Using a trim router and letter template guides, you can make a great sign in almost no time.
Here’s a fun way to burn an hour or so of shop time: rout a sign. It’s easy to do with a set of letter templates and a trim router equipped with a template guide. At first blush, this technique would be improved with a plunge base, and most trim routers don’t have them. But, here’s how to get it done with a fixed base. Use a softwood for your sign stock. Position the bit over the widest part of each letter, and start here. Hold the router base firmly with one edge pressed against the template, and slowly pivot the machine down into the wood. Once the base is resting flat, you’re golden. Rout away!
