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Forum topic by BrianC87 | posted 03-10-2013 02:44 AM | 3818 views | 0 times favorited | 12 replies | ![]() |
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03-10-2013 02:44 AM |
I was trying to use a roundover bit in my router earlier today only to find that the hole in my sub base was too small. Searching google didn’t give me the results I was looking for so I figured I would try here. I have a Craftsman model 2768 fixed base router and am wondering where I would be able to find different sub bases with larger holes to accept different sized profiles of bits. Or would it be easier/better to just make my own? What is the best way to go about doing that? Thanks in advance for all your help! |
12 replies so far
#1 posted 03-10-2013 02:50 AM |
Can you put the router in a vise or clamp it down . if your comfortable, you can turn the router on and slide the base onto the bit and it will cut out what it needs….Safety first.. |
#2 posted 03-10-2013 02:57 AM |
Base plates are pretty easy to make. Use your original base plate as the template for the 3 mounting holes to the router base. Bore the hole the size you need for your bits…. -- Measure "at least" twice and cut once |
#3 posted 03-10-2013 03:39 AM |
widdle – I had thought about doing that but I’d like to keep the original sub base intact as it is. kdc68 – I kind of figured that would be the best way to do it. What would material would you suggest making them out of? |
#4 posted 03-10-2013 03:46 AM |
I bought one at ACE hardware. I don’t remember the brand but it is something you will recognize. They are universal in many cases. About $15 with screws etc. |
#5 posted 03-10-2013 03:48 AM |
MDF. I also have a craftsman router (the professional model, I love that thing). Technically, that bit is a little too large to be using safely freehand. The reason they keep the holes small on the sub bases is because with a bit over 1 1/4” diameter, you should really have the router in the table. With that said, I prefer to edge profile freehand. Milescraft makes universal sub bases with larger openings that fit craftsman routers. I have a few. I used MDF for the first one, but no matter how much I sanded/waxed it, I couldn’t get it to slide as smooth as lexan. |
#6 posted 03-10-2013 03:53 AM |
widdle’s idea might be a bit dangerous and would probably trash your original base plate….just my opinion…something flat and smooth like MDF…1/4” or 1/2” thick for example….thats what I have used and didn’t have to spend $$ because I had small scrap pieces in the shop -- Measure "at least" twice and cut once |
#7 posted 03-10-2013 04:09 AM |
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I’ll definitely have to try making some with MDF and take a look at Ace Hardware and/or the Milescraft universal sub bases. |
#8 posted 03-10-2013 04:12 AM |
You can also make a new sub-base out of 1/4” plywood or 3/16” Hardboard. I’ve made at least 3 so if I break one, I’ve got another. If you DO go with wood, I would cut some extra “viewing holes” in it. -- Be honest, honorable, kind, work hard, and generally be awesome. |
#9 posted 03-10-2013 01:12 PM |
Easy to make out of 1/4” MDF. Carefully align the screw holes and drill a center hole w/ a Forstner bit. -- Bondo Gaposis |
#10 posted 03-10-2013 01:32 PM |
If you can find a shop that fabricates acrylic displays they might sell or give you scraps. The paper that protects the face of the sheet has a limited useful life. If you wait over a year or so it becomes very difficult to remove. So the scrap pile has an expiration date on it. 1/4” acrylic is plenty for a router base like you need. I have double face taped the original baseplate to the new one to drill the screw holes accurately. Use a drill press to keep the holes straight. -- Fine Custom Woodwork since 1978 |
#11 posted 03-10-2013 10:27 PM |
I use laminate flooring for router bases and also for table saw inserts. |
#12 posted 03-10-2013 11:51 PM |
¼” Acrylic works great for router sub bases. |
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