Confession!

[Jaco]

I am making a knock down bookcase for the youngest heir. Simple construction, fits together with pegs, no screws etc. Needed grooves for the shelves. Made a jig and then routed it out with a top bearing pattern bit. This is the first time in 6 years that I have done freehand plunge routing! (always use the table) what a great machine! Will now bury my head in shame.

 

[Chris Knight]

Jaco,

There is a first time for everything and everyone - no cause for embarassment!

Pattern or template routing is a small extension of what you were doing and you have quite possibly done it on the table already. I find it handy for example in making through mortices in the uprights of a bookshelf if I want tenons on fixed shelves to show.

 

[Dewy]

I wouldn't consider using a jig as freehand routing. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Chris. it sounds same design as yours, with the thru mortices. this then just gets pegs in to hold them in. need to do pegs this weekend so that i can get it out the way.
Jaco
(Dewey, to me anything in my hands becomes freehand and quite dangerous!)