Insert Plate: Flat or Convex?

digleif

Here's a question for you pros:

I've read that ideally a router table and plate should be perfectly flush and flat. But then I saw on the LeeValley site that they design their router table to be slightly convex at the hole: "the Veritas router table top will always be slightly convex, with the highest point adjacent to the bit, so your depth of cut will always be exactly as set."

That makes sense to me. So how big a deal is it if the plate isn't perfectly flat (as long as the edges are flush with the table)?

Let's say my insert plate is slightly proud/convex in the middle by 1/32 or 1/16. How is that bad as long as you set the depth of the cutter at exactly the same place?

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Noob

Rousseau does the same thing with there model 3509 phenolic plates:
I can't tell you if that is good or bad, just pointing that out.

levon

ive had the rousseau plate for years and it works great on everything ive done. the rousseau plate is a quality item. i am not nearly as experienced as a lot of people here, so i will leave it to them to better answer.

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levon

AxlMyk

I have a Rousseau plate. It guarantees an accurate cut in all pieces, but there is a matter of how you set the piece up first.

I have found that when making box joints with my Incra jig, that you clamp the stock to the jig "On a flat part of the table, or insert". It will cut very accurately then. If you clamp the part with it on the center rings, you will have problems because the part will be at an angle.

I have been very pleased with the results I get with the Rousseau.

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digleif

Thanks for the feedback -- it sounds like having a plate that is slightly convex is fairly common... That's a good tip, Mike...

Noob

Got me a used Rousseau plate and now I see what they mean about the crown.

Two questions:
Do I make the edges of the plate flush with the table top and the crown sits above the table 1/32" (or whatever it is)?

OR

Do I make the edges of the plate sit below the table top 1/32" so the crown sits flush with the table? In other words, if I put a straight edge on the table top, the crown top of the Rousseau plate is flush with the straight edge.

curiousgeorge

Paulo,
Stop and think about your question a second. If you set the plate below the table top you would have trouble sliding a piece across the plate without it catching on the edge of the table on the opposite side of the plate. Therefore, don't you think it would make more sense to mount the edges of the plate perfectly level with the table?

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levon

hi George,

great post! cant imagine anyone mounting their plate below the table. there is a reason that the table is adjustable, to level it to the table. but i admit, i have asked more questions that had an easy answer as a newbie, so i understand.

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levon

Noob

Quit trying to further confuse this discussion with logic.

I guess I didn't think the questions through to there logical conclusion, but in my defense I am a noob.

levon

hi Paulo,

he wasnt trying to confuse you. he was trying to get you to think about it. i have often asked questions that people told me the same thing. dont let it worry you! just keep reading the posts and after awhile it will get easier and easier. if you have a question about anything ask, and just like i do, make sure before you cost yourself a bunch of extra work.

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levon