To span the distance between the rails, mount your router on a large auxiliary base. The drawings above show the plans for building the router base. One important detail to take note of is the pair of stops on the underside of the base. By adjusting the position of the stops to limit the travel of the router, you prevent the bit from damaging the rails.

Benefits: The spoilboard surfacing bit is specifically designed for wood surface flattening tasks. It has a large cutting diameter and multiple carbide inserts, ensuring longer tool life and improved surface finish. Attach the trim router securely to the router sled, ensuring a stable connection without any wobbling. So after a lot of research, some engineering considerations, and budgeting, my final design ended up consisting of the following: The RS/JIG Router Surfacing Jig has High Pressure Laminate running rails and router cradle for wear-free performance, accuracy and durabilityHPL MATERIAL - High Pressure Laminate running rails and router cradle for wear-free performance, accuracy and durability It would help if you also considered the jig’s ability to stand up to heavy use. Irrespective of the frequency of use, the jig will be exposed to fast-moving steel each time it is used. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that the jig is made of highly durable material that will not cave in easily.

Use: This specialized router bit is primarily used for final surfacing, providing a smooth and flat finish on large wood slabs and tabletops. It is ideal for achieving precise and professional results. GUIDE BUSH CONNECTION Links to the cradle with 30mm guide bush for compatibility with multiple brands and router sizes GUIDE BUSH CONNECTION - Links to the cradle with 30mm guide bush for compatibility with multiple brands and router sizesAnother essential factor to put into consideration when buying a leveling jig is your needs. You need to understand what your specific needs are before buying. Leveling jigs are often specialized for a particular cut. And, as you can guess, it allows for hefty wood pieces like live edge slabs to be flattened in place. Most routers come with two router bits that are of different sizes and are interchangeable. Designed to create wood joints, a router bit is useful for shaping the edges of the wood slabs. In addition to that, a router bit is very essential for creating decorative edge patterns. Needs

Your router leveling jig will usually come with a user manual. A user manual is the manufacturer’s instruction that guides users through installation and use. Typical manuals take the form of texts inside booklets or pamphlets. However, some brands take it a step further by offering audiovisual manuals on DVDs. These types of user manuals give a more hands-on explanation. If you want a manual that takes you through every step of the installation process, you should consider jigs that come with DVD manuals. Waste disposal CONTROLLED CUTTING Depth of cut can be easily controlled with the router plunge for fine skimming cuts or deeper levelling cutsWhen buying a router leveling jig, chances are you already have a router table available. Thus, one of the first things to consider is the compatibility of the jig with your router table. The jig should slot into the table’s miter slot seamlessly. Ensure that you compare the size of your miter to the jig before buying. A mismatched combination will negatively affect usability. A slab jig which is compatible with most router bases, is best suitable for making table tops.

When it comes to flattening surfaces with a router sled, there are specific router bits designed for this purpose. These are the two commonly used types: Cutting should only be done in one direction (the one giving the best finish), returning the sled each pass before stepping the cutter across for the next pass Lower the router to the desired depth, taking care to only remove a small amount of wood with each pass. This helps avoid excessive pressure on the router bit and minimizes the risk of burn marks. To maximise the potential of the router, we offer a range of accessories for the professional user and craftsperson. Usually, router leveling jigs are made of steel to ensure they are durable. Occasionally, you will also find jigs made of other materials. The most important thing is to ensure that the jig does not feel too flimsy. Versatility

Credit subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply. Axminster Tool Centre Ltd trading as Axminster Tools is a credit broker and is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Linear rails that were 2000mm (or just over 6 feet). These were hard to buy, and I ended up going with this 2000mm set, and they were straight with decent quality. Worth noting, these rails come in various lengths to let you make a small or large jig. Benefits: The double flute design helps in efficient chip evacuation and provides smoother cuts. It is versatile and suitable for various woodworking applications. In addition to surfacing, it can be used for cutting mortises, dados, and rabbets.