I got tired of chasing my big router around the bench when changing bits or setting depth of cut so today I grabbed a piece of 1×4” and a chunk of 1/4” mdf and made a cradle.
I traced around the router and cut the MDF out in a rough pattern on the bandsaw then tuned it a bit with the spindle sander.
![]() |
From wood stuff 2009 |
Next I put a brace inside to support the router top and covered it with a bit of foam to prevent scratching.
Heres the finished cradle held on the bench with a couple of clamps.
![]() |
From wood stuff 2009 |
I can reef on the change wrench without having to embrace the tool each time I change the bit.
![]() |
From wood stuff 2009 |
Could have been fancier but it works.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
18 comments so far
lew
home | projects | blog
12017 posts in 3718 days
#1 posted 12-26-2008 12:25 AM
Now, That’s Cool!
-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the Universe's finest custom rolling pins.
Karson
home | projects | blog
35111 posts in 4363 days
#2 posted 12-26-2008 02:14 AM
Neat router holding jig. Great job Bob
-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Southern Delaware soon moving to Virginia karsonwm@gmail.com †
Thos. Angle
home | projects | blog
4444 posts in 3925 days
#3 posted 12-26-2008 03:20 AM
It’s a dandy, Bob.
-- Thos. Angle, Jordan Valley, Oregon
Dusty56
home | projects | blog
11819 posts in 3651 days
#4 posted 12-26-2008 04:58 AM
Nice jig but I have to wonder why you need to “reef” on your wrench(s) Doesn’t the collet hold properly without over tightening the nut ? Does that model have a spindle lock or two wrenches ?
-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!
DocK16
home | projects | blog
1184 posts in 4050 days
#5 posted 12-26-2008 05:36 AM
very ingenius
-- Common sense is so rare anymore when you do see it, it looks like pure genius.
Bob #2
home | projects | blog
3809 posts in 3984 days
#6 posted 12-26-2008 05:58 AM
Dusty,
After scoring a few bits ( particularly the 1/4” and 8mm sizes I take tightening very seriously.
The collet uses a spindle lock on this models which mean I have to use the router body as the other wrench.
I was chasing it around the bench on occasion when there was not enough room.
This gets me back to getting ample torque without the arm wrestle.
p.s. I do keep the collet slots aligned.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Dusty56
home | projects | blog
11819 posts in 3651 days
#7 posted 12-26-2008 08:45 PM
I have two routers with spindle locks and honestly I’d rather use two wrenches . I always wonder if the collet is tight enough or if I’m going to break the lock first…..It’s like walking a tightrope ! LOL….I use my Porter Cable routers the most (2 wrenches) I have 3 of those ,1 in a router table and 1 set up for special operations , the 3rd one does everything else . 1 little old Sears R2D2 model 5/8HP, 1 VS Bosch in a router table and the 1hp Bosch Colt EVS and also my son bought me a Dremel tool with all of the attachments and bits. So far I haven’t broken anything or had any bits loosen up on me… just lucky I guess . Is that a homemade wrench in the picture ? I had to “customize” some wrenches back in the day when I used to be a mechanic . Have a great weekend .
-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!
Bob #2
home | projects | blog
3809 posts in 3984 days
#8 posted 12-26-2008 10:17 PM
Dusty the wrench was born when I had trouble getting to the collet nut on my Hitachi M12V when mounted in a Lee Valley steel top.
I can just push the collet detent in with on hand and tighten with the wrench through the top.
It fits under the wings on the 12MV and saved me cutting them off for the table mount.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Todd A. Clippinger
home | projects | blog
8901 posts in 4062 days
#9 posted 12-27-2008 02:21 AM
This is a great idea!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com
Bob #2
home | projects | blog
3809 posts in 3984 days
#10 posted 12-27-2008 03:52 AM
Help yourself Todd.
Cheers
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Dusty56
home | projects | blog
11819 posts in 3651 days
#11 posted 12-27-2008 07:13 AM
Great job , Bob ! I knew it looked familiar ! LOL I just might try to find some of my “creations” but it might be tough as I did them back in the 1980’s : ) Like they say , Necessity is the Mother of Invention !
-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!
Tony
home | projects | blog
983 posts in 3993 days
#12 posted 12-27-2008 08:23 AM
Simple and effictive solution to a problem that most of us have
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
18615 posts in 4124 days
#13 posted 12-29-2008 09:20 PM
well isn’t that smart.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (https://www.facebook.com/DebbiePribeleENJOConsultant)
pokieone
home | projects | blog
96 posts in 3582 days
#14 posted 12-30-2008 02:14 AM
Excellent work, Bob!
-- I will not preach, nor will I be silent.
pommy
home | projects | blog
1697 posts in 3654 days
#15 posted 12-30-2008 02:33 AM
Hi mate love it
andy
-- cut it saw it scrap it SKPE: ANDREW.CARTER69
View all comments »
showing 1 through 15 of 18 comments
Have your say...