quick change adapter and their brand guides. Seemed like a fair price and a nice carry case. http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1125-7-Piece-Router-Template/dp/B000063XTX

Basically, this...https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-42027-Template-Guide/dp/B000056OOY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497148458&sr=8-1&keywords=porter+cable+42027

I am thinking this is used from the start, and I just need the OD of the tip to go from 7/16" to .4". Where are you located?

I recently got this set for following templates and guide pieces with my router: http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-router-template-guide-set-98361.html

I haven't done much with it yet, but I believe that's the idea you're talking about.

There's also inlay router bit sets like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Freud-FT1500-Inlay-Template-Router/dp/B00004T7NA

Which includes the router template guide, and a bit for inlays.

I've never used that set, and haven't done any inlay work yet, so I would obviously advice caution when taking any of my advice. But, this seems to be the tools you're asking about.

This plate looks very similar and is the first result for router table plate on Amazon.

Not really what you're asking but I used this one