Customer Reviews

Milescraft 1208 TurnLock Wood Design Router Inlay Pattern Cutting Kit with 2 Templates and 10 Patterns

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First of all this kit has two templates that only have one smooth side which makes it impossible to use double faced tape because if you try to tape the smooth side down you run into snagging problems with the base plate as the base plate has a bunch of holes and slots and recessed areas on one side; The side that rides on the template. That's what you will get with a one size fits all base plate.
The templates are also small and don't lend themselves easily to clamping and if you can get it clamped they are probably going to interfere. I noticed another kit by Milescraft, the Spiro Crafter, comes with a plate that holds the templates. That looks like it has more clamping area although you will end up with another worthless base plate, as you can't buy items separately.
This kit comes with three screws I guess to replace the ones from your router, however, they were the wrong thread and the screws in my router were too short due to the thickness of the Milescraft base plate. The Milescraft instructions tell you to remove your Router plate to install theirs, however by doing so on mine (PC 7529), it renders it useless for mounting back in my router table as the other screw holes don't line up. Milescraft website has a PDF file that tells you what holes line up on what router but they missed the mark on this one.
I have been practicing with this kit for a week now and only achieved one good fit (the first one) out of thirty or so. It's frustrating trying to keep the template from moving as even the slightest movement ruins the fit. The bushings are plastic and just feel cheap and already look worn out. I'm giving up on this kit and looking at others, I can't recommend this item.

The the first time I used it, it worked great, perfect fit. As long as you're steady handed on your router, as with all pattern work. For the price with the templates and carbide bit, beats anything out there. As with all inlay work, hone your skills on a test piece.