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**harrysin** · 07-23-2007, 06:53 AM

A couple of days ago there was a post which included a link showing a trim router in a base which had a light. This struck me as interesting, on many occasions I've found it difficult to see the cutter despite the 40mm guide. An idea formed in my head based on the fact that I had a small LED torch which was about 3/8" in diameter so my friends, here is the result which appears to fulfil it's purpose. You may notice two switches, the second one is for a "laser" beam which I thought could be useful for centering purposes, that is until it became obvious that the centre varies with the height of the router. The only trauma during the making was when I was about to mount the torch and dropped it on the concrete floor. Expletives eventually subsided and I dismantled it and found that one leg on each switch was badly oxidised and solder had never bonded, re-soldering cured the problem and here is the result, there are a couple of duplicated shots with light on light off, I couldn't switch the flash off so a careful look is necessary. A slight twist is all that's necessary to switch on.

Drugstore Cowboy · 07-23-2007, 09:49 AM

I've been playing with the idea of doing something similar for a while now.
So far the idea has stayed in my - wonder what if - file.
Thanks for reassuring me the idea is NOT off the wall.
Now --
It's just a matter of getting around to it.

**challagan** · 07-23-2007, 09:57 AM

That is pretty cool Harry. Nice modification. That is one of the things I liked about my old Craftsman router.. it had a built in work light that did a pretty good job. My dewalts could use that! Nice job and thanks for the photos as usual.

Corey

**harrysin** · 07-23-2007, 09:59 AM

I await with interest shots of dozens of guys and gals out there all making their own light in their own way. As always, those first in end up with the worst system, just think of the US NTSC colour TV, first in the world, worst system in the world!(Sorry guys but it's true)
I was in the process of adding a bit when we had a major power flick which re-booted the computer and locked-up the MODEM and ROUTER (no, not the Makita)

I was going to say that the Poms (I used to be one), were the first in the world to start a public TV system which was on 405 lines and ended up the lowest resolution in the world compared to the US 625 which they are now on. But let us not forget that the French with their SECAM system are still on only 525 lines! Have fun making you're router lights.

**harrysin** · 07-23-2007, 10:41 AM

Corey, I learn something every day, I have never seen a router with a light until the one I mentioned. Is this the week when a certain kitchen gets the finishing touches?

**bobj3** · 07-23-2007, 10:56 AM

Hi Harry

I see you used your head and put the light on the part that moves up and down

very nice ...

You may want to take a look at the Sears router below it comes with lights built in the router

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...TOOL&ihtoken=1

" Variable speed, heavy-duty, permanently lubricated 100 percent ball bearing motor delivers 12,000-25,000 rpm. Soft start permits the motor rpm to slowly increase to the desired speed setting.

Harry ▼

Three integrated work lights clearly illuminate the work surface. Die-cast aluminum motor housing adds strength while limiting and reducing vibration.

Choose either the standard fixed base or dual-arm plunge base with depth gauge, turret stop and machined arms for smooth up/downward motion which plunges up to 2-3/16 inches. Each base features large, clear, 6-11/16 in. sub-base with square edge on the plunge. Oversized debris shield and vacuum shield provide a clear sightline to the bit. Spindle lock allows for easy bit exchanges. Live tool indicator lights up when power connected. Router includes 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets, edge guide, bit wrench, operators manual and storage case. Wt. 9.5 lbs.

http://www.routerforums.com/39447-post21.html

==========

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrysin

A couple of days ago there was a post which included a link showing a trim router in a base which had a light. This struck me as interesting, on many occasions I've found it difficult to see the cutter despite the 40mm guide. An idea formed in my head based on the fact that I had a small LED torch which was about 3/8" in diameter so my friends, here is the result which appears to fulfil it's purpose. You may notice two switches, the second one is for a "laser" beam which I thought could be useful for centering purposes, that is until it became obvious that the centre varies with the height of the router. The only trauma during the making was when I was about to mount the torch and dropped it on the concrete floor. Expletives eventually subsided and I dismantled it and found that one leg on each switch was badly oxidised and solder had never bonded, re-soldering cured the problem and here is the result, there are a couple of duplicated shots with light on light off, I couldn't switch the flash off so a careful look is necessary. A slight twist is all that's necessary to switch on.

**challagan** · 07-23-2007, 11:06 AM

Finishing touches... I wish. No... on tap for this week is get the rest of the base cabinets and remove the rest of the old flooring on the other half of the kitchen. Install the new corian counter top on the one half. Then I have to wait for my brother to come and install a new 20 amp circuit for the dishwasher. Then its travel next week and then i can begin see the end of the light!

Corey

**harrysin** · 07-23-2007, 11:09 AM

Bob, and there's me thinking that you had retired, you've just done one of the best selling jobs that I've come across for a long time. I can now understand why you Yanks have so many routers, they're as cheap as chips over there. I think you're sales pitch is going to sell a heap of those routers I hope Sears are going to reward you in a suitable way.

**bobj3** · 07-23-2007, 11:22 AM

Hi Harry

Thanks,, that would be nice of Sears but I don't think so ...

Did you take note of the plunge base with the BIG 3/8" rods and the big opening in the base .......once the standard plastic base plate is removed, looks about the same size as yours...but about 5lbs. less.....

You see where I'm going I'm sure

Bj

**harrysin** · 07-23-2007, 11:27 AM

I sure do Bj. such routers at such low prices make me drool, so please stop torturing me!!

07-23-2007, 06:53 AM	#1
harrysin Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Western Australia Posts: 3,327 View harrysin's Gallery	Report This Post! Something a bit different A couple of days ago there was a post which included a link showing a trim router in a base which had a light. This struck me as interesting, on many occasions I've found it difficult to see the cutter despite the 40mm guide. An idea formed in my head based on the fact that I had a small LED torch which was about 3/8" in diameter so my friends, here is the result which appears to fulfil it's purpose. You may notice two switches, the second one is for a "laser" beam which I thought could be useful for centering purposes, that is until it became obvious that the centre varies with the height of the router. The only trauma during the making was when I was about to mount the torch and dropped it on the concrete floor. Expletives eventually subsided and I dismantled it and found that one leg on each switch was badly oxidised and solder had never bonded, re-soldering cured the problem and here is the result, there are a couple of duplicated shots with light on light off, I couldn't switch the flash off so a careful look is necessary. A slight twist is all that's necessary to switch on. Attached Thumbnails __________________ *Harry*
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07-23-2007, 09:49 AM	#2
Drugstore Cowboy Registered User Forum Geek Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Worth, Tx Posts: 439 View Drugstore Cowboy's Gallery	Report This Post! I've been playing with the idea of doing something similar for a while now. So far the idea has stayed in my - wonder what if - file. Thanks for reassuring me the idea is NOT off the wall. Now -- It's just a matter of getting around to it.
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07-23-2007, 09:57 AM	#3
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! That is pretty cool Harry. Nice modification. That is one of the things I liked about my old Craftsman router.. it had a built in work light that did a pretty good job. My dewalts could use that! Nice job and thanks for the photos as usual. Corey __________________ My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver http://iowacarver.tripod.com/ My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503 http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/
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07-23-2007, 09:59 AM	#4
harrysin Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Western Australia Posts: 3,327 View harrysin's Gallery	Report This Post! I await with interest shots of dozens of guys and gals out there all making their own light in their own way. As always, those first in end up with the worst system, just think of the US NTSC colour TV, first in the world, worst system in the world!(Sorry guys but it's true) I was in the process of adding a bit when we had a major power flick which re-booted the computer and locked-up the MODEM and ROUTER (no, not the Makita) I was going to say that the Poms (I used to be one), were the first in the world to start a public TV system which was on 405 lines and ended up the lowest resolution in the world compared to the US 625 which they are now on. But let us not forget that the French with their SECAM system are still on only 525 lines! Have fun making you're router lights. __________________ *Harry* Last edited by harrysin; 07-23-2007 at 10:39 AM. Reason: Added last two paragraphs
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07-23-2007, 10:41 AM	#5
harrysin Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Western Australia Posts: 3,327 View harrysin's Gallery	Report This Post! Corey, I learn something every day, I have never seen a router with a light until the one I mentioned. Is this the week when a certain kitchen gets the finishing touches? __________________ *Harry*
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07-23-2007, 11:06 AM	#7
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! Finishing touches... I wish. No... on tap for this week is get the rest of the base cabinets and remove the rest of the old flooring on the other half of the kitchen. Install the new corian counter top on the one half. Then I have to wait for my brother to come and install a new 20 amp circuit for the dishwasher. Then its travel next week and then i can begin see the end of the light! Corey __________________ My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver http://iowacarver.tripod.com/ My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503 http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/
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07-23-2007, 11:09 AM	#8
harrysin Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Western Australia Posts: 3,327 View harrysin's Gallery	Report This Post! Bob, and there's me thinking that you had retired, you've just done one of the best selling jobs that I've come across for a long time. I can now understand why you Yanks have so many routers, they're as cheap as chips over there. I think you're sales pitch is going to sell a heap of those routers I hope Sears are going to reward you in a suitable way. __________________ *Harry*
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07-23-2007, 11:22 AM	#9
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,265 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi Harry Thanks,, that would be nice of Sears but I don't think so ... Did you take note of the plunge base with the BIG 3/8" rods and the big opening in the base .......once the standard plastic base plate is removed, looks about the same size as yours...but about 5lbs. less..... You see where I'm going I'm sure Bj __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J.
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07-23-2007, 11:27 AM	#10
harrysin Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Western Australia Posts: 3,327 View harrysin's Gallery	Report This Post! I sure do Bj. such routers at such low prices make me drool, so please stop torturing me!! __________________ *Harry*
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