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Routing router plate opening in router table top

4K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  mprzybylski 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello all,
I've got the Incra Mast-R-Lift II and I bought the template to rout out the opening (3/4" MDF) in a custom top I'm making. The plate is 3/8" so I went to make a set up for doing this today and got stuck. I have a Makita RF1101 plunge router (the kit with the plunge/fixed base) and I set it up to route the outline around the template. I'm using the 1/2" pattern router bit from Rockler to do this (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25160&filter=33536&pn=33536).

So, I set my plunge router so that the bit is touching a flat surface then went on to make an extra setting from there for 1 1/8" based on pressing the router down on the plate + MDF template. However, the bit will not reach all the way down to the top of the table so therefore I cannot route that opening properly. Before you chastise me :) I'm new to woodworking as some of you may already know based on my previous posts on here so please, if someone could explain to me what the proper setup for this would be that'd be greatly appreciated.

I've thought about going to Rockler and picking up the Router Xtreme Xtension (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11074&filter=router%20xtension) but that's $70 (I do have a 20% off coupon) and I'd rather not have to plunk down the cash for that. Should I be purchasing a different bit thats longer? Am I doing something wrong? Is my router just incapable of making that deep a cut?

Thanks,
Matt
 
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#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
until somebody that actually knows what they are talking about shows up.

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I think you rout, to a specified required depth, a grove of a specified required width, then drill holes and connect the dots with a jig saw. never did this before myself, perhaps someone could help with sequence and the accompanying literature should give specific measurements if not detailed instructions.
 

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#3 ·
You are correct. You do not rout through the top with the template. You only go to a depth that makes the lift surface even with the table top. Problem is a lot of router bits are not long enough to extend deeper than the 3/4" MDF template they give you. I did mine by getting a large pattern routing bit, I think it was 3/4" in diameter with a 1/2" shank. It worked with no issues. Good Luck!
 
#4 ·
@casual1carpenter: yeah, that's what i'm wanting to do, but my bit is too short it seems and won't go past the MDF template and down another 3/8" to route the groove.

@paratrooper34: right, i'm not wanting to rout all the way through, just 3/4" for the MDF template + another 3/8" for the actual plate depth INTO the 3/4" MDF that I'm using as my top (it's also laminated on top). Do you have a link to the pattern bit you used? I was under the impression pattern bits don't have "teeth" at the bottom so they can't rout out the bottom, rather route around an edge. Is that wrong? Can they make "grooves" in essence?
 
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