Best way to make an inset name plate?

You could do a string inlay using scratch stock to cut the channels.

-- Sawdust and shavings are therapeutic

I…don’t know what that means. And a google search suggested that string inlay is for really narrow pieces, not a big flat-bottomed rectangle like what I’m thinking.

Does it have to be inset? How ‘bout do it up real fancy in scrollwork and make it stand proud of the stick

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No time like right now to get familiar with your router and what you can and can’t do with it. Don’t worry about your immediate project. Go into your shop, grab some scrap and your router and let your creativity loose. No one but you is going to see it. When you hit on something you like, then go get the chart.

Is there a “routing for dummies” site that will show me how to set it up safely? I’ve never routed outside of a table.

Go to youtube and look for “router inlay techniques” etc. If you watch enough videos you will be every bit the expert the video stars are. You will probably also stumble across a video star headed down the road you are traveling. You might also consider just picking up a chisel and just “pounding it out” instead of going the router route.