Fixing router to new plate!

[lastminute]

Hi everyone!...just getting ready to fix my Freud FT3000 to a Dakota plate when it arrives.
I have printed out the template for hole placement etc., but am confused slightly.
Apart from the paper template being out by several mm, and previously having removed the base plate from the router to find the 3 tapped holes underneath...I assume the holes in the plate are clearance and countersunk for the thread size required (5 or 6mm).
Is there a simpler method of doing this...any help would be appreciated!

Thanks :?

 

[Steve Maskery]

Do you mean you want to find a way of locating the fixing holes accurately in the plate? If so, this is how I do it.

Cut a short piece of M6 studding (or whatever fits your router), and make one end pointed. The point must be concentric and accurately centred. If you have access to a metalworking lathe, it's easier, but you can do the same thing more slowly with a drill press and file. You need of of these for each hole in your router. Screw them in to the base of your router with the points exposed.

Now, with the plate upside down on your bench, you can place your router on the plate and press down hard. The points will mark the plate. Pop a centre point and drill. Job done.

Cheers
Steve

 

[lastminute]

Thanks Steve... I have access to a lathe...not a problem! I assume the router base plate remains on the router when fixed to the plate..therefore clearance holes must be made in the base plate!!
Am I right?

 

[Steve Maskery]

Ah, yes. Er that was deliberate mistake to see if you were paying atention....
I'll edit my original post.
S

 

[Rob Platt]

I`ve always made my own plates and used the router base plate as a pattern for the holes. I leave the original base plate off and screw the new base plate to the router using the original bolts and holes.
All the best
Rob

 

[Pond]

I have a Dakota table, it really is very easy.

I used a cordless drill, some electrical tape and two small clamps, all on a bench. It took about 5 minutes!

Took the router base off, sat that on the phenolic table plate, lined up the centre holes in four directions with a rule. Held it in place with electrical tape while getting the clamps in place. Clamped the lot to my bench. Drilled the table plate through the router base plate with a 2mm drill as a pilot. Took the lot apart, drilled out the fixing holes to the right size, then countersunk the holes. I oversized the holes by 1mm to allow for not being able to drill true vertically with a hand held cordless. The countersinks are snug, so it doesn't move.

The phenolic is very easy to drill, just don't spin the drill too fast cos it can overheat your drill bits (especially if they're blunt like mine!) :roll:

 

[miles_hot]

When I drilled my nice shiny Aluminium plate to allow the attachment of my router to the home made table I've got I used the pointed stud method and almost got it right which resulted in some filing required.

BSM then pointed out I could have removed the sacrificial plate (some sort of plastic) from the bottom of the router and used that as a template - DUH!

Miles