I picked this up last week (Klingspor has them in stock, for one) and made a few signs.
I read a few negative reviews on the lower priced unit and went for the Pro model. Only $15 more anyway. The kit has everything, including 2 low profile C-clamps that allow the router base to pass right over them. Both sized bits and a Milescraft base and template guide are included. In fact, if you have a plunge router, you're ready to make some signs, if you're OK with only 1 font. A workaround for the single font is to use a router pantagraph for the first character like I did here. I have a 30+ year old pantagraph (see turtle) that I used to make the large characters.
In use, it takes longer to find and place the letters/numbers in the holder than it does to rout them out. The character templates are sized to provide proper spacing simply by putting them into the carrier. Clamp the holder to the workpiece (must be as long as the holder-2 lenghts included), set the template guide into the character, switch on, plunge the router (directions give the depth) and push around inside the template. Couldn't be simpler. Cut the piece to length. Spray paint the routed out letters, let dry, then one or two passes through your planner and you're good to go. You can also route a profile on the edge before spray painting for a fancier sign.
MSRP is $59.95, but don't forget your 10% discount at Klingspor. And since you'll be there Sept 11 anyway; take a look.
It's addictive and you'll really use up some cut-offs in a hurry:3dblob3:!
I read a few negative reviews on the lower priced unit and went for the Pro model. Only $15 more anyway. The kit has everything, including 2 low profile C-clamps that allow the router base to pass right over them. Both sized bits and a Milescraft base and template guide are included. In fact, if you have a plunge router, you're ready to make some signs, if you're OK with only 1 font. A workaround for the single font is to use a router pantagraph for the first character like I did here. I have a 30+ year old pantagraph (see turtle) that I used to make the large characters.
In use, it takes longer to find and place the letters/numbers in the holder than it does to rout them out. The character templates are sized to provide proper spacing simply by putting them into the carrier. Clamp the holder to the workpiece (must be as long as the holder-2 lenghts included), set the template guide into the character, switch on, plunge the router (directions give the depth) and push around inside the template. Couldn't be simpler. Cut the piece to length. Spray paint the routed out letters, let dry, then one or two passes through your planner and you're good to go. You can also route a profile on the edge before spray painting for a fancier sign.
MSRP is $59.95, but don't forget your 10% discount at Klingspor. And since you'll be there Sept 11 anyway; take a look.
It's addictive and you'll really use up some cut-offs in a hurry:3dblob3:!
