So here's the problem. I'm building a router table and have purchased
woodpeckers cast aluminum insert plate for it. They are even kind
enough to sell me a template to cut the opening. The template is 3/4"
MDF. I have a Freud FT2000 plunge router and am using a 5/8" diameter
pattern bit with a 1/2" cutter length.

The problem is that with the router plunged (and locked) all the way
down the bearing on the bit is just barely below the router base.
With the 1/2" cutter length, this isn't going to do much great cutting
when the router is sitting on top of the 3/4" MDF template.

Am I going about this wrong???? I'm a little dubious about adding a
collet extension.

Thanks for reading.
Jeff

JJ wrote in news:1184791843.661971.81310
@m37g2000prh.googlegroups.com:

So here's the problem. I'm building a router table and have purchased
woodpeckers cast aluminum insert plate for it. They are even kind
enough to sell me a template to cut the opening. The template is 3/4"
MDF. I have a Freud FT2000 plunge router and am using a 5/8" diameter
pattern bit with a 1/2" cutter length.

The problem is that with the router plunged (and locked) all the way
down the bearing on the bit is just barely below the router base.
With the 1/2" cutter length, this isn't going to do much great cutting
when the router is sitting on top of the 3/4" MDF template.

Am I going about this wrong???? I'm a little dubious about adding a
collet extension.

Thanks for reading.
Jeff



So get a longer pattern bit. Rockler sells them, as do others. I have one
that works with my Freud FT2000e.

Must have been maybe $20. Who remembers, anyway?

Patriarch

So here's the problem.

snip of problem

Although it wouldn't hurt to buy a new template bit, I can think of one
possible way to beat this one without buying a new bit.

Rout out as much as you can including the center waste. Remove the template
and reference the bearing off of the cut you just made with the template.
Now you will be able to cut in lower. Repeat until you are all the way
through.


Do you own a planer? You could also plane the MDF template down to 1/2" or
a smidge under.

"JJ" wrote in message
ups.com...
So here's the problem. I'm building a router table and have purchased
woodpeckers cast aluminum insert plate for it. They are even kind
enough to sell me a template to cut the opening. The template is 3/4"
MDF. I have a Freud FT2000 plunge router and am using a 5/8" diameter
pattern bit with a 1/2" cutter length.

The problem is that with the router plunged (and locked) all the way
down the bearing on the bit is just barely below the router base.
With the 1/2" cutter length, this isn't going to do much great cutting
when the router is sitting on top of the 3/4" MDF template.

Am I going about this wrong???? I'm a little dubious about adding a
collet extension.

Thanks for reading.
Jeff


Seems like you have 2 options.

1) Buy a longer pattern bit

2) Remake the template using 1/4" thick material.

Allen

On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:42:57 -0400, "GarageWoodworks" .@. wrote:


Do you own a planer? You could also plane the MDF template down to 1/2" or
a smidge under.

A related question...
How hard is MDF on planer blades?

I just got my first planer and had thought that things like MDF would be sort of
blade abuse, but I've damn sure been wrong before.. *g*



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

A related question...
How hard is MDF on planer blades?

Not sure. I have planed it before, but I don't recall any blade problems.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about the blades. You can sharpen them in 10
minutes if you make one of my jigs! But if you make one you have to send me
a check for 19.95 plus tax.

http://www.garagewoodworks.com/jigsfixtures.htm


I just got my first planer and had thought that things like MDF would be
sort of
blade abuse, but I've damn sure been wrong before.. *g*



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing