I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry

Larry wrote:

I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry

I made my own base plate. After mounting the base to the router I used
a "V" bit chucked the the router to find the exact center of the base.
I then used two different sized fostner bit to very carefully create a
stepped hole of the correct size to allow mounting my bushings.

I works great.

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA

On Nov 26, 11:31*am, Nova wrote:
Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry

I made my own base plate. *After mounting the base to the router I used
a "V" bit chucked the the router to find the exact center of the base.
I then used two different sized fostner bit to very carefully create a
stepped hole of the correct size to allow mounting my bushings.

I works great.

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA


What Jack said. Works great for me.
I make my bases all square, from Corian scraps. (Square ones ride much
nicer along fences, averaging out any small aberrations the fence
might have.)

Robatoy wrote:
What Jack said. Works great for me.
I make my bases all square, from Corian scraps. (Square ones ride much
nicer along fences, averaging out any small aberrations the fence
might have.)

That also removes the chance for any centering inaccuracy in a round base.
The factory base on my PC wasn't round, nor centered.

A square base means you stay the same distance from edge to center and
there is to chance of rotating the router.


--

-MIKE-

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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

Robatoy wrote:
On Nov 26, 11:31 am, Nova wrote:

Larry wrote:

I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry

I made my own base plate. After mounting the base to the router I used
a "V" bit chucked the the router to find the exact center of the base.
I then used two different sized fostner bit to very carefully create a
stepped hole of the correct size to allow mounting my bushings.

I works great.

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA



What Jack said. Works great for me.
I make my bases all square, from Corian scraps. (Square ones ride much
nicer along fences, averaging out any small aberrations the fence
might have.)

My bases are all rectangular, all made to exactly the same even inch
size and all with the exact distance from each edge to the center of the
bit. This was done for using a fence with standard offsets.

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA

Nova wrote in
:

Larry wrote:

I fought with trying to get my router base centered up
with the bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a
bushing in the plunge router base only to figure out that
the bit was so far off that it wouldn't even go thru the
bushing. I finally abandoned the plunge base and used the
fixed base but still had to drill new holes for the
phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do
any have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any
replacement hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle.
Any words of wisdom?

Larry

I made my own base plate. After mounting the base to the
router I used a "V" bit chucked the the router to find the
exact center of the base. I then used two different sized
fostner bit to very carefully create a stepped hole of the
correct size to allow mounting my bushings.

I works great.


This seems to be my best option. What material did you use?

Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle.

Maybe, maybe not. I've never had a problem with the 2-3 brands I've
owned...your is...?

Any words of wisdom?

A. Make a base, drill a hole the proper size for the bushing holder, put a
bushing in the holder, put a bit for the bushing in router, center bit in
bushing, attach base to router.

- OR -

B. Enlarge the attachment holes in the base you now have so you can wiggle
the base to center bit.


--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

"dadiOH" wrote in
:


Maybe, maybe not. I've never had a problem with the 2-3
brands I've owned...your is...?

Porter Cable



B. Enlarge the attachment holes in the base you now have so
you can wiggle the base to center bit.


The holes are for countersink heads. I don't think there's
enough material left to do this. Really needs panhead screws.

On 11/26/2009 09:40 AM, Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment?

Mine allows for the use of pan head screws in slightly oversize
counterbored holes for fine centering, although it's pretty close to start.

Chis

Chris Friesen wrote in
el:



Mine allows for the use of pan head screws in slightly
oversize counterbored holes for fine centering, although
it's pretty close to start.

Chis

What brand of router?

On Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:40:41 +0000, Larry wrote:

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the solution? Are
there brands that are better than others? Do any have slotted holes to
allow for adjustment? Any replacement hardware available?

My DeWalt uses pan head screws in slightly oversize holes and includes a
centering cone. Works for me.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

Larry Blanchard wrote in
om:

On Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:40:41 +0000, Larry wrote:

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do
any have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any
replacement hardware available?

My DeWalt uses pan head screws in slightly oversize holes
and includes a centering cone. Works for me.


My PC690 has several annoyances that the DW618 seems to address.
I'll have to take a closer look at one next time I'm at the
BORG.

Given the popularity of the PC690 there seems to be an
opportunity for an enterprising person to build an aftermarket
base. Not really any different than a lift but much simpler.
Both address the same problems...

On 26 Nov 2009 18:17:26 GMT, Larry wrote:

Larry Blanchard wrote in
news:su2dnXhajIM_JpPWnZ2dnUVZ_hFi4p2d@pghconnect. com:

On Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:40:41 +0000, Larry wrote:

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do
any have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any
replacement hardware available?

My DeWalt uses pan head screws in slightly oversize holes
and includes a centering cone. Works for me.


My PC690 has several annoyances that the DW618 seems to address.
I'll have to take a closer look at one next time I'm at the
BORG.

Given the popularity of the PC690 there seems to be an
opportunity for an enterprising person to build an aftermarket
base. Not really any different than a lift but much simpler.
Both address the same problems...

You mean like Pat Warner?

http://www.patwarner.com/precision_subbase_kit.html

Jim Weisgram wrote in
:

http://www.patwarner.com/precisio

Yea, just like that except the whole base. Drop your motor in
and you're ready to go.

On the subject of making your own base.....

I had the idea of using an adjustable hole cutter to help cut a perfect
radius around the center.
This kind...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31b3OpacTNL._SS400_.jpg

Cut your base over-sized by a small amount.
Mount the base on the router, use a plunge bit to cut a 1/2-3/4" hole.
Mount the hole saw in the router. Do NOT power up. :-)
Spin hole saw by hand or mount the pilot bit (yes, the business end) in
a cordless drill and drill slowly, while slowly turning the router's
plunge depth knob.
Either cut all the way through the thickness of the base with the hole
cutter, or cut down just enough to have room for a guide bearing.
Take base off router.
Mount router in table with a pattern bit.
Finish cut on base with pattern bit.


--

-MIKE-

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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Nov 26, 1:43*pm, -MIKE- wrote:
On the subject of making your own base.....

I had the idea of using an adjustable hole cutter to help cut a perfect
radius around the center.
This kind...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31b3OpacTNL._SS400_.jpg


*shuddering in fear*
..
..
..
..
those are NOT cool.

Robatoy wrote:
On Nov 26, 1:43 pm, -MIKE- wrote:
On the subject of making your own base.....

I had the idea of using an adjustable hole cutter to help cut a perfect
radius around the center.
This kind...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31b3OpacTNL._SS400_.jpg


*shuddering in fear*
.
.
.
.
those are NOT cool.


Did you read the rest of my post or stop there?


--

-MIKE-

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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Nov 26, 2:55*pm, -MIKE- wrote:
Robatoy wrote:
On Nov 26, 1:43 pm, -MIKE- wrote:
On the subject of making your own base.....

I had the idea of using an adjustable hole cutter to help cut a perfect
radius around the center.
This kind...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31b3OpacTNL._SS400_.jpg

*shuddering in fear*
.
.
.
.
those are NOT cool.

Did you read the rest of my post or stop there?


Yes, I read the rest of your post. That doesn't make that tool any
cooler.

On 11/26/2009 12:43 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
On the subject of making your own base.....

I had the idea of using an adjustable hole cutter to help cut a perfect
radius around the center.

I just plunged an actual router bit through the base to cut the hole in
my replacement base. Perfectly centered by definition.

Chris

Chris Friesen wrote:
On 11/26/2009 12:43 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
On the subject of making your own base.....

I had the idea of using an adjustable hole cutter to help cut a perfect
radius around the center.

I just plunged an actual router bit through the base to cut the hole in
my replacement base. Perfectly centered by definition.

Chris

How do you know it's the center point.
If the base is mounted perfectly centered, the hole you plunge with not
be.


--

-MIKE-

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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On 11/27/2009 12:06 PM, -MIKE- wrote:

How do you know it's the center point.
If the base is mounted perfectly centered, the hole you plunge with not
be.

For use with guide bushings I don't care if the hole is perfectly
centered on the base....I care that the hole is perfectly concentric
with the bit. By making the hole with a bit in the router, you get that
by definition.

Chris

Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry
I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the holes,
then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically center the base
then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

He ended the job as he began it; fired
with enthusiasm. --Don O'Shaughnessy

Gerald Ross wrote:

Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry
I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the holes,
then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically center the base
then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.


For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the look. Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.


--

There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage

Rob Leatham

I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the holes,
then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically center the base
then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.


For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the look. Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.



somebody post them to the web, already. :-)


--

-MIKE-

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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

Mark & Juanita wrote:
Gerald Ross wrote:

Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry
I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the holes,
then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically center the base
then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.


For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the look. Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.



I had it made for my own use and liked it so I sent drawings and
pictures to
Lee Valley. They researched it and found something like it already on
the market somewhere.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

He ended the job as he began it; fired
with enthusiasm. --Don O'Shaughnessy

"Gerald Ross" wrote in message
...
Mark & Juanita wrote:
Gerald Ross wrote:

Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry
I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the holes,
then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically center the base
then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.


For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the look.
Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.



I had it made for my own use and liked it so I sent drawings and pictures
to
Lee Valley. They researched it and found something like it already on the
market somewhere.


There are several. Milescraft makes one version.

"LDosser" wrote in
:

"Gerald Ross" wrote in message
...
Mark & Juanita wrote:
Gerald Ross wrote:

Larry wrote:
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry
I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the
holes, then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically
center the base then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.


For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the
look.
Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.



I had it made for my own use and liked it so I sent drawings and
pictures to
Lee Valley. They researched it and found something like it already on
the market somewhere.


There are several. Milescraft makes one version.

My Bosch router came with an aluminium one. Now if the router were only
bump resistant. This is the second time it won't turn on after dropping
on the floor ...

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

Gerald Ross wrote:

Mark & Juanita wrote:
.... snip

For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the look.
Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.



I had it made for my own use and liked it so I sent drawings and
pictures to
Lee Valley. They researched it and found something like it already on
the market somewhere.


Would sure like to find it. I looked at the Bosch cone, it's too small
for all uses, it appears useful only for centering a bushing.

--

There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage

Rob Leatham

Mark & Juanita wrote:
Gerald Ross wrote:

Snip

Would sure like to find it. I looked at the Bosch cone, it's too small
for all uses, it appears useful only for centering a bushing.


Do you know a machinist? I turned a wood pattern and showed it to a
friend who has a machine shop as a hobby. He quoted me $50-65 to make
one from steel. Two or three months later he brought it to me. He was
embarassed that it had taken so long and refused any payment. I did
give his wife a nice bowl.

I would send you the pattern I turned, but can't seem to lay my hands
on it right now.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

All I want is a LITTLE more than I can
spend!

On Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:56:24 -0700, Mark & Juanita wrote:

I made a recess for pan head screws and slightly enlarged the holes,
then made a tool to put in the chuck and automatically center the base
then tighten the screws. See pictures in ABPW.


For those who haven't yet looked at this, it is well worth the look.
Very
clever -- Gerald, this is something that seems to be marketable.

It has been. Didn't you see my post on DeWalt router?

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

"Larry" wrote in message
...
I fought with trying to get my router base centered up with the
bushing/bit on my last project. I inserted a bushing in the
plunge router base only to figure out that the bit was so far
off that it wouldn't even go thru the bushing. I finally
abandoned the plunge base and used the fixed base but still had
to drill new holes for the phenolic base to get it centered.

In the end it was an enormous waste of time. What's the
solution? Are there brands that are better than others? Do any
have slotted holes to allow for adjustment? Any replacement
hardware available?

I know I can't be the only person to fight this battle. Any
words of wisdom?

Larry

The Bosch EVS1617 has flat bottomed holes and pan head screws for
adjustments.