By Ken Schulte
Recently Shop Notes, Volume 16 issue 93, released their top ten hand held router accessories. This article had some neat items but I felt it lacked some depth in explanations of each item. Items covered were:
Alternate bases, d-handles, plunge base etc.
Self clamping guides, edge guides
Offset Baseplate
Routing mat
Dust collectors
Circle cutting jigs
Guide bushings
We thought we would add a few thoughts on each item .
Alternate bases If you are getting ready to purchase a router, give strong consideration to the new multi based combination packages. These packages are made by most of the popular manufactures and include Porter Cable, Bosh, DeWalt, and Skil. These combination kits are a wonderful addition to the shop. You can take the fixed base and permanently mount it to your router insert in the router table. This gives you some flexibility and allows you to store the router either in the plunge or D handle base. This is always a good thing if you are using an acrylic insert. Less weight in the insert over time reduces flexing of the insert. Having the plunge base and d handle allows you to always have the right type of router ready to go in your shop. Think of it as buying three routers for the price of one.
Self Clamping guides These guides are an awesome addition to the shop since they can be clamped to your project and offer an instant straight edge for guiding your router. They are reasonably priced compared to buying clamps (good quality) and are easy to set up and use. When cutting grooves or dado's these clamps always have a
home in our shop.
Offset baseplate. If you like to have something larger to hang onto when routing, the offset baseplate is like getting a d handle router for a fraction of the cost. The only downfall of this baseplate is removing it from your router if you don't want it permanently attached to your router. They are very inexpensive.
Routing mats are essential in the shop for holding small pieces of wood while doing some edge profiles. They eliminate the need for clamps getting in the way of holding down your project. It is a speciality items however. Look in some kitchen stores or your big box home store for non slip rug pads. They are almost identical and do the same job for half the price.
Dust collectors Routers are so messy that this seems to be an essential item. No matter how much collection you do there is always the runaway chips to be picked up. Ah, such is life in the shop.
Circle cutting jigs are my favorite jig saw replacement technique. They are amazingly accurate and can cut a lot of different size circles. The only drawback is to use most of them you have to have a small reference hole in your project for the jig to pivot into.
Guide Bushings
When you discover the power and accuracy that guide bushings bring, you will see your router in a whole new way. Template cutting and pattern cutting will take over your life as you unlock new potential projects and exciting designs.
