Thread: GMC R1200 template guides

Originally Posted by old_picker

I just bought a cheapie GMC 1/2"router and am now trying to buy the bits to the job i bought it for.

I need to cut 50mm hardwood to a 6mm plywood pattern mounted on top of the job. The machine was supplied with a 22mm template guide which to me is the ideal way to follow the pattern as I would not have to cut the full depth of material in 1 pass. Ideally i would like to use a 12.7"mm x 50mm bit as a 22mmx50mm router bit seems to me to be pretty chunky, thats if you can even get them that size. GMC don't make extra template guides.

The template guide recess is 70mm and is has two small screws to hold the guide in place.

Does any body know of template guides that will fit a GMC R1200? Any body got a differnt approach that might work?
thanks

Why would you want to use a 22mm Cutter? it certainly will not fit into your 22mm template guide
Tom

I bought a Turnlock Base and guides from Lee Valley for my GMC router. The plastic guides just seemed to be somehow appropriate!

Cost was $24.00 US (about $30.00 AUD), the best price I've seen this combination for in Aus is about $59.00.

Postage costs for both are similar; you decide which is the better value! :confused: Maybe shipping from China is 1000 times more expensive to get stuff here than to North America?

Cheers,

P

OK I am on the wrong tram here. The inside diamater of the guide is 19.7mm or thereabouts. I need a cutter of say 19mm to use that guide or even smaller. That is going to mean that the job will be 3mm larger that than the pattern which is not good.

I have looked at the carbiteck list and the longest inverted flush trim bit is 38mm deep - 12mm too short. They do list a half inch 19mm x51mm deep straight bit but no 19mm bearing for half inch bit is listed.

The job is to cut a guitar body using a template drawn from an existing body. I know there are lots doing this job out there using plunge routers and probably some who frequent this forum.

What do they use to cut guitar bodies with? The interior routes are no problem as inverted flush trim bits will do it and are available in the right lengths. I am greatly frustrated by my lack of basic knowledge and thank anyone in advance who can share some of theirs.

You dont need a bit with a bearing when you use a template guide.
Use the GMC guide with a template made to suit the guide and a normal straight bit.

If you want to use a bearing on a bit (without the guide) use a bearing with a 1/2" id and lock it into place on the bit shaft with loctite. Let it cure for 24 hours before using it.

Old picker,
you could use a inverted bearing flush trimmng bit to trim as deep as it will go, then flip the guitar body over and use a nrmal flush trimmer with the bearing riding on the previously flush cut surface. Commercially it was probably done with a large overhead router, but nowadays it would be done with a cnc router.

Mick

Yeah that would work. I can't find a bit that has a depth of 50mm with an inverted guide bearing. The internal routs are no problem as there are a good range of bits available in the sizes I need.

Thanks