Router table insert

[andersonec]

I propose to build myself a better router table than my last hurried effort. The present one has a phenolic insert and I was considering an aluminium insert for the new table as I find the phenolic is not easy to keep exactly flat to the table top, one or the other of the corners tend to stick up slightly after some use no matter how much I clean and level.
My question is; Does the aluminium seat in the table better and would it be worth the extra for the aluminium?
Andy :?:

 

[OPJ]

I've had one of the aluminium plates from Tilgear (quite similar to the Axminster plate) since 2008. In that time, it has remained perfectly flat with a largw ½in Freud router suspended underneath (unlike some of the phenolic plates out there) and, with one grub screw in each corner, it's dead easy to set it level with your table's surface (assuming the top is flat and you've cut the recess to an even depth! ;-)). They supply four rare earth magnets with this kit, which should be sunk below the surface of the recess for the plate. These provide a tougher bearing surface for the grub screws than you would find on many home-made tables (MDF, chipboard, etc.). Also, there is a slight magnetic attraction - though it's the weight of the router and accuracy of the recess that really holds it all in place.

What I did find was that, after levelling the plate, the screws would vibrate loose slightly when the router was running at high speed. Steve Maskery's suggestion was to secure each screw with a drop of thread-locking compound once set, which has certainly done the trick.

Hope this helps.

 

[andersonec]

Thanks Olly, I am now decided on the aluminium, although I stated that my present table was a hurried job, I did make sure the top and insert hole were done properly, the hole was routed out and there are magnets on each corner, the insert just doesn't want to stay flush, maybe I will try the nut locking stuff, another trick is to use some of the missus's nail varnish, cheaper than buying a tube for just four tiny nuts.

Andy

 

[OldWood]

Andy
I don't know if you were around in the middle of last year, but Dibs organised a table insert multi-buy. I bought one, including spare rings and found that the set wasn't suitable for my table and I would be quite glad to sell it off.

If you go to the Jigs and Fixtures forum and search on "router insert" you will find there is a massive thread on this - start at the end at work back !!

If you are interested PM me

Rob