grinding down router guide bushings

[Tyler Keniston]

I was setting up some guide bushings on the router for the first time and was surprised at how long the bushings were.

I recall using guide bushings some time ago with things like hardboard, and I recall being instructed to grind the bushings shorter so that they could be used as such. Does anyone else do this, or have a reason not to do this? Is there any real advantage to having that extra length (I can't recall the length but well over 1/4" i'de say).

[Bob Lang]

Grinding seems like the long way to get the job done. I've shortened bushings by cutting them with a hacksaw.

Bob Lang

[Tyler Keniston]

yeah shortening in any manner. I have a little belt grinder that seems to make short work of just about anything, but hacksaw sounds not a bad idea.

Why are the bushings made so long to begin with I'm wondering.

[Scott Brihn]

Recently I used a verticle 1 x 42 sander grinder to shorten a bushing for a shelf pin jig. Took about 15 seconds.

[glenn bradley]

I've shortened mine to all work with 1/4" material.

[Tyler Keniston]

I've shortened mine to all work with 1/4" material.

good so I'm not crazy :)
I went and measured them, the larger ones are slightly over 1/2" !
can't even use that with 1/2" stock, geeze