Make a base for free hand routing 

Thank you for that and it my pleasure to give you all a shout out! The videos that you and your dad have made paved the way for me to find this find this skill and a whole new career! Thank you

Thanks very much for watching! So many of us got our start watching Dave and Eric ..they are a true inspiration

Thank you for the great comments Susan and yes I will show.the bigger handle once installed!

Bigger is Definetly more useful on large signs! The weight can be a little more but you get used to it very quickly

I was struggling to find small pieces of thicker acrylic for a reasonable price. EBay was just the ticket!

your very welcome!

Thank You!

Thanks Stephen, which one do you use? I was considering getting one

@@JohnathonWhittaker I am in Australia, I use a Ryobi cordless, I have not tried any others.

@@stephenwade8093 i have seen that one to, recently available in the UK. Do you find it top heavy when routing?

@@JohnathonWhittaker Yes but I have switched from a 5 amp battery to a 2 amp and with the guide plate it is good to use, freehand not so good but still usable.

@@stephenwade8093 thanks for.that Stephen. That's what I thought as well

Band saw is just a few months old. It's on one of my tool reviews! Glad the heat us giving you a break. It's probable around 80 degrees here today. Hot as it gets!

Go for it Dean, it's a fun and addictive hobby that can actually generate some income. If you want some tips or inspiration check out facebook at "free-hand routed wooden signs: or "hand routing for newbies"

@@JohnathonWhittaker Thank you, I'll definitely check those out.

Thank you! Thats a good idea, will give it a try

Great! Look forward to seeing some footage! 😀

Thank you bud! Wc UK need to stick together☺

This base plate was 10mm thick, and around 150 x 300mm length and width. I prefer a bigger base, more functional for outset carving. Also the thickness is important for durability and also prevents flexing

@@JohnathonWhittaker lovely, thank you.

This one came this size but it's very easy to cut with a jig or bandsaw

I like to have a larger lip on one side than the other, allows me a little more control when doing fine detail, it's not necessary but i find when I am doing multi level cutting or doing a rising cut, it is smoother with a longer back

I prefer to make them quite thick to reduce and flex if I am doing a large area and don't break when you drop them!😁

Where are you based Sean? I got my acrylic from a UK seller, not expensive at all. I would recommend getting a piece at least 8 - 10 mm thick and i have three base plates of different lengths depending on the size carving I am doing. My three are 10 , 12 and 16 inches (25cm, 30cm and 40 cm) long and 8 inches (20cm) tall. I use the 12x8, mostly because its the most comfortable to me

@@JohnathonWhittaker Hiya Johnathon, I'm in the U.K N.E of England, North Yorkshire. I've made a few bases before myself, but struggle getting larger sizes without it costing a million quid.

@@seanditch4419 this is the ebay seller I bought from, this is A4 size but they have lots of other options www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180865707128

@@seanditch4419 think it cost £11 or so for the one I got. You won't need a polished edge if your going to make a different shape, that saves a bit to

@@JohnathonWhittaker brilliant, thanks i'll go take a look. cheers