I came across this router base in a Hartville Tool flier. Has anyone had any experience with this guide base? I was just curious as to its quality and alleged versatility.
If it does everything that it claims then it would be a cost effective tool, and would eliminate several jigs and attachments, It could be attached to any router and set up very quickly.
The link below is a good demonstration of the guides capabilities.
I can see it being useful for several operations! Obviously, small circles up to 9 inches, evenly spaced dadoes, edge routing, etc.
My real concern is quality and, although, the promo impressive I am a trained skeptic. I was just curious if anyone had any real experience with this tool and does it function as advertised.
I could see it replacing several jigs in the shop and for me that equates to storage space. In addition, it attaches quickly and apparently is easy to reconfigure.
I just find it strange that it has been on the market for a couple of years and no one apparently has used or had any experience with it. I would expect that at least someone on this forum has given it a go. So, how about it folks, anyone want to fess up to trying this gadget and give an opinion?
I don't really trust these types of on-line reviews. They are published by the retailer and are guaranteed to be positive with the occasional not so good review. You never see "this is a horrible item" review on a retailer website. I prefer the third party website opinions...there is no bias to sell the product.
I would trust an honest review from someone on the forum before I would buy into the hype from a retailer.
I just thought that it was a pretty well thought out, versatile base that has possibilities. But I would never lay out $80 on a tool that I hadn't first done some research on.
With all that being said, nobody seems to have actual experience with it (at least nobody, so far, has posted a first hand assessment). For me, that is a no-starter.
I appreciate everyone's input but, hopefully, someone out there has used this base and can offer a first hand mini review of its pros and cons.
Stopped by Rockler this weekend and spend some time talking to the guys there and looking at the CRB7 they had, (they only had the one) the secondary rods fit my PC base and it is very light actually, so it is sitting on my work bench! I have not had time to do anything with it yet but will start tonight and post some photos and thoughts while testing.I can say it does seem well made and very light.
Fantastic! I will look forward to reading your pro/con review. I think that the base has potential, but without physically holding it in my hands and possibly using it, I would not buy it.
There is just so little objective feedback on the tool, that I am skeptical without third party, unbiased review.
I am interested and have followed this article. I posted a similar request in the forum and awaiting your review. By the way there are two other attachment that add to its versatility. Here is alink to my post. There are pins that come with it to cut mortises. The shop notes mag vol. 23 issue 134 if you have the magazine. It was march / april issue. http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fixtures/45370-router-base-crb7-latest-shop-notes.html
Bill and others
Due to my confusion about the different models I email the company
Here is the reply
Hi John,
>
> Thanks for your email.
> Yes, the previous model of CRB7 (CRB7 or CRB7 MK2) came with only 1 pair
> of rods.
> CRB7 came with a pair of 7mm rods
> CRB7 MK2 came with a pair of 8mm rods
>
> The CRB7 MK3 comes with a pair of both 7 & 8mm rods and a large compass
> kit.
> The different rod sizes accommodate different routers, we also have
> larger rods available (10 or 12mm) for some routers eg: Ryobi RE600 or
> Dewalt DW618.
> Welcome to M.POWER tools Ltd
>
> I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions.
> Best regards,
> Cynthia
PS if ordering I think you are going to have pay attention to which model they are selling I am wondering if retailers are selling older models for less money . IMO
Unless i'm missing something...it looks like Woodpeckers only sells the base with the Large compass kit, and up from there. Rocklers sells it as the base, and doesn't seem to stock the large compass kit even as an option?
I called my Rockler store they could not tell which one they had nothing on box says MK 3
I sent another email to Cynthia she says that her company has been supplying Rockler the new model since January ,but that to the warehouse
David good price if got everything except the edge trimmer
Sorry for my delayed reply.
I can confirm that the MK3 units have a red sticker in the top right hand corner that say "includes large compass kit".
Hope this helps you find one at Rockler
I just received the most recent Rockler catalog. The CBR7 is not listed at all in the printed catalog! However, when you go to the on-line catalog they are listed. The problem is, that, the description is not for the MK 3 version. There is no mention of the large compass kit in the technical specifications.
The link shows a price of $80 for the jig, but everyplace else is around $109 for the MK 3. I can only assume one of two things: this description is out of date and incorrect for the present stock on hand, or Rockler has a very good price for the MK 3 base. This, also, leads me to suspect that they may be purging existing stock prior to listing the MK3 in the catalog (since the MK 3 supply to Rockler started in January). They may have the MK 3 in the physical stores only. No matter what, if David did get a MK3 at the $80 price it was a very good deal.
If I were to purchase from the on-line Rockler catalog I would make very sure that it is the MK 3 version.
One of my questions has been answered so far, it appears, from additional research of reviews on other sites, to be well made and substantial. However, I (we) are still waiting for David's actual use review. That will determine if it is as versatile as the sales pitch claims it to be.
If Davids review is positive I could see spending the money for this base. A lot will disagree with me, but I would rather buy this multipurpose base then spend the time, materials, and wasted storage space for individual jigs that may require R &R of the router sub-base to use. I would much rather spend my time making sawdust then configuring jigs to do a quick operation. I see the MK3 as a quick set-up and tear-down tool without single use only capabilities.
Patiently waiting on you (David) for the use review. I suspect that there will be some negatives, but I believe that the pros will outweigh them in the long run.
So Semipro you ordered the mk3 from mpower is that correct ? Wait to find out how it works. It would seem like the crb7 at 7 mm is about 5/16 and the crb7 mk2 at 8 mm is about 3/8 rod are my estimates correct. I may wait until Rockler has a 20 % off and buy the crb7 mk3. Not going to do anything until one of you guys try and review. With 20 % off about same price as base unit.
Oliver
Mine probably won't be here until the middle to end of next week.
I would like to know what Rockler has in the box I never did a straight answer from them on which model they are shipping. ( the one in the store older model)
All I did was ask a simple question and before you know it David, John and Oliver have gone and bought the darn things...I feel left out!
But, I'm not going to jump until I get some feedback from you fellas.
It, also, seems that Rockler doesn't know what it is really selling. We know that they have the newer MK 3 but apparently don't know the difference between it and the older model.
I'm with you Bill waiting for there eval. Limited budget looks like a good product. David had posted earlier that he had bought the crb7 mk3 from his local Rockler I'm surprised we haven't heard anything from him must be to busy.
Sorry all I know I promised to post about this jig but due to some medical issues I've not gone into the shop at all till this Sunday.
The base is a plexiglass acrylic sheet and very light, and seems to provide a large surface with an attached indexed micro-adjusting wheel , I tested the measurement guide line to my known good layout ruler and it matched just fine though the provided set ruler has to be added by hand to center with the router base center, I have to now go digging for my center set base.
But it does look particularly useful for dados or grooves. Which I will be using this weekend (I hope). it will be my first real test.
More instruction papers than I would have thought. take a look at the pictures, I think if it handles as it looks so far I am going to like this jig.
I really appreciate this input! It appears, that, your opinion so far is that it does what it claims it should. If it locks up solid, then doing dadoes and grooves shouldn't be a problem. One concern I would have is doing large circle routing. If the guide rod(s) are not adequately stiff, then they might flex and throw off the circle.
Thanks for taking the time and acquiring the jig this has been a real help.
Thanks David
Answers a question does Rockier sell the crb 7 mk3 that definitely is an MK 3
So 80.00 is a good deal, 29.00 cheaper then other suppliers
But if you shop the stores make sure you get the latest model. mk3
I hate you all! You have forced me to order from Rockler. I verified with Product Services that it was, indeed, the MK3 that would ship on the catalog order. The price was reasonable and although I will have to pay sales tax the shipping was free.
I'll test out the large circle cutting for you this weekend, the rods compare with the rods on my porter cable edge guide I have this one, if this helps any: http://goo.gl/Ss6WbD
I have the same PC Guide (most of my routers are PCs). I am more then happy with its performance.
Good man! Carry on with the tests and let us all know how well it works.
I should have mine in a few day. No hurry, anyway. I am in the process of rearranging to fit in a replacement table-saw and won't have any shop time until I finish.
We'll see! I find it hard to believe but I did confirm it with Rockler Product Service...long story. I intentionally used the CHAT feature and saved a copy of the transcript. So, if it is NOT the MK3 I will be sending it back.
Gary, why not just call Rockler(or email) and ask them! I am guessing no by looking at the manual online, but who knows if it is up to date?
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