cable-guy

I just watched the dvd on the new Porter Cable 890 series routers. Bob and Rick have an insert where they show how to build a router table. In one of their steps they were setting the router for a 1/4" depth and he pulled out a little metal square pin and set the depth with that. This may be a VERY stupid question but what was that and where can I get a set??
Sorry if this comes across as completely ignorant .

Advertising

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Scotty

This was one of the 5 piece set of brass measurement sticks that can be used quickly to measure your depth of cut on your router or table saw. I just bought a set of them at the Calgary wood show from Oak Park Ind. I've used them several times already and find them really useful. It is so much easier to just put one of them next to your bit and get the right height right away. The set comes with sticks measuring 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2". They are made of brass so if you touch the carbide too ahrd it won't damage it. Just go to the catalogue and find them. By the way, I got the same router a while ago and really like it (and the video). I'd like to get your impressions of it and why you chose it.
Scotty

hcbph

CAble-guy

I'm assuming they are just using some pieces of square stock. Check either at your local hardware store or metal supply store. Personally, I prefer using a veneer caliper to measure depth of cut.

bmb in ab

A similar set is available at Lee Valley. It also includes a 1-2-3 block.
Lee Valley Set Up Blocks

Woodnut65

Those brass bars are available from Oak Park, for a reasonable price. They save a lot of time when setting up.
I hope I helped, Woodnut65

cable-guy

Thanks guys. I knew they had to be somewhere. Scotty, I'll let you know how things go. I've got the next three months of nothing but shop time.

cfm

I purchased the blocks from a local hardware store. The are sold as motor shaft key ways. They are not brass and the specs are dead on. Since they are not brass, they cost about 1/3.

Hope this helps
cfm
(Posted earlier)

ejant

The reason brass is used is because it will not damage router bits. Keyway stock is steel and will damage bits.

__________________

Mike

You can also find the 5 piece brass set at Rockler.

cfm

True, steel bars will damage router bits. These bars are somewhat harder than brass and less harder than Tempered Steel. After using the bars, they go into the pocket or in the drawer. There are a lot of tools that are used around routers, saws, drill presses and many other power tools that can cause damage to the tool or to the operator. Use with caution.

The 1-2-3 block refered to earlier is made of steel where the smaller blocks are made of anadiozed aluminum.

There are always alternative methods to consider - pro and con. FWIW :-).

IMHO

cfm