Best Letter Templates for Wood Router: A Clear Guide to Sign Making Tools
Door signs, gift plaques, and professional-looking routed letters all start with reliable letter templates. This guide highlights five top picks designed for sign making with routers, focusing on templates, interlocking designs, and kerning accuracy. Each entry includes core features to help you compare ease of use, material durability, and compatibility with common router bits. Whether you’re crafting decorative signs or functional labels, these templates offer scalable options for different letter heights and styles.
| Product | Height / Size | Material | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Kit | 1.5″ & 2.5″ | Plastic/Metal components | Large letter and number set with included router bits |
| Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Set | 1.5″ | Durable polymer | Self-spacing for quick layout without measuring |
| Rockler 1-1/2″ Interlock Set | 1.5″ tall | Polymer with brass bushing option | Kerning spacers ensure even letters; many characters |
| Rockler 4″ Interlock Set | 4″ tall | Polymer | Wider lettering for larger signs; 40 letters |
| Milescraft 2201 Horizontal Set | 2.5″ | Durable polymer | Comprehensive A–Z and numbers for signs |
This selection balances smaller and larger letter options, interlocking principles, and ease of use. The following sections detail each product, highlighting what makes them suitable for wood routing projects and sign making. Each entry includes a direct link to the product page for quick reference.
Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Kit For Routers
The Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Kit provides a complete routing solution with 2.5-inch and 1.5-inch letters, plus 80 vertical numbers and 166 templates. Included Tungsten Carbide tipped core box router bits (1/4″ and 3/8″) support precise lettering. A turn-n-lock base plate, metal nose bushings, low-profile C clamps, and end frames contribute to a stable routing surface. These features help maintain consistent kerning and spacing, essential for clean, professional signs.
Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Set 1.5″
This 1.5-inch character template set from Milescraft focuses on self-spacing for correct character gaps without separate measurement. The durable polymer templates are designed for repeated use, and the kit includes letters A through Z plus repeat A, E, and I to simplify quick layouts. This is well-suited for sign makers who need reliable spacing with minimal adjustments between characters.
Rockler Interlock Set 1-1/2” H – State Park Font
Rockler’s interlocking 1-1/2-inch set offers 99 pieces of letters, numbers, symbols, and kerning spacers, plus a brass guide bushing. The kerning spacers enable evenly spaced text, while the interlocking design ensures stable routing patterns. This kit is recommended for use with a plunge router and perforated base, and it pairs well with 3/16″ carbide bits for sign projects.
Rockler Interlock Set 4” H – Comic Sans Font
Rockler’s 4-inch interlock set features the Comic Sans font, designed for sign-making applications that require larger lettering. The kit includes 40 letters and duplicates of common letters, along with three spacers. Interlocking grooves provide stable, repeatable layouts. A suitable option for projects that demand a bold, readable sign face from a router.
Rockler 3-3/8” Interlock Set – State Park Font
This 3-3/8-inch Rockler interlock set is designed for larger signs, providing 99 pieces with kerning spacers. The kit includes a brass guide bushing and is best used with a plunge router that has a perforated base. The taller lettering allows for strong visibility on yard signs and storefront displays, while the interlocking design helps maintain consistent spacing.
Milescraft 2201 Horizontal Set 2.5″
The Milescraft 2201 set provides 2.5-inch horizontal characters plus a comprehensive A–Z range with an extra A, E, and I, and 0–9 numerals with punctuation. This selection supports sign makers who need a broad character repertoire for varied text layouts. The set’s durability and clear character shapes aid accurate routing and legibility at signage distances.
Rockler Letter Template Set 2.25” – State Park Font
This Rockler 2.25-inch set offers 99 pieces of letters, numbers, and symbols with kerning spacers, designed for natural text layouts. The interlocking mechanism ensures consistent alignment, and the set includes a variety of common characters to support typical sign text. Recommended usage with a compatible plunge router and perforated base for best results.
Rockler Comic Sans 2-1/4” Interlock Kit
This Rockler interlock set in Comic Sans offers 2-1/4-inch letters with additional spacing options for a balanced layout. The interlocking design stabilizes text formation while routing. Includes a selection of common letters and spacers to facilitate sign creation with consistent kerning and legibility.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Letter height and scope
- Choose the height matching your typical sign scale. Smaller 1.5-inch sets suit indoor plaques, while 2.5-inch and larger sets are better for outdoor signage or displays viewed from a distance.
- Interlocking technology
- Interlocking templates help maintain even spacing without constant measuring. Look for sets with kerning spacers to prevent irregular gaps between letters.
- Material and durability
- Durable polymers balance cost and longevity. Metal components can add rigidity around base bushings, but polymers are typically enough for most hobby and small-shop needs.
- Compatibility with router bits
- Check the included bits and recommended bits. Commonly supported bits include 3/8″ and 1/4″ carbide tipped core box bits. Ensure you have compatible bushings and bases.
- Character repertoire
- Consider sets that include all letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols you use often. Some kits add extra A, E, I to simplify layout.
- Ease of use
- Self-spacing, clear character shapes, and simple assembly reduce setup time. This is especially valuable for beginners or high-volume sign work.
- Support and accessories
- Look for kits that offer guidance, spare spacers, and compatible bracing options, plus brass bushings for smoother guidance during routing.