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-MIKE-

On 9/12/13 10:49 AM, wrote:
On Thu, 12 Sep 2013 10:44:52 -0500, -MIKE-
What kind of material do you prefer? 1/4 inch MDF, polycarbonate,
some type of sheet metal?
phenolic resin

Can you say why? I always disliked the thickness of phenolic resin.
Yes, that thickness assists in keeping something like a router in
place, but the weight of most routers was sufficient in keeping any
metal plates in place for me.

I never though weight alone was a qualifying aspect of a router plate,
for the reason you gave.
Strength, rigidity, smoothness, non-dulling (bits) are the qualifiers.
You are obviously concerned with thickness and I completely understand
why. With some routers, that 3/4" can be a problem with getting most
height out of the bit.

Two solutions: Use thinner phenolic-- it comes in many thicknesses. I
can't speak from experience, but I'm pretty sure it's still pretty rigid
down to 1/2".
Route a recess in the 3/4' to receive the router base. You can use a
center point and pin for your router to mill and perfect circle at
whatever depth you like and the clear out the rest freehand.

I don't like aluminum, because even thought it technically is softer
than a router bit, it still dulls it. Also, it can bend if dropped and
once bent, it's never going back straight.
Back to dulling. I like to make the smallest possibly hole in my plates.
I don't like using plastic inserts for different bits. Odds are most of
my cutting will be done with smaller bits. If I have a larger bit to
use, I like to raise it up through the plate, while running, while it
cuts its own whole through the plate.

--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com

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