Router Inlay Bushings

[swarfrat]

I think I've got the hang of how the bushings are used, but I'm still unclear on particulars of application.  In particular, i have the HF trim router, and the bushings I looked at didn't fit snug to the base.

The little trim router is fine for cavities or binding, but I'll need a full size router for cutting bodies from templates. But the trim router still seems better suited for inletting stuff.

Are the bushings fixed to the base, or the shaft?
What's the purpose of the non cutting pilot included with some of the units?

Actually, I don't think it would help for creating a template from a negative part (ie a neck pocket hole) - a top bearing trim bit is all thats needed for that. But I saw someone inlay a neckplate in an old thread, and talk about inlaying pickguards and it kinda got the wheels turning.  Trim rings, flatmount bridges.

 

[Cagey]

Bushings are fixed to the base. They're stationary and guide the router, not the bit, so they're generally used for template following.

On a full-size router, you often have to change the base out, but it depends on the router design. With some, that's not necessary.

You most often see them used in conjunction with a fixture to cut dovetails, finger joints, etc.