When installing a base plate in a router table, there are certain things that need to be completed first. For one, it is important to first exactly determine the location where it would fit right in. Your preferences also have a bearing on the overall process. For instance, if you want to have a sloping surface just beneath your router in order to help in clearing the chips, or if you have drawers under your sloping floor, things should be prepared first.
The Process
- First, you need to prepare scrap stock pieces in order to reproduce the table top’s thickness.
- Afterward, you can use a straight edge in order to ensure that the base top is even when compared to the top of the table saw.This is very important because the router table and table saw are placed on the same plane. Once you have the router and the sloping floor prepared, you can lower the router down, sliding it up on the floor. However, make sure that you have at least ¼ inch for a gap.
- Afterward, you can measure the distance in between the table’s end and the base. The end of the table is what bolts the base to the table saw.
- Then, you have to chuck at least ½ inch straight cutting bit to the router. Measure the distance starting from the cutting edge, going to the router base’s edge.
- After this, you can now start creating your jig. This is what you need to make the groove in which the router base lip can be placed on.
- Later on, you can work on cutting the center part. In creating the jig, you can get the base plate which you wanted to install in the router table, adding the dimension taken earlier along all sides. As the router runs around the inner part of the jig, it can remove the stock which will be beneath the edge of the plate. At this point, it is very important to make sure that you double-check all measurements. If possible, check them all over again.
- Now, you can start setting the router towards the depth of the lip on the base plate. For instance, if you prefer to set yours to ¼ inch, you may do so. You can also choose to place some layers of masking tape surrounding the router base. This move is great for safety purposes. Keep in mind that if the jig is too big, the plate can become loose and sloppy. This is not good for the output. With the masking tape layers set in place, you can easily remove a single layer, making the opening a bit bigger later on.
- Afterward, you can get the jig, centering it, and clamping it on the router table. This is the time to ensure that the jigs are perfectly positioned. Remember that when you start to cut, you no longer have the chance to turn back. Masking tapes can also be placed on the surface of the tables. If the cut is not that deep enough, you may easily remove some of the tapes and then cut again to get the best measurement. Now, you can get your router, plunging it to the router table, moving in a slow yet steady pace. Do so in a clockwise direction. Make sure that you do not go very slow as it will result in burning of the workpiece or overheat the bit. On the other hand, if you go too fast, the laminate may chip. After completing this process, make sure that you do not remove the jig.
- Get a circular saw, placing it where you want to cut the hold. Measure in between the show of the saw and the jig, cutting some stock in the same size. This can guide the circular saw in every cut. Finish the corners off using a hand saw or jigsaw, supporting the piece well so that will not break off, chipping the laminate. Now, you can see if the base plate fits. You can easily make adjustments as long as the jigs have not yet been removed.
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