Making Miniature Bases

[Skullcrafts]

My dilema: I have never used a router before and I need to make use of one to create hundreds of miniature wood bases (kind of like what you see on small trophy displays).

My equipment: I have been using Dremel tools for nearly as long as I've been crafting. I trust the name and use the tools on a regular basis. Thus, seeing the need for a router, I've bought the routing attatchment for my dremel.

Dremel variable speed rotary tool
Dremel router attachment

My materials: I will be using oak wood to make these miniature bases. I have strips of oak as follows:

¼" thick x 24" long x 1½" wide
¼" thick x 24" long x 2½" wide
¼" thick x 24" long x 5½" wide

½" thick x 24" long x 1½" wide
½" thick x 24" long x 2½" wide
½" thick x 24" long x 5½" wide

¾" thick x 24" long x 1½" wide
¾" thick x 24" long x 2½" wide
¾" thick x 24" long x 5½" wide

Here are my questions so far...

#1. How to use the Dremel router.
What do I need to set it up?
Do I need to have it mounted to a table?
Are there bits available (for the Dremel) to make this a one-step process?

#2. What to use.
Do I need a template to make the bases?
How do I make a template?
Can I purchase pre-made templates or have one custom built for me?

#3. Dumbing it down.
Can I use large dowels to make these bases from? and I mean if I bought a 2" round dowel and cut it on it's side and then routered the edges, would that be doable?
Are there any practical ways to make these items at a faster rate?


Any and all help is very much appreciated. Thank you.

[Skullcrafts]

http://www.michtoy.com/MTSCnewSite/s...rea_bases.html

[Wargamer]

You could probably get Ken at Litko to bang them out fairly inexpensively:

http://litkoaero.com/

He'll do custom wood jobs.

[JavaDog]

Might have missed it, but are you looking to do rectangular ones or the round ones?

If round, I would suggest a lathe...and there is even an inexpensive option that might do the trick for you. I saw a post on Tool Monger about this little guy, for not-high-volume work, looks like it could be a cool intro to a real lathe tool. Should be able to make your round stands on it as well...just a thought...

[cacrawfo]

Hello,
Not to pee in your Wheeties, but a Dremel might not really have enough balls to do any serious routing. For what you are doing, I think the best thing to do would be to cut blanks with a table saw, then mount the router upside-down in a router table and finish the edges with whatever style bit you want. They make many different form styles, and I think it is reasonable to say that you could do each edgae in one pass. A Router table makes it easy to slide the work safley past the bit, and you can do rounds as well.
If you want to make round bases, you could use your flat stock and a hole saw in a drill press. If you clamp the wood solidly to the base, you can remove the pilot bit from the hole saw. If you do not mind a hole in the center, you can leave it in.
In short, I would suggest getting a $100 router with some power, a cheap plastic Harry homeowner router table, and the router bits you like.