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Originally Posted by paulcomi Guys, with everyone I know opting for expensive router lifts, I must say that I like being able to pop out the router with plate, swap a bit, change height etc and then drop it in like you do. What kind of plate is that you're using on the show episodes? If homemade, what are the specs and where can I get the material? Also, I have an inclination to use aluminum or steel to ensure there is no deflection over time. What has been your experience with the plate material you used? |
Paul, are you asking about what plate Bob and Rick use on, "The Router Workshop"? If so, it's the plate that's available on the Oak Park website. I think it's made from phenolic. That's a plastic-like laminate that's similar to, "Formica" countertop material. There are different types but usually it's made from layers of some type of paper and phenolic resin that's pressed together with heat. Most router plates I've seen are made from phenolic, aluminum, or acrylic. I use a phenolic plate made by Woodhaven. It's 3/8" thick, which is a standard router plate thickness. I have a Freud FT2000 router attached to it and in a few years it's still as flat as the day it was new. Rockler and Woodpeckers sell a plate made from aluminum and it's more expensive than phenolic. I'm not sure why it would be necessary but if you're really worried about sagging then that's a way to go. I haven't used an acrylic plate but I have worked with acrylic and it seems more flexible than either phenolic or aluminum. I've seen a few people mention using MDF for a plate but unless you're using a fairly light router I'd go with something more durable. I have an old '70s era Craftsman router that is pretty light and I made an MDF plate for it. I rarely use the router anymore but when I do the MDF plate is stiff enough for the weight of the router. But, like I said, it's very light and I have only had it mounted in my table maybe a half a dozen times. There are quite a few places online that sell phenolic in various sizes if you want to buy some to make your own but it's not cheap. You might as well buy one already made up with replaceable ring inserts for what you'd pay for the blank phenolic stock. Rousseau makes a phenolic plate and it comes with a built-in crown. At least one person on this forum recommends this plate but I prefer a flat plate. The plate that Bob and Rick use on, "The Router Workshop" is flat as are the majority of the other plates available. But as with many things in woodworking, YMMV. Some people want flat, some people want crowned. They both can work for you.
Bruce