My router kit came with a centering cone for centering baseplates on the router. It works fine, but I always found it a hassle to chuck in the bit blank and use the cone each time I needed to change baseplates. I frequently change baseplates to switch between bushing guides, large bit profiling, circle guide jigs etc.
To solve this problem, I switched the panhead screws out for some tapered machine screws. Now when you screw the baseplate on, it centers itself. One less step each time I switch bases!
I confirmed that the baseplate was centered with the centering cone. On all three bases – plunge, fixed, and D-handle – the tapered screws centered the baseplate. 
With the new screws installed, the baseplate self-centers without using the centering cone. The accuracy is perfect, which is important for inlay work or dovetails. 
The holes in the baseplate are stepped, and taper inward. 
The screws are 8-32×3/8” long tapered head machine screws common at most hardware stores. These fit my Dewalt 618 router. 
If your baseplates are different, installing washers on the screws may work. The I.D. of the washer would need to match the screw shaft, and the O.D. would need to match the hole in your baseplate.
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush
3 comments so far
pintodeluxe
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1848 posts in 1010 days
#1 posted 232 days ago
I can’t believe it took me this long to come up with this. A great fix for under $2.
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush
patron
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12171 posts in 1538 days
#2 posted 232 days ago
that’s a great fix
and cheap too
i have machine screws in different gauges
and length too
in case i need to make my own plate
or mount the router upside down for a quick table router
well done !
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle
pintodeluxe
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1848 posts in 1010 days
#3 posted 232 days ago
It is sure easier to center the baseplates now. I am a little surprised that router manufacturers haven’t figured this out. There are several easy ways to achieve this.
Perhaps some brands don’t have tight enough machining tolerances. With the Dewalt it works great.
The 618 is a great router by the way, comparable to dedicated plunge routers I have used.
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush
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