router table insert

[jhreed]

I am looking for a deal on a router table insert for a Freud FT2000E 3-1/4 hp router. If I dont find a good deal, I have enought 1/4" plexi-glass to mess up 4 or 5 times learning to make one.
James

 

[Joe Scharle]

James, they're not all that hard to make. Just make sure your DP is squared up first.

With the sub-base on and screwed on, make a photo copy of the bottom. Those phillips heads will help in centering the holes. Tape the photocopy to your plastic. I use a spade bit to 'center punch' the holes and then drill slightly over-sized thru holes for the mounting screws. My countersink is a large single flute cutter from Lee Valley. (single flutes make a smoother cut, IMHO). Mount the whole slab to the router and measure out from there to fit your recess. For the router bit hole, I chuck a V bit to make the 'center punch', remove the sub base and use a Forstner bit on the DP to make the hole. Hope that makes sense.

Joe`

 

[zapdafish]

i'd make the initial template out of mdf, that way it wont matter if you mess it up a few times. After that, use the mdf template to route your plexi glass one.

 

[Luckbox72]

Depending on what you are looking for, if you are interested in a router plate with lift Jessem is closing out a few models at really good prices.

http://jessem.com/SPECIAL_OFFER.html

Edit: Sorry just relized the router you are going to use will not work with these lifts. Sorry I will make sure I look closer next time.

 

[junquecol]

1/4" plexy isn't going to be strong enough to hold up over time. It will definitely sag. Woodcraft sells a piece of 1/2" phenolic, for about $25 if memory serves me correct. That would be my first choice. As said earlier, make a template from MDF, then make you plate out of phenolic.

 

[Dean Maiorano]

James,

You have a box on its way. It should be there by Monday. I threw in a piece of polycarbonate 1/2" x 7" (may be 8") x 11". Maybe that will work? BTW, polycarbonate kicks back like nobody's business so take it slow and stay in control. Read a fabrication manual online if you need to get more comfortable with tooling guidelines, etc.

Yes, the corian's in there too.

Dean

 

[jhreed]

Thanks for all the good advice. With the materials Dean is sending and all the good advice I figure I will save approx $80.00 over purchasing a template and insert. Plus I will have gained some experience which I greatly need.
Thanks to all
James