Two CNC-machined aluminum templates cover eight corner radii: R10, R15, R20, R25, R30, R35, R40 and R50. They can be used with a handheld router or router table when you need to make matching curves on several corners of a board.
Two CNC-machined aluminum templates cover eight corner radii: R10, R15, R20, R25, R30, R35, R40 and R50. They can be used with a handheld router or router table when you need to make matching curves on several corners of a board.
Instead of tracing an arc and sanding it by hand, the template guides a template-routing bit along the chosen shape. The result depends on correct setup and secure clamping, but the jig can make finishing corners much easier when the work is repeated.
What do R10 to R50 mean?
The letter R stands for the radius of the arc. R10 creates a corner with a 10 mm radius, while R50 creates a larger curve with a 50 mm radius. The other available sizes are R15, R20, R25, R30, R35 and R40.
The template changes the shape of the board’s corner when viewed from above. This is different from a round-over bit, which rounds a sharp edge across the thickness of the material.
The R10–R50 range is practical for shelves, smaller tabletops and cabinets. For a large coffee table or furniture with prominently curved corners, even R50 may be too small.
Two plates, eight radii
The set uses two aluminum plates, each with four different corners. The eight radii therefore take up less space than eight separate templates. A typical smaller plate measures approximately 85 × 85 mm, and the larger one around 130 × 130 mm.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | CNC-machined aluminum |
| Number of templates | 2, each with four radii |
| Radii | R10, R15, R20, R25, R30, R35, R40 and R50 |
| Approximate plate dimensions | 85 × 85 mm and 130 × 130 mm |
| Use | Handheld router or router table with a suitable template-routing bit |
The template’s guide edge is subject to mechanical stress when used with a bearing-guided bit. Aluminum provides a solid guiding surface, but the CNC label alone does not guarantee the accuracy of a particular set. Before use, check that the edges are smooth and the radii are symmetrical.
How the stops and template-routing bit work
Adjustable blocks or stops rest against two sides of the board, helping you position the template consistently relative to the corner. This means you do not have to measure out the position of the curve again for every piece. Both the template and the workpiece must still be firmly secured before routing; the stops alone are not enough.
With a bearing-guided template-routing bit, the bearing runs against the aluminum guide edge while the cutting edge transfers its shape to the wood. Set the height so that the bearing, not the cutting edge, follows the template. Contact between the cutting edge and the aluminum can damage both the template and the bit.
How to round a corner
If you need to remove a lot of material from a square corner, do not remove it all in one router pass. A practical procedure is:
- Choose a radius and position the template using the stops.
- Rough-cut the excess corner with a jigsaw or bandsaw, leaving approximately 1–3 mm for finishing.
- Secure both the workpiece and template firmly, and check the position of the bearing and cutting edge.
- Finish the curve with the router, taking smaller passes as needed.
Pre-cutting reduces the amount of material the router must remove, reducing the load on the tool and the risk of tear-out. Wood can chip as the bit exits the cut, especially when routing against the grain, so it is worth trying the procedure on scrap first.
Follow the standard feed direction specified in the router or table instructions. Do not use climb cutting merely to get a cleaner surface. An incorrect feed direction or an overly heavy cut can cause kickback or loss of control of the workpiece.
Handheld router or router table?
A handheld router is practical for a large piece that is difficult to move. A router table may be more convenient for smaller pieces because you move the material rather than the machine. In both cases, the template must be firmly secured.
At a router table, use the guards and a suitable method of guiding the workpiece as instructed by the manufacturer. Keep your hands away from the bit; do not guide small pieces with your fingers close to the cutter. Use a suitable jig instead. Disconnect the machine from power when adjusting or changing the bit. Eye and hearing protection are also necessary when using a template.
When is the set worthwhile?
The greatest benefit comes with repeated work: the templates help you make the same radius on all four corners of a board or across several furniture components. Corners can differ when traced and sanded by hand; a fixed template makes repeatable results easier to achieve.
For a single project, you can also make a corner by hand. For a woodworker who regularly makes shelves, tabletops or cabinets and already owns a router with a suitable template-routing bit, the set may save time and reduce the amount of sanding needed.