Circle Inlay Template

The Woodpecker Circle Template has (12) twelve different expertly machined hole sizes in a 1/4" thick solid phenolic sheet. This type of template is most often used for routing out holes too large for drill bits that need to have a flat bottom and smooth walls. In addition, each corner is machined to a different radius making for a perfect pattern to round corners. (See side bar for hole diameters and corner radiuses.)

This tool works particularly well for installing weather gauges in desk and mantel pieces.

Woodpecker Circle Templates are machined from ¼” thick industrial grade phenolic. Unlike acrylic and other plastics, phenolic is not prone to distortion during hot or cold weather, won't wear even after hundreds of uses and is virtually indestructible. The template is approximately 16” x 16”.

A well made template is the foundation to good results. Templates need to be accurately machined, dense enough to not dimple from the side pressure of the routing process, durable enough to last and large enough for sufficient surface area to stabilize a handheld router.

There are a few ways to attach templates to a work piece; double sided tape, small nails and clamps. Tape is the preferred method. Commonly available double sided tape like carpet tape will work, but tends to leave behind adhesive that is difficult to clean off.

Special template tape has excellent temporary grabbing power, releases easy enough to avoid cracking thin inlays and doesn't leave behind sticky residue. However it is expensive. After the sticker shock, keep in mind a roll will go a long way. You won't need more than 6” to 12” for each job.

As a side note, if the inlays are thin, warm the tape with a blow dryer before removing. This makes it dramatically easier to remove from the work piece without splitting.

If you're planning on using nails, use small ones. You will need to drill small holes through the template. These holes shouldn't be much bigger than the nail and should be chamfered to put the head below the surface.

Unless you're planning to inlay circles, you won't need the inlay router bit kit for this template. Instead you'll need template type router bits. These bits have bearings on the shank which will accurately follow the template openings.

Whiteside brand bits are available on page http://www.woodpeck.com/whitesidetemplatebits.html . When selecting a router bit, pay close attention to the cut length to make sure it's of sufficient length to reach the depth of the hole. The ball bearing of the template bit must always ride against the template. You won't have much adjustability to change the length. You can however put spacers between the template and the work piece if your router bit is too long. Never run a plain shank against the template.