Don't waste your $$$$$$ on a CNC machine or How to use a router bushing.

[@kevincriswell7533]

Great video Ron of something so simple, but so misunderstood by a lot of woodworkers. I typically use my pin nailer as the temporary pattern pieces (Scrap pieces of MDF) get discarded anyway. Pin, pin, pin, rout, rout,rout, and throw away pattern!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Right on

[@garybarchas4984]

Thank you for this information. I've been a builder remodeler for 40+ tears but other than trim, subcontracted the cabinet work. I'm finally settling up a shop to do woodworking at 67 years old to do what I want instead of what's necessary. I don't own a bushing set but now that you've explained them, I'll be looking to get some. Thanks! This video reminds me of the ones from years ago with great hands on info.

[@johnknowles2204]

Greetings from the other side of the USA in LA - Lower Alabama that is. Long time viewer first time comment. I like your in depth instruction on this segment. Simplicity is the key to understanding for a 79 year young novice wood worker. Thanks, keep it up and I will keep watching.

[@bigbawls81]

Ron, you do an outstanding job of teaching. I still cannot believe you don't have at least a million subscribers. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Thank you. I love your handle 😎

[@Sisu2280]

I hope this doesn't come across wrong. But I bought your plans for the smart bench a week or so back; you'd likely not need to do these vids as often (at least the second you've done on this) if you simply stated on your plans that you use the 5/8 bushing, 1/2 up cut spiral bit, and just had an info sheet at the end that explained the (quite obvious) pattern cut over sizing you explain here - 1/16th in etc. People new to your channel, plans, need to gather a lot of extra info before they can crack on with your plans. Finally, thanks for supplying the plans and providing it in metric - being from Australia, I find the imperial system really ineffective.

[@evadkin]

Now that was a great tutorial on router bushings and patterns, thanks for taking the time to make this video, Ron.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianemunroe]

Thank you for going over the benefits of the bushing vs the pattern bits! From other videos, I knew you preferred the bushing, but was sure why - the reason definitely makes sense though.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

You bet!

[@brentbutikofer9055]

Best video I've seen yet explaining these issues. Most excellent!!

[@argus1393]

OK why the hate??? THIS ADVISE IS OBVIOUSLY NOT FOR A PRODUCTION SITUATION. As a home woodworker this is perfect for me. I have a lot of time and I don't need an expensive piece of equipment. BTW what did we do before these machines were available.

[@danielelse3914]

Thanks for taking the time to give a thorough, thoughtful tutorial on bushings, pattern bits, carbide vs HSS, and rapid prototyping.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanhirschey]

Appreciate your instructional style. One of the best descriptions of how guide bushings work.

[@jaimeskiebel]

Thanks, Ron. That was very comprehensive, yet simple explanation of something that was a bit of a mystery to me. Very helpful!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad to hear it!

[@jerishull1860]

So helpful!!!

[@akbychoice]

I use bearing bits in my table, rarely in my handheld. Hand held I usually use bushings.

[@jonwooddell3966]

Any chance you might be able to provide a link to a decent set of 1/4" and 1/2" bushing? I hate spending good money on stuff which turns out to be garbage. Off topic, what brand is your shop apron? Thanks.

[@klausengelhardt3974]

Thanks Ron some very good points you made about pattern bits thanks for your insight

[@keving8682]

This was a great video outlining the pros and cons of bushings vs pattern bits and when to use which. Thanks for taking the extra time to clarify and include practical examples.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Very welcome!

[@beauw5630]

Nice! Do you have suggestions on how to make a temporary pattern that can make a curved (or multiple curves) pattern?

[@mrkrause3]

Love it! Thanks for your time Ron !

[@RollinLeonard]

I got my bushing set because of your previous video which I did a bit of cutting with for a simple job for a client. I have a small CNC machine and have used really huge fancy CNC machines at an old job. The time it takes to design, setup, and cut on CNC is way way slower than this simple method you've demonstrated even when the CNC costs over a quarter of a million dollars. The end result is no different and in the case of my cheap little CNC the bushing method is cleaner as well as several times faster.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad I could help

[@richarddyer8765]

That has to be the best explanation i have ever seen for describing how to use a router bushing!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomshere]

***That was a great video for using the bushings and the pattern making!*** I have not seen that before. I'll bet you have saved people a ton of money by using the bushings. Thanks for all your great videos and solid advice.

[@spokeman]

Wow terrific video Ron I really appreciate it. And how timely I've been thinking about getting a CNC and I don't even know my way around a router as much as you have shown me not to mention I have four of them. So I appreciate it. I need to buy some up spiral bits like you said and make some templates thanks so much.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad to help

[@JaySellers]

Thanks for the pattern routing master class

[@mgoblueguy]

I’ve been having trouble with alignment on my plunge base guys. I burned through one bushing completely before I caught it and totally screwed my pattern up. I realize that my lowly Metabo isn’t as nice as some routers, but can I get a better plunge base that is compatible with the Metabo body?

[@clarksellars8903]

Great explaining. Thank you

[@tfbuild.oregon]

Hi Ron, I have always used pattern bits because that's how the guy who taught me router work did it most of the time. One thing I don't think you mentioned was to check the depth of the bushings. I recently bought a set of Porter Cable bushings and the 5/8" one is 9/16" long, so I"ll have to use plywood that is 5/8" or 3/4" for my template stock. I also looked up the Milescraft link in your store and their 5/8" bushing is also 9/16" long, so 1/2" plywood won't work for a template.

[@tfbuild.oregon]

Unless of course you cut them down. Your bushings must be shorter.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Anthony, I cut down any bushing that is tool long for ½" ply. I cut with a grinder and then grind it smooth. It only takes a few minutes.😎

[@tfbuild.oregon]

Ha ha! Ok, I figured. I like the idea of using 1/2” templates. Thanks Ron!

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Ron I am a huge fan of your channel. My first profitable woodworking business was based off your smart woodshop model. I value your opinion heavily. But I have a big problem with what you just said... Primarily in your title... Your statement is near sighted. You are saying in your title that a CNC is a waste of money to your viewer. Then you say in the video that you are speaking for yourself, not for anyone else's shop. Thats just dishonest. I am a KZbinr as well. I know the struggle for a catchy title that gets people to watch the video. But dude... Come on lol. The benefit of a CNC router is that while it's cutting out all your parts, you can be doing other stuff. The benefit of auto cutting of repeat parts is huge when you can also do things like perfect stopped dados and line boring all done in one step. Don't lead newer woodworkers astray by making a concrete statement like that, man. A CNC is not a waste of cash in all scenarios... YES, most people who buy a CNC don't need it and it's not wise. There's a huge problem with wood working culture right now saying you need expensive equipment to do quality and efficient work. It's not true at all. Anyways... You just gotta be more careful than that in your wording, man. We just don't wanna lead newer woodworkers astray who trust you.

[@svetlanagladkih4777]

thanks

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Working on a "home improvement" vs doing what a cabinet shop does... CNC's are now going to the next level, and if the private contractor does get inline with them, the ones that do are going to outpace you - and those that are just making simple cabinets for their client, are going to be out done for amazingly precise, exquisite work that is customary made by private contractors that work with these shops. Word to the wise, find out how they can work FOR you, don't isolate yourself from them! They can elevate your business, and make things easier on you at the same time!!! Great video, loads of good info for the home woodworker!

[@craigwhitney9757]

Hi Ron, I am working on my SMART build and having issues with blow out (edge splintering) on my drawer box side slots and cubby divider slots. I used solid carbide up cut spiral bits. Any suggestions?

[@martylts]

Up cut is one Possible issue. Try making your first pass really shallow like 1/16 deep. The plywood you bought or the router bit itself can be an issue. I only buy whiteside router bits because they are so much better and last longerThen anything else I've used. Down cut would help stop the tear out, but the groove can clog up with wood chips. No matter what take several shallow passes. That should help no matter what plywood or router bit you use.

[@craigwhitney9757]

@@martylts Thanks for the tips, should have mentioned I already tried a shallow first pass. Bits were from MLCS and while true they probably don't stack up against whiteside they were new and the splintering was as bad on the first cut as the last. I will give a down cut spiral a try as well as a standard 2 flute straight cutter. I went with the up cut since that is what Ron swears by.

[@mvboynton]

You can't clamp that, as the router would hit the clamp. Only option would be double stick tape or Pin....what other options do you have to attach that other then screws?

[@mChrest05]

You could attach the pattern to the stock with a vacuum line and some weather stripping if you have a vacuum pump.

[@jh7000]

Hey Ron - what brand of toggle clamps are you using to hold down your pattern while routing? I checked your "store" but didn't see them there.

[@ericsimpson4045]

Great info thanks!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

You bet!

[@johnmeyer7752]

Wish I had viewed this video before making and using my first pattern.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

You can do it!

[@jeffs2287]

Thank you.

[@Makoonga]

Do your bangs ever poke your eyes?

[@samhenderson2947]

Ooh handy

[@dennystyles4324]

Thank you for the demonstration. Great info.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

My pleasure!

[@mikeneron]

Hey Ron. Great video! I have the same Festool router. Do you have any recommendations as to the bushing kit you bought? Just want to make sure the one I get will work with the Festool router.

[@jh7000]

If you have the Festool OF-1400, you need this part to use 3rd party guide bushings: Festool 493566 Guide Bushing Adapter

[@mikeneron]

@@jh7000 Thanks Jeff! Looks like I already have that adapter as I had bought the OF 1400 EQ kit years ago so should be set. Have never used it with one of these bushing adapters apparently :)

[@brianrezarch7477]

too bad already bought a cnc to do cutout and worth every penny , way faster than you can ever do by hand thats if you were a real cabinet maker and not some washed up youtuber

[@chrisgriffith1573]

This is some of my point exactly. Assembly is the new chore, not cutting.

[@brianrezarch7477]

@@chrisgriffith1573 guess what cuts out his Ron Paulk workbench that he sells online and ill give you one guess its not a router and guide template.

[@jimh472]

Guess you couldn't be bothered to watch even 2:38 into the video. I'd bet real money this youtuber makes way more than a sh!tposter like you ever dreams of.

[@ltandrepants]

momma didn’t teach you anything? don’t be mean!