Reply by pintodeluxe

A router will find its own course without a guide or template. When freehand routing, I have had best luck with a 1/4” carbide down spiral bit. Freud and Whiteside make good products. You will feel much more control compared to a 1/2” straight bit.

If I need to make a 1/2” deep cut, I usually do it in multiple light passes.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush