Yes, you definitely want the new aluminum guide rails. I've used the Jacobs
Power Collet in a Makita 3612BR, DW621, and DW625. I don't use it all the
time but there are some situations where using it allow me to use router
bits I could not otherwise use. I had to cut clearance for the Jacobs PC
into the router plate when using the Makita and so I have an additional
plate I use with the DW625.
You probably know that a revised manual is in the making??

"edfan" wrote in message
om...
Thanks for the details, just what I needed. I think I'm going to get
the collett extension as well, the Woodrat plate does take up some
depth. The Jacobs chuck has Woodrat's blessing but has apparently gone
out of production. There is no plunge bar available for the Bosch, it
should be available Real Soon Now. The Miter box looks super useful.
Also the aluminum guides. I'll definitely look at Phil's mortise rail.

Craftsman Gallery appears to be the only non-factory source now in the
USA and they have a good deal so off I go.




"Frank Mutchler" wrote in message
. net...
If you haven't already done so, you ought to check out
http://benchmark.20m.com/tools/Littl...eratindex.html
Believe me, Phil's version of the mortise rail is a superb platform for
the
'rat. I also use the Veritas router table and find the 90 deg. sled
very
useful for cutting all the cope cuts for cabinet doors. If you plan on
using dovetails for your drawer joints, you will want to order a
dovetail
bit set from:


http://www.thecraftsmangallery.com/M...gory_Code= CS
You will also want to practice a bit because the 'rat is very
non-conventional in the way it cuts dovetails. Have you looked at John
Lucas's site: http://www.woodshopdemos.com/wr-1.htm ? John does an
excellent job walking you through dovetails.

If any of the above URL's doesn't load on a single line, you must use
copy &
paste to use them instead of just clicking on them. I find the 'rat is
a
great mortise/tennon cutter while a lot of other stuff is easier for me
on
the Veritas table. The 'rat is just a router table upside down, or as
Martin Godfrey says, the router is the "right way up", with one very
significant difference. The 'X' axis movement is controled via a Bowden
cable system allowing controlled upcuts....a big no-no on most router
tables. The 'Y' axis is, of course, dependent on your router's plunge
function. I've designed a 'Z' axis control but can't find time to build
a
proto-type :( .

Good luck and enjoy your 'rat.


"edfan" wrote in message
om...
I have been happy enough with the user group history online that I
want to buy the Woodrat. Now I'd like help ordering the package.

I have a Bosch 1617EVS router with D handle and plunge base also. I
have a small assortment of CMT bits, the basic 13 plus their Kitchen
set. I also have a Veritas router table setup.

My first projects with the Woodrat will be kitchen cabinets and
small-item storage units, wall mounted, sized for small tools.

What should I buy and why?

My list looks like:

Woodrat
Bits
Accessories

I'm located in San Diego, California, USA. I'd like to order this
today or tomorrow, if possible.