n-compass router jig

"N-Compass

What can you get for the router lover who has got everything? Well, if there is such a person, they will be pretty chuffed to receive this innovative routing accessory attachment from M.POWER.

For when the need arises to rout decorative circles or curves, care needs to be taken, as the slightest deviance will be all too obvious and spoil the aesthetics of the finished result. Trammel bars are one solution and a glance at the routing pages of a decent power tool catalogue will inform you that there are one or two propriety compass jigs available. But these tend to be rather expensive or may not be capable of routing circles and curves of small diameter and radii.

Incredibly, for under thirty quid, M.POWER will supply you with this impressive jig that is capable of routing very large circles as well as small ones of only 20mm in diameter.

When you remove the N-Compass from its neat packaging you are left in no doubt as to its sound build quality. It comprises three main components: a yellow powder coated 3mm thick steel base plate, a pair of guide rods and a bridge (guide rod holder) similar to that of a router's parallel fence. The rod spacings can be adjusted a little, via a slot in the bridge, to accommodate the bases of most of the popular ¼" collet size routers.

A small (blunt) pivot pin may be positioned in one of two positions on the underside of the base plate; one for small diameter circles, the other for larger ones (especially when used in conjunction with Mod Rod extension bars). The pin is actually an internally threaded brass collar that is held in place by a countersunk screw. This pin necessitates a central ¼" diameter hole to be drilled into the work. If this is undesirable a ¼" protective overlay could be utilised. For heavy or difficult cuts, a wood screw may be substituted for the guide pin to eliminate chatter.

I fitted a Trend T5 router to my N-Compass and found that it takes just a few short seconds to attach. However, a couple of bridge shim spacers are provided in case the height of the rod holes on your router's base plate does not coincide with those of the bridge. Once you have marked out on your work piece the positioning of the desired circles or curves, positioning the router along the bars is a breeze. So much so in fact, I found that I rarely required the use of the micro adjustment nut (incorporated in the bridge).

In use, the N-Compass works well and some pleasing effects and results can be obtained. Although it is very straightforward to operate, I would recommend that a good few practice circles be cut, so that you can learn all its little nuances. One little problem I found was gaining enough purchase on the brass pin whilst securing it with the screw. Occasionally, my guide pin worked loose, but holding it with a pair of padded-jawed pliers may help.

To conclude, the N-Compass is a very well constructed router accessory and probably has a greater potential than first meets the eye. With a two-year guarantee, and made in England, it would appear to represent good value for money and should prove a good buy for those who envisage undertaking routing numerous circles and curves.

Verdict: More potential than meets the eye"