Tabb

I've just mounted my Makita plunge router to a Craftsman table using an adapter plate. The tip of the bit will only protrude maybe 1/2 inch max over the table top. Is this normal?

The plunge mechanism is compressed to it's fullest so I can not get anymore adjustment. If I let the router spring to its normal height, the tip of the collet(1/4") is way under the table. Before I run out to buy a new router, is there anyway that I can extend the collet so that I can get some more height adjustment?

Yes I am a newbie and have no actual routing experience. Please help!?!?!?

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thebig0

Hi Tabb, did you take the plastic plate off the router base? You can lift the bit a little, it does not have to be fully seated in the collett. I'm not familiar with "craftsman" tables but maybe you could rout a little from underneath.

Woodnut65

Hi Tabb: How thick is the adapter plate. Does it call for the removal of the original
router sub base. which Makita router are you using. I use a Makita 3612BR in my
Oak-Park table and it works great. The Oak Park plate replaces the Makita sub base
and gives me plenty of room for hieght adjustment. I would believe that your problem is the adapter plate is to thick or that the sub base should be removed prior to mpounting the router. Hope this helps. Woodnut65

Tabb

The plastic base has been removed. By rout a little from underneath, do you mean remove material from the table? That may be a problem as the table is made of metal. Where the router mounts to the table there are raised up edges to give the table strength. This accounts for 1/2". When added to the metal adapter plate (1/8 to 1/4") I've got a huge gap to make up.

I'm not sure which model I'm using....not at home right now but I will check later. What do you mean by the sub base? The aluminumn base where the springs mount?

How far is the collet/bit supposed to stick out of the table normally? Thanks for the help guys. I'm hoping not to have to buy another router.....

JohnH

Tabb, your problem might be that you are using a 1/4" bit.I just measured a 1/4" shank 1/4 roundover and a 1/2" shank 1/4 roundover and there was a 1/2" difference in length.If your router is only 1/4" you might need to change to a 1/2" collet router.That would also mean new router bits.If you go this way you might look at this site http://www.bladesnbits.com/ for good quality and good prices.Hope this helps..



John

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JH

reible

I was thinking is it possible that you have the polestop set and when you plunge you hit that and the router is not fully plunged? Also bit length varies, I have some (yellow) bits which are very short........

I have seen extensions for 1/2" routers but none for 1/4".

Ed

Tabb

I just took another look at my router. The tip of the collet reaches as far as the base of the baseplate. With the router fully plunged, the collet is just flush with the base of the router.

I think I may be just SOL and have to get another router........

BTW the router is a Makita 3620 and apparently has only a 35mm plunge depth.....not enough to offset the 1/2" distance created by mounting it to the table.....

DONALD

Tabb is the plate of your router being held away from the table top by the reinforcing under the table?

Tabb

That's exactly what's happening. The reinforcment is 1/3" and the plate is 1/4".

Exboss

The best thing you could do is order a set of plans for the "Router Workshop" table and build one. Purchase the Oak Park 11' base plate that will fit your router, some 1/2' Baltic birch 9 ply plywood and go for it. For the top, go to your nearby cabinet shop and see if they won't donate a sink cutout from a countertop. You will have setup you can work with.