New Freud Table/Router System

[bhendry]

Greetings,

Finally, my trusty - but now wobbly - 20 year old home made router table can be retired - RIP! Just got my new Freud table with the FT2200 plunge router. I thought that this might very well be the best place to learn how to take full advantage of me new system - ain't never used a plunge router. Have a 25 year old Craftsman fixed-base router that I intend to keep as a back-up.

My son and I have put it all together and tested it yesterday - it's sweet! We're not too sure about the attachment of the router to the plate. (the instrutions are 'bout the worstest I ever seen . . .)

Should the router be fully plunged and locked before attachment? Should the plunge base be removed first? Is the Micro-Adjustment Depth Control Knob used to adjust the bit when the router is in the table? If not - how can I adjust the bit?

I look forward to hearing from you, and - greetings to y'all from bright and sunny Southern Maryland!

Bob Hendry

[Charles M]

Originally Posted by bhendry

Greetings,

Finally, my trusty - but now wobbly - 20 year old home made router table can be retired - RIP! Just got my new Freud table with the FT2200 plunge router. I thought that this might very well be the best place to learn how to take full advantage of me new system - ain't never used a plunge router. Have a 25 year old Craftsman fixed-base router that I intend to keep as a back-up.

My son and I have put it all together and tested it yesterday - it's sweet! We're not too sure about the attachment of the router to the plate. (the instrutions are 'bout the worstest I ever seen . . .)

Should the router be fully plunged and locked before attachment? Should the plunge base be removed first? Is the Micro-Adjustment Depth Control Knob used to adjust the bit when the router is in the table? If not - how can I adjust the bit?

I look forward to hearing from you, and - greetings to y'all from bright and sunny Southern Maryland!

Bob Hendry

Hi Bob,

Welcome to the group. If you purchased the RTS5220 Router Table System in the US the aluminum plate should be pre-drilled for the router. Use the three 6mm screws included with the router to mount it (it will only fit one way). It doesn't matter if the router is plunged or not. The micro adjust knob is the best way to adjust the height unless you choose to use an aftermarket lift system like the Router Raizer.

[bhendry]

Thank you Charles. I'm getting there . . .

Do you know is the FPS01 Dual Port Power & Safety Switch is available in the US? I saw it on the Freuc Canada site - I'd sure like to add it to my table system.

Also, can anyone tell me if an after-market T-mount guide rail can be mounted to the Freud SH-5 fence?? If so, which one is recommended??

Again - thanks for your advice and help.

Cheers!
Bob Hendry
Southern Maryland

[Charles M]

Bob,

That switch is only available in Canada but you may be able to order it from a vendor north of the border. There are no fence faces available for the SH-5 that I am aware of. The easiest way to add T-track in my opinion would be to make new wooden faces and inlay the aluminum track extrusion that is available from many mail order and internet sources.

[musicmanjim]

Bob,
I just bought a Freud FT1700 and table from Peach Tree supply.... did you ever figure out the attachment of the router to the base plate?? How did you deal with the 11.0mm holes..... I found my base plate had some additional holes drilled that interfered with the 6.0mm mounting holes.... did you offset by rotating your mounting? Any pictures of your mount available.... I sure would appreciate any help.

thanks,

Jim Covington

[bhendry]

Jim,

As soon as the water recedes I'll try to get a couple of photos of the mounting. Basically, I just rotated the router until the holes lined-up with the holes in the plate. Somewhere I read that it was designed to mount this-a-way so'ens the power switch is more accessible.

We have had about 9 inches of rain in the last 3 days. Fortunately, I am not at the low point in the area - there the cars are under water. I am in Southern Maryland, sandwiched between the Chesapeake Bay to the East and the Potomac River to the west & tryin' to keep my feet dry . . .

Cheers!

Originally Posted by musicmanjim

Bob,
I just bought a Freud FT1700 and table from Peach Tree supply.... did you ever figure out the attachment of the router to the base plate?? How did you deal with the 11.0mm holes..... I found my base plate had some additional holes drilled that interfered with the 6.0mm mounting holes.... did you offset by rotating your mounting? Any pictures of your mount available.... I sure would appreciate any help.

thanks,

Jim Covington

[bhendry]

Charles,

Does Freud sell a "blank" plate (or a spare BF3800 Router Mounting Plate) for the RTS5220 router table? I'd like to mount my jig saw to the table, but can't locate a source for a spare plate. Do you know the dimensions of the plate? Maybe Rockler carries generic plates that would fit the table? Do you know of a source that would carry the Freud BF3800 plates? It's listed in the Woodworker catalog, but they're not in stock . . .

Thanks again.

Bob H.

[Charles M]

Originally Posted by bhendry

Charles,

Does Freud sell a "blank" plate (or a spare BF3800 Router Mounting Plate) for the RTS5220 router table? I'd like to mount my jig saw to the table, but can't locate a source for a spare plate. Do you know the dimensions of the plate? Maybe Rockler carries generic plates that would fit the table? Do you know of a source that would carry the Freud BF3800 plates? It's listed in the Woodworker catalog, but they're not in stock . . .

Thanks again.

Bob H.

Bob,

We do not offer a blank plate. They are all drilled for a router and have the center hole for the bit. It would not be terribly difficult to get 1/4" aluminum plate and cut it to fit the table.

[bhendry]

But I can't fine anyone who carries just the BF3800 Router Mounting Plate. Can you duiect me to a retailer who does?

Thanks.
Bob H.

[Charles M]

Bob,

The BF3800 plate was used in our PKG0026 router kit and is now obsolete. The replacement aluminum plate for the RTS5220 is item# 35000.0105 and can be ordered directly from our Power Tool Parts and Repair Department by calling (800) 334-4107 (option 3).