Router for UJK Router Plates

[Ali]

Does anyone have a UJK Router plate and if so what router do you recommend with it?

I have a Bosch GOF2000CE and it is a monster, it does not fit on the UJK router lift and a 10mm UJK router plate which I have bought without checking #-o #-o

I have another Bosch router, the GMF1600 but I don't really want to have to use that under a table so am looking for something beefy that will fit under both plates.

I did ask Brimarc and Axminster for advice before I bought but didn't get any reply. I was limited for choice in the UK for a decent router plate setup already owning a router I wanted to use, bit annoying how we don't have much choice in the UK for decent router plate systems.

Also for anyone else considering going down the UJK router be warned that the paint finish is a bit naff and comes off very easily. It is aluminium and chips very easily too. Bit annoying when you are spending a considerable amount. I did want the UJK cast iron table but after seeing issues regarding flatness I think it is best to cut my losses with UJK.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Ali you may find what you are looking for on this chart that shows the Incra plates. We carry most of them in stock give Garry a call if you need any advice, We don't carry any UJK anymore.

http://tinyurl.com/Incra-Plates-Wood-Workers-Work

Cheers Peter

 

[DiscoStu]

Ali, no personal experience but I did have a similar debate and I spoke with Peter Parfitt about it. He has the Dewalt 625 (on offer with Axi and D&M) and he said it was excellent.

 

[Ali]

Thanks guys, looks like you have summed up my two options - a new plate or a new router.

Thanks Peter I will give Gary a call at some point in the next few weeks, I think the 1619 is the American equivalent of the Bosch GOF2000ce. I think the Incra plate might be slightly different dimensions than the UJK router plates though. I did like the UJK router lift, it is very nifty even though my router didn't fit I'm not sure but when I looked into it I think Incra don't make any router lifts for plunge router models?

Failing that route I might just have to pick up a 625. Thanks for the help to you both

 

[Garry Rowberry]

Hi Ali,

The INCRA and Woodpecker lifts you see typically work with American only routers. The router lifts grip the sides of router motor canister when removed from the plunge base. Most, but not all European router motors are either fixed to the plunge base or if removable, have a power track or similar so that the on/off switch is still accessible via the handles on the plunge base. Example: Bosch GMF 1600.

There are a few low power routers around such as the Draper (1400W) that can be separated. But the problem is they are low power.

You can of course buy and import an American router (motor only) to go with the American lifts and run them through a 110V site transformer. Site transformers have two ratings - constant and intermittent. Make sure you size the transformer to match the router power and your expected usage.

American power supplies are also a different frequency (cycle per second). In the UK we run 50hz (50 cycles pre second) and in America 60hz. This would mean the router would run (if my maths and electronics theory is correct) about 7% slower, which isn't a bad thing with a table mounted router. Also you may want to steer away from "electronic" routers with added circuitry and still to simple, but powerful routers.

There are other issues to consider, such as warranty issues.

There are other more cost effective options for above the table router height changes. These include a Router Technologies - Router Raizer Kit (available from all good wood working shops :wink: ). It replaces the fine height adjuster and is accessible via a small hole drilled in the fixed router plate.

For a fixed router plate option, you can't go wrong with the INCRA MagnaLock plates. They are extremely flat and 10mm thick. They are pre-drilled for a number of routers and if your router fixing hole pattern is not available, there is an un-drilled version.

Drop us an email or give a call at the shop and we can email you over a PDF router base template you can print out and check to see if your router is compatible with any of the INCRA MagnaLock plates such as the Bosch 1619.