Bora Router Guide: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated 12/17/2025)

Bora’s router guide, especially the WTX model, excels at creating precise dados, rabbets, and mortises with handheld routers when paired with clamp edges․

What is a Bora Router Guide?

The Bora Router Guide is a versatile tool designed to transform a standard handheld router into a precision instrument for creating consistently straight and accurate cuts․ Primarily used with the Bora WTX or NGX Clamp Edge systems, it guarantees exceptional results for common woodworking operations․

Unlike freehand routing, the guide ensures straight lines for dados, rabbets, and mortises․ It’s a significant upgrade for woodworkers seeking professional-quality joinery without investing in expensive stationary router table setups․ The guide’s adaptability allows compatibility with numerous router bit sizes and router models, making it a valuable addition to any workshop․ It streamlines the process, reducing errors and improving overall project accuracy․

Key Features and Benefits

Bora Router Guides boast several key features enhancing woodworking precision․ Its compatibility with WTX and NGX Clamp Edges provides a stable, straight-line routing platform․ Adjustability for various bit sizes is crucial, ensuring versatility across projects․ The guide’s primary benefit is achieving consistently accurate dados, rabbets, and mortises, eliminating the inconsistencies of freehand routing․

Furthermore, it simplifies setup, reducing time and effort․ Users report improved cut quality and reduced material waste․ The system’s design minimizes wandering and delivers clean, professional results․ It’s a cost-effective alternative to larger, stationary router table systems, offering portability and convenience without sacrificing accuracy․

Bora WTX Router Guide vs․ NGX Guide

The Bora WTX Router Guide is recognized as the more versatile option, particularly for a wider range of router cuts like dados, rabbets, and mortises․ It’s designed for use with the WTX Clamp Edge, offering robust stability․ The NGX Guide, while effective, is often considered a more streamlined system, best suited for simpler, straight-line cuts․

Essentially, the WTX provides greater adjustability and support for complex operations, while the NGX prioritizes ease of use and portability․ Choosing between them depends on the complexity of your projects and desired level of precision․ Both integrate seamlessly with Bora’s clamp edge systems, ensuring accurate results․

Applications: Common Router Cuts

The Bora Router Guide dramatically simplifies achieving clean, accurate cuts with a handheld router․ Its primary applications center around creating essential joinery elements․ Dados, crucial for shelf supports and panel construction, become remarkably straightforward to execute with consistent depth and width․ Similarly, rabbets, used for joining edges and creating recessed areas, are easily produced with precise alignment․

Beyond these, the guide facilitates accurate mortises, foundational for strong, interlocking joints․ It excels at straight-line cuts, ensuring professional-looking results for various woodworking projects․ The system’s adaptability makes it suitable for both beginner and experienced woodworkers seeking enhanced control and precision․

Dados and Rabbets

Creating dados with the Bora Router Guide is significantly streamlined; the guide ensures consistent width and depth throughout the cut, eliminating the challenges of freehand routing․ Precise shelf placement and panel grooves are easily achieved․ For rabbets, the guide maintains perfect edge alignment, vital for strong and visually appealing joints․

The system’s design allows for effortless width adjustments, accommodating various material thicknesses and project requirements․ Multiple passes can be employed for deeper cuts, maintaining accuracy with each iteration․ The WTX Clamp Edge further enhances stability, preventing wandering and ensuring a clean, professional finish for both dados and rabbets․

Mortises

Achieving accurate mortises with a handheld router, traditionally a challenging task, becomes remarkably manageable using the Bora Router Guide․ The guide’s rigidity and alignment capabilities provide the necessary control for clean, square-sided mortise pockets․ This is particularly useful when combined with a plunge router and a suitable mortising bit․

While the guide doesn’t replace a dedicated mortising machine, it offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for smaller projects or occasional mortise work․ Consistent depth control is maintained throughout the cutting process, ensuring tight-fitting joints․ Careful setup and multiple passes are recommended for optimal results, maximizing precision and minimizing tear-out․

Compatibility: Router Bits and Models

The Bora Router Guide demonstrates impressive compatibility, functioning effectively with nearly any router make and model – both fixed-base and plunge routers are suitable․ However, bit selection is crucial; straight bits are primarily used for dados, rabbets, and mortises․ Spiral bits can also be employed, offering smoother cuts but potentially requiring adjusted feed rates․

Bit shank size is generally not a limitation, as the guide accommodates standard 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch shanks․ Ensuring the bit is sharp and balanced is vital for consistent results․ The guide’s adjustability allows for precise alignment with various bit diameters, maximizing its versatility across a wide range of routing applications․

Setting Up the Bora Router Guide

Initial setup of the Bora Router Guide involves securely attaching it to either the WTX or NGX Clamp Edge․ Ensure the clamp edge is firmly fixed to your workpiece for stability․ Next, carefully adjust the guide to accommodate your chosen router bit’s diameter; this is a critical step for accuracy․

Proper alignment is key – the guide should run parallel to the desired cut line․ Double-check all adjustments before powering on the router․ Familiarize yourself with the guide’s locking mechanisms to prevent unwanted movement during operation․ A test cut on scrap wood is always recommended to verify settings․

Attaching to Clamp Edges (WTX/NGX)

Securing the Bora Router Guide to WTX or NGX Clamp Edges is straightforward․ The guide slides onto the clamp edge, utilizing a robust locking mechanism to ensure a firm, stable connection․ Verify the clamp edge is properly positioned on your workpiece before attaching the guide․

Tighten the locking knobs firmly, but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the components․ The WTX system offers greater versatility, while the NGX provides a streamlined setup․ Proper attachment is paramount for achieving straight, accurate cuts․ Regularly inspect the connection for any looseness during use․

Adjusting for Bit Size

Precise bit size adjustment is crucial for accurate cuts with the Bora Router Guide․ The guide features a simple adjustment mechanism, allowing you to compensate for the diameter of your router bit․ Loosen the adjustment knob and slide the guide’s collar to match the bit’s size․

Ensure the collar is snug against the bit, but doesn’t impede its rotation․ Accurate adjustment prevents binding and ensures the cut is the desired width․ Double-check your measurement before making any cuts․ This feature accommodates almost any router bit and model, enhancing versatility․

Using the Bora Router Guide for Dados

Creating straight, accurate dados becomes remarkably easy with the Bora Router Guide․ Attach the guide to a WTX or NGX Clamp Edge for stability․ Set the guide’s width to match your desired dado width, carefully adjusting for the router bit size․

Employ multiple passes, gradually increasing the depth of cut with each pass, especially for wider dados․ This prevents strain on the router and ensures a cleaner cut․ Maintain consistent pressure and a steady feed rate for optimal results․ The guide guarantees a clean, professional-looking dado every time․

Depth of Cut Adjustment

Achieving the correct depth of cut is crucial when using the Bora Router Guide․ For dados and rabbets, avoid attempting to remove too much material in a single pass․ Instead, utilize a multi-pass technique, incrementally increasing the router bit’s depth with each subsequent run․

This approach minimizes stress on both the router and the guide, resulting in cleaner, more accurate cuts․ Regularly check the depth with a ruler or depth gauge to ensure consistency․ Precise depth control is a key benefit of the Bora system, leading to professional-quality joinery․

Multiple Pass Techniques

Employing multiple passes is fundamental to successful routing with the Bora Router Guide․ Taking shallow cuts—approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch per pass—reduces strain on the router motor and minimizes tear-out, especially in hardwoods․ This method also enhances cut accuracy and control․

After each pass, slightly adjust the guide’s depth setting to incrementally deepen the cut․ This gradual approach ensures a clean, consistent result․ Remember to maintain a firm grip on the router and move it smoothly along the guide for optimal performance․ This technique is vital for larger dados and rabbets․

Using the Bora Router Guide for Rabbets

Creating rabbets with the Bora Router Guide demands precise edge alignment․ Securely attach the WTX or NGX Clamp Edge to your workpiece, ensuring it’s perfectly flush with the desired edge․ Adjust the guide to match your router bit’s diameter and the intended rabbet width․

Consistent width control is achieved by maintaining a steady feed rate and keeping the router base firmly against the guide․ Multiple passes, as previously discussed, are recommended for wider rabbets․ Regularly check the rabbet’s width to confirm accuracy throughout the cut․ This ensures a professional, clean result․

Edge Alignment

Achieving accurate cuts with the Bora Router Guide hinges on impeccable edge alignment․ The WTX or NGX Clamp Edge must be perfectly flush with the workpiece’s edge before routing․ Any misalignment will translate directly into an inaccurate cut, compromising the final project․

Double-check the clamp’s position using a square to guarantee a 90-degree angle․ For longer pieces, utilize multiple clamps to maintain consistent alignment along the entire length․ Precise alignment is particularly crucial when creating dados or rabbets, where consistent depth and width are paramount for a professional finish․

Consistent Width Control

The Bora Router Guide excels at delivering consistent cut widths, a critical factor for joinery and decorative elements․ By securely attaching to the WTX or NGX Clamp Edge, the guide minimizes deviations during routing, ensuring uniform results across the workpiece․

Adjusting for bit size is key to achieving the desired width․ The guide’s design allows for precise adjustments, compensating for varying bit diameters․ Multiple passes can further refine the cut, gradually approaching the final width with enhanced accuracy․ This control is invaluable for creating tight-fitting dados and rabbets, essential for strong and visually appealing projects․

Bora Router Guide and the Centipede Worktable

The Bora Router Guide seamlessly integrates with the Centipede Worktable, creating a highly stable and versatile routing setup․ The Centipede’s adjustable legs provide a level work surface, crucial for accurate cuts, while its open design accommodates various workpiece sizes․

Combining the guide with the Centipede allows woodworkers to build a router MFT (Multi-Function Table) or MPT (Mobile Planning Table) system․ This setup enhances precision and efficiency, particularly for repetitive cuts․ The Centipede’s portability further expands workshop flexibility, enabling routing operations in different locations as needed․

Building a Router MFT/MPT

Creating a router MFT/MPT with the Bora system, particularly utilizing the Centipede Worktable, unlocks exceptional precision and workflow improvements․ This involves securely mounting the Bora WTX or NGX Clamp Edge to the Centipede’s surface, establishing a consistent reference point for the router․

The resulting setup mimics the functionality of expensive, stationary router tables, but with increased portability․ Woodworkers can customize the MFT/MPT with accessories like dust collection ports and stop blocks, further enhancing its capabilities․ This DIY approach offers a cost-effective solution for achieving professional-grade routing results․

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Guide wandering is a frequent concern; ensure the clamp edge is firmly secured to your workpiece and the Bora guide is tightly attached to it․ Inspect the guide’s surface for debris that could cause deviations․ Inconsistent cuts often stem from improper bit depth adjustment or insufficient router speed;

Verify the bit is correctly sized within the guide’s parameters․ Multiple passes, taking shallow cuts, are recommended to prevent tear-out and maintain accuracy․ If issues persist, double-check the Centipede Worktable’s levelness and the router’s baseplate alignment for optimal performance․

Guide Wandering

Guide wandering, a common frustration, typically arises from insufficient clamping force or an unstable work surface․ Ensure the Bora WTX or NGX Clamp Edge is securely fastened to your workpiece, eliminating any movement during routing․ Inspect the guide itself for accumulated sawdust or debris that might interfere with smooth travel․

Confirm the router base is firmly seated against the guide, maintaining consistent contact throughout the cut․ A slightly loose connection can cause deviations․ Also, verify the work surface is level and stable; even minor imperfections can contribute to wandering․ Tighten all connections before each pass․

Inconsistent Cuts

Inconsistent cuts with the Bora Router Guide often stem from variations in router speed or feed rate․ Maintain a steady, controlled pace while routing, avoiding sudden stops or accelerations․ Ensure your router bit is sharp and appropriate for the material being cut; dull bits require more force and can lead to uneven results․

Double-check the depth of cut adjustment and bit size settings, verifying they align with your desired outcome․ Multiple shallow passes are generally preferable to a single deep cut, minimizing tear-out and improving accuracy․ Confirm the guide is parallel to the workpiece edge for uniform width․

Bora Router Guide Alternatives

Several alternatives exist to the Bora Router Guide, depending on your needs and budget․ Straight edge guides, often constructed from aluminum or MDF, offer a simpler, more affordable solution for basic straight cuts․ Incra router tables provide exceptional precision and versatility, though at a higher price point․

Kreg’s Rip-Guide is another option, offering a portable and adjustable system for accurate routing․ For those seeking a more permanent setup, building a dedicated router sled or incorporating a track saw system can deliver professional-level results․ Consider your project volume and desired level of accuracy when choosing an alternative․

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Bora Router Guide reviews are generally positive, with users praising its ability to create consistently straight and accurate cuts․ Many highlight the ease of setup and adjustment, particularly when used with the Centipede Worktable or WTX/NGX Clamp Edges․ Some users express satisfaction with its versatility for dados, rabbets, and mortises․

However, some feedback notes that achieving optimal results requires careful attention to bit selection and router speed․ A few users mention occasional guide wandering, emphasizing the importance of secure clamping․ Overall, the consensus is that the Bora Router Guide is a valuable tool for woodworkers seeking improved precision․

Where to Buy and Pricing

The Bora Router Guide is widely available through various retailers․ Major woodworking supply stores like Rockler and Woodcraft carry the WTX and NGX models, both online and in physical locations․ Additionally, online marketplaces such as Amazon offer competitive pricing and convenient shipping options․ Direct purchase from the Bora website is also possible․

Pricing varies depending on the specific kit and retailer․ The Bora WTX Router Guide typically ranges from $120 to $180, while the NGX version may be slightly less expensive․ Clamp edges and accessory packs are sold separately, adding to the overall cost․ Checking for sales and promotions is recommended․

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of your Bora Router Guide․ After each use, thoroughly clean the guide rail and any attached components with a dry cloth to remove sawdust and debris․ Avoid using solvents or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the material․

Periodically inspect the guide rail for any signs of wear or damage․ Ensure the locking mechanisms are functioning smoothly and securely․ Lubricate moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant if necessary․ Store the Bora Router Guide in a dry environment to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance․