Fitting an older router with a PC template guide set

[cracker39]

If you're like me, and have an older router that won't take the Porter Cable type template bushings, here's a site I found with what you need.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... tacc1.html

I have a couple of older Sears Routers that don't have the Porter Cable type base with the 1 3/16" diameter hole needed to accept the PC template bushings. I found this site that sells both the brass bushing set that looks like the one at HD, as well as a generic one with a universal base. They also have router bases for your router that have the 1 3/16" hole, which is what I am ordering for one of my routers. Also, they have different base plates for router stands and a universal centering alignment pin, which I am also ordering. "This handy set-up tool is designed to fit both 1/4" and 1/2" router collets, and center the baseplate to the collet. It’s vital for inlay work, pattern router, and using any precision fence system. It will also indicate the exact center of any bit cut, which is important when locating grooves and dadoes. The centering /alignment pin can be used to check run-out on drill press, mill and lathe chucks."

They feature free shipping if you're not in a hurry, and I'm not. I ordered a set of Porter Cable template bushings at Amazon.com and got them for $9.99 after a $20 discount for applying for and getting their Visa card (instant approval, no waiting). I didn't need the card, but for a $20 discount, I got one. I'll just cut it up when it arrives. And, Amazon gave me free shipping too.


Anyone found any other good router accessory sites?

[Vegabond9]

Odd you should bring this up. I've been stewing and fuming and kicking the dog (not really) because I can't find my 1/4 collet for the Porter Cable 6902 router. Nobody sells collets around here. Went to Lakeland, Lake Wales, Winter Haven....grrrrr. They sell the bits in all three main sizes including 3/8's but don't carry collets. Do you know anybody that sell the things around Polk County? I might have to order it straight from Porter Cable.

Other than the accessories in Sears over in Lakeland, I usually shop HD or Lowes and they have about the same selection. By mail order there are more options available. I get some woodworking cats in the mail all the time with loads of router toys.

Dale, did you pick up that axle in Tampa yet? I will need to get directions from you when the time comes.

[cracker39]

"Odd you should bring this up. I've been stewing and fuming and kicking the dog (not really) because I can't find my 1/4 collet for the Porter Cable 6902 router. Nobody sells collets around here. Went to Lakeland, Lake Wales, Winter Haven....grrrrr. They sell the bits in all three main sizes including 3/8's but don't carry collets. Do you know anybody that sell the things around Polk County? I might have to order it straight from Porter Cable. "

I haven't really looked for them locally. I Googled and found this site that sells the parts for your router, including the 1/4" collett http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/cgi-bin/noframes.cgi/portercable/6902

And, so does Amazon.com and it's cheaper here.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-7119663-1296049

The site where I bought some accessories has a neat collett extension for use in a table, but it's for the 1/2" collett models.
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/routcollet.html

"Dale, did you pick up that axle in Tampa yet? I will need to get directions from you when the time comes."

Not yet. I am in the planning stages for building the axle and won't start until late Nov or early Dec. I'll order the axle a couple of weeks ahead of that. When will you be needing yours? If the timing is right, I could pick up both and we could share the gas expense.

[randy chesnutt]

vegabond 9, you might take a look at leevalley.com in there 2005 cat. page 180 may have what you need.

[cracker39]

PS: My parts from MLCS should arrive today, and Amazon shipped my bushing set yesterday. I can get a cutting bit and practice using a template. I have some old 1/4" cutters to practice with, but read in a thread that using a 1/2" upward spiral cutting bit works better. Now, I find that MLCS has "2 flute, Carbide Tipped with totally enclosed ball bearing guides. The top mounted bearing is ideal for template routing." for $15. I didn't even need to get the bushing set and router base. Oh well, live and learn. I'll have it and use it with a regular cutting bit.

Check out http://www.mlcswoodworking.com. They have lots of interesting router stuff.

[randy chesnutt]

around here the straight flute bit with the ball bearing is all i use. i have never used bushing. i cut out my jig then screw it to my board and go to my router table with the flute bit and get with it.

[cracker39]

Well, I have the bushing set coming, so I'll probably use it with a regular cutting bit. I'll have to make the template slightly smaller than the piece I'm cutting using the bushings. Since I'll be cutting side pieces from 4x8, using a table is not very easy with large pieces. I'll hand cut on saw horses and can clamp my pieces together so as to not have to put extra screw holes in the skin.

[madjack]

Dale, we got a couple of spiral bits...one up and one down and to say we were less than impressed would be an understatement. While they left a very clean edge on one side they left an excessive burr on the other that had to be carefully sanded to remove to keep from peeling the outer veneer off. They would work OK for some things but we just really didn't like 'em
madjack

[cracker39]

If I remember correctly, the guys on the thread I read about using the template mentioned using spiral bits with an upward cut. Did you use upward or downward cut spiral bits? Have you used the fluted bits and if so, were the results better than with the spiral? I'd like to make my cuts with bits that leave clean edges, so I'm still looking for answers.

And I'm wondering how many feet of 1/2" ply (Two 1/4" sides together) can be cut before the bit starts to dull.

[madjack]

...used the upcut...didn't like it, a 2 or 3 flute did a MUCH better/cleaner job, in fact a single flute did better but you have to watch your speed on a single and go a little slower or you will use it up faster...even carbide...also if cutting 3/4 or better you really need a long shank/bodied bit or you will be bumping the bushing to get all the way through...that was just our experience in the shop
madjack

p.s. was using 1/2" mdf for template could be the reason for the depth/bumping problem(ya think)

[cracker39]

I'll look for a 2-flute 1/2" cutter. I'll be cutting through the two 5.2mm Luan sheets (about 3/8" total thickness, I'd guess), using 1/4" plywood for the template. I just checked the mail and found my Porter Cable type base for one of my Craftsman routers had arrived, so I can use the bushing set that should be here in a couple more days. Now I'm thinking I ought to get another base for my router table if I can find it. I haven't seen it since I left Maryland 5 years ago and hope my Dad's house where my radial saw is stored. The router table is one that I made, and I can always make another if it's gone.

[WoodSmith]

"THEY" also make combo spiral bits. Upcut on the bottom, downcut on the top so you get the sharp, no fuzz edge on both sides. Here is one source I found with a quick google search http://www.techno-isel.com/cnc_routers/RouterBits/RouterBits8.htm

[cracker39]

48.95 for a 1/4" bit is out of my league. I've found that when working with two pieces of plywood, or any wood for that matter, when they are clamped face to face, the face usually has a clean cut. The back sides won't really matter it has fuzz or small spinters as it will be hidden.

I'm not really sure which spiral bit pulls the wood upward. From a description in the MLCS catalog, it would appear that a downward spiral bit would do that, but I'm not sure. If the plywood is pulled up, it would stay tight against the template and keep the router pulled down on the plywood substrate. If I am not sure of which is which, I'll probably use the strait bit. But, I'd rather use one that pulls the particles out as it will cut cleaner and faster.

[WoodSmith]

Yeah, thats the downside, they are pricey. As for which is which, a drill bit is an upcut "bit" it pulls the chips out of the kerf. It gets real confusing when you start using the router upside down in a router table.

[cracker39]

I won't be using a table for this project, cutting trailer sides using a template from 4x8 plywood sheets. So, then, would an upward spiral bit pull the plywood up towards the router base? Do you use them much and which type would you use to hand cut using a template on top of the plywood you are cutting?