Introduction: Really Easy - DIY - Adjustable Router Template
This is how I made a REALLY EASY!! - DIY - ADJUSTABLE ROUTER TEMPLATE This is a must have tool in and wood shop! This router template is used for routing dados in wood, and routing square or rectangular shapes, it is extremely useful and can be made in an hour with basic tools
Supplies
Materials used in this build (Amazon Affiliate links)
Kregg T-Track https://amzn.to/3GnmrYM
Diablo Hole Saw Kit https://amzn.to/3q5Hhq1
(you only really need the 2 inch hole saw) https://amzn.to/336TYbG
(4) Kregg Self Adhesive Measuring Tape R-L (Metric) https://amzn.to/3t9qdkO
OR
(4) Kregg Self Adhesive Measuring Tape R-L (Imperial) https://amzn.to/3n6ojO8
(4) 2.5 inch Power Tec T-Track bolts https://amzn.to/3JSwWWr
these T-bolts I had and that are listed in the materials for this are slightly too wide for this T-Track to work you will have to file them down a tiny bit. I used a disc sander and it only took a couple seconds but a file will also do the job safely.
(4) 1/4 inch hex nuts and washers
3/4 inch (#6) wood screws for attaching the T-Track
3/4 inch plywood (enough to make at least 4 pieces 3 inches wide by 24 inches long)
Tools used in this build
Table saw or track saw
Drill press
Drill
2 inch hole saw https://amzn.to/336TYbG
Self Centering Drill Bits https://amzn.to/3fgPTUy
1/4 in drill bit
Hand saw
Step 1: Cut Wood
Cut out the 4 pieces of plywood 3 inches wide.
Step 2: Cut Wood Again
Cut the 4 plywood pieces to 24 inches long or however long you want the template to be.
Step 3: Mark and Drill
Mark a line down the centre of all 4 pieces of plywood on only one end and drill a hole at least 2 inches deep in the centre of the line on each piece with the 1/4 inch drill bit. ( it is perfectly reasonable to use a slightly larger drill bit for this step too nothing bad will happen to your project )
Step 4: Mark and Drill Again
On the end of each piece you drilled the hole in mark the centre of the wood at 1 3/4 inches from the end. this is going to be the centre of where you drill with the hole saw.
Then drill the holes using the 2 inch hole saw and a drill press. (only on the one end of each piece that you already drilled the 1/4 inch hole in.)
Drill only half way through the flip the wood and drill the rest from the opposite side this will prevent tare out on the plywood.
Step 5: Cut Plugs
Cut your plugs in half. Take note of where I have the saw blade placed in the photo on one side of the hole.
(you only need 4 halves so pick the best ones)
Step 6: Cut You T-Track
Only if you need to cut your T-Track to your desired length Kregg T track comes in several pre cut lengths so you can buy the correct length and skip this step.
*Aluminum is soft and will not destroy your saw blade just make sure you are wearing eye protection
Also these T-bolts I had and that are listed in the materials for this are slightly too wide for this T-Track to work you will have to file them down a tiny bit. I used a disc sander and it only took a couple seconds but a file will also do the job safely.
Step 7: Assemble Bolt Section
Assemble the T-bolt sections as per the photo
Step 8: Mount T-Track
Mount the T-Track on the edge of one side of each piece of the plywood.
Use the self entering drill bit to pre drill the holes this will help the wood to not split when you drive in the screws!
Step 9: Assemble!
Put your Template together!
Step 10: Stick on Rulers
Stick on your 4 Sticky tape rulers. They are metal but you can snap them easily by folding them over a straight edge. I tried to show myself doing this step in the photos but it makes a lot more sense if you see it in the video I have embedded at the top of this instructable.
Step 11: Used Your Template!
Thanks for reading my instructable,
if you want to see more from me here is my web site
Here is my YouTube Channel
and don't forget to follow me here on Instructables!

Participated in the
One Board Contest
24 Comments
1 year ago
Definitely making one of these. Very clever.
Thanks!
Reply 1 year ago
Awesome Thank you!
1 year ago
I have seen a few of these adjustable router templates, but this is by far the most elegant design and the one I am going to try
Reply 1 year ago
Awesome! Thank you!
1 year ago
This is simple and brilliant! I don't use a plunge or trim router often, but when I do, I always find I have to make another jig. If I made a jig for every project, they'd take over my shop!! Any suggestions for an adjustable round template?
Reply 1 year ago
Thanks! No round template Ideas but if I come up with one I will post it here!
1 year ago
Nicely done.
I've done something similar to cut openings for patches in the wood flooring in our kitchen. I simply sent the patch on the floor, then tacked each leg of the guide in place about it and routed out the top ply of the two-ply flooring, removed the guide strips, rounded the corner of the patch and glued it in place. Worked like a charm!
Your idea offers easy adjustments and does not depend upon - though might easily use a pattern piece (as when cutting a grove for a shelf to the exact thickness of the shelf).
I wonder if one might accomplish something similar . . . ah, you've set me to thinking again. Another addition to my "when I get a roundtuit" list - Drats!
Reply 1 year ago
This is the thing hey, all these ideas get you thinking, there is always a different way to tackle any problem
1 year ago on Introduction
Great project and very simple design. Just ordered all of my supplies so I'll share the results when I've completed my template. Thank you for sharing!
Reply 1 year ago
Cool!
Question 1 year ago on Introduction
Just wondering if you considered using right-to-left tape measures across from the "normal" left-to-right so all of the tapes read the same from one side to the other. Maybe I'm over thinking it as I am prone to do😊
Answer 1 year ago
You could do either.
1 year ago
Great job and design, I’m going to give it a try myself. Thanks for sha
Reply 1 year ago
Awesome Thanks!
1 year ago on Step 11
Think this is the best designed router template I’ve ever seen! I will be making one. The only suggestion for improvement I can see would be to cut the bolt tails down a bit so you can easily slide a ratcheting combo wrench over the end to quickly loosen and tighten the nuts. Great work, and great tutorial!
Reply 1 year ago
Thanks and you are totally right it would be better with the bolts cut down slightly
1 year ago
This is one of those things where I look at it and say "why on earth didn't I think of that?". A long time ago I made what I thought was going to be a super-useful router template thing that I don't think I have used more than 2 or 3 times. I am going to go into the garage and cut it up and make one of these. I'm sure I have everything I need. Thanks for sharing.
Reply 1 year ago
Awesome!
1 year ago
now this is cool...easy to make....and yessssss.....definitely useful. cant wait to make mine. thanx for posting
Reply 1 year ago
Awesome! Tag me when you do!