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Look what I found when I got home

20K views 75 replies 19 participants last post by  bruce thom 
#1 ·
Over the past couple of years I have had trouble getting comfortable with a trim router for my needs. I have had the PC 7310 and then traded it for the Bosch Colt which I sold a short while back. What I wanted was a trim router with a plunge that was affordable. I studied the T-3 and finally gave up on the idea for the time being... that is until BJ punched me on the T-4 and woke me up on the issue again. The T-4 corrected some of the issues I had with the earlier model and BJ also pointed me in the direction of an over sized round base that would allow me to do the kind of projects I need this router for. I really want to try sign routing and small size inlays for box lids. I am intimidated somewhat with my regular size router for these projects and think the right trim router will allow me to move forward.

This baby has just arrived today and I am really excited about it and can hardly wait to give it a test drive, but I'm afraid that may be several days down the road with my schedule. In the mean time maybe BJ can give you a run down on his findings with the one he received a few days ago. Oops.... looks like I let the cat out of the bag that BJ has a new toy :jester:

I just had to share my gloat so here are some pictures to enjoy.
 

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#2 ·
hi Bob

i really like the looks of the T-4! the plunge base and variable speed looks like a winner!

i know you will enjoy the router.

congratulations on the new toy!:)
 
#3 · (Edited)
Hi Bob

gREAt :)

Like you I have been wanting for a GOOD small plunge router..

This one looks like it's going to fit the bill,, I will post the other end of the book end routers in a day or two,,it's in parts right now,,putting on a new base plate from MilesCraft and drilling and mounting some built in LED lights maybe :) and some ski rods.

I have wipe out one base plate so far..:( many,many mounting holes in the MilesCraft base plate...tricky job..

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#8 ·
Hi Rusty

I don't want to step on Bob's post but I got mine from .

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Web Store Item Detail Page


total with shipping. Order Balance: $107.94
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#7 ·
Congrats, Bob, it looks like a very nice tool, however, be careful of those shocking screwed brass guides, the one piece steel one supplied is, in my most humble opinion, the way to go.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Hi Harry

This should make your day :), the Triton guides (steel ones/METRIC ) will fit right in the T4 ..BUT you know me I got a new base to take on the brass guides and the plastic, brass tip ones as well :) from Milescraft...I was putting lights in the Milescraft base but put in on the back burner for now because I have a base with lights I just need to drill some holes to mount the T4..:)


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#10 ·
Hi Bob

Well I said well it must be time for me to add to your post without stepping on your post...like you I'm excited about the new router,, :)

I also got one or two new items at the same time as the router so I added them in the post :)

I was going to add lights to the new base but not now ,,I have one :) with 4 holes it's setup with lights for the router ..


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#20 ·
Looks like a Milescraft Fest! How do you like their Lock jigs? I liked the idea but decided that as our locks over here were likely to be differently sized, I'd still have to make up some extras and never bothered. A lot of their other stuff seems well designed and very reasonably priced.

Cheers

Peter
 
#11 ·
thats a nice haul BobJ!

i like the trend T-4!

i also like the ski jig, it looks like the handles are high enough on the router not to even need a cutout!

i dont think my wife knows about all of my measly 4 routers, i know you try to keep yours from knowing the exact number.

in fact do you even know how many you have? :):):)

i know you will put it into action:)
 
#12 ·
Hi levon

Thanks :)

" in fact do you even know how many you have? "
No,, not for sure hahahahaha it's like when the ash (chip) tray is full get a new one..


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#14 ·
I thought you told me the other day when I was there you finally had all the tools you needed, I think I laughted then and I am laughing now. You'll never have all the tools you need!!

Looking good, do you want to bring it over here or should I just come by there some time?
 
#16 ·
A great collection of photographs Bj but that illuminated base looks on the clumsy side to me and seems to be very thick and so loses quite a lot of depth of cut. All is not doom and gloom, your shot #13, now this is what it should be all about, SAFE, sensible one piece template guides, now how about having a car boot sale of that vast quantity of three piece brass guides you have, or may be you'll get more weighing them in for scrap value!
 
#17 ·
Hi Harry

Thanks ,,,I was surprise you didn't say anything about my drill chuck for the router :)

The illuminated base is not to thick it's only 1/2" thick ,,and all the power is right on the same base..

Number 13 shows the Triron brand guides, note how clean they are,,about 1 1/2 years old and not used yet..:)

By the way I don't use a 3 part brass guides setup just a 2 part guide setup,the guide and the nut to hold them in PLACE..:), I should note they do come in fine thread and med.thread size, the fine thread ones do hold better..:)

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#19 · (Edited)
Hi Harry

O no Not you too,,I do but I will drop it for now, no need to get it going again :)

I tough you would get a big kick out of the MilesCraft plate with the turn-lock guides, they stay in place without any screws to drop down in the motor..I know you don't like brass but they are great just like the base plate that can be used on many routers plus note the big hole for the bigger bits when the turn-lock is not in place,,up to a 2" OD bit for slot cutters,rabbit bits,round overs,etc. I also reworked one of the MilesCraft base plates to take on the 1 1/2" brass guides..

As far a the 1/2" thick light base,,this small router is for light work, inlay,sign work,etc. and it only needs to plunge down to 1/4" to 1/2" deep the norm, it's like using a 22g gun I don't need to use a M16 router for small jobs..

Neat little router soft start and the VS, is great part of the router.. :)

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#22 · (Edited)
Hey Bob N.

Just a update :) and a small review on the T4 router/>>


A very easy way to put on a base plate on the T4 or just about any router..:)
It took less than 5 miles to get it up and running with the MilesCraft base plate..

On the T4 they have two holes ( 6mm size ) I'm not sure what they are are for but it's a great way to mount the MilesCraft base plate :)

All that's needed is to pickup 2ea. 6mm x 10 mm Phil.Flat hd. screws or ALLEN flat heads screws from just about any ACE hardware store..
Take a counter sink bit and rem the two holes ( see below ) put the screws in place line up the place with the line up tool from MilesCraft and it's done that quick..you can use the standard brass guides or the brass tip ones from MilesCraft or take out the turn-lock insert and use the bigger bits without taking off the plate :) (up to 2" OD )

I ran a test on the T4 and used some door jigs from milescraft and the router did very well :) I would rate the T4, 4 stars out of 5 stars so far , If I just had a way to get round the metric STUFF on it :) the pole stop is just a bit funky and the plate for it..very cheap...:(

That I need to rework it with some metric allen bolts..

Amazon.com: Milescraft 1216 TurnLock Metal Nose Bushing Set: Home Improvement
Amazon.com: Milescraft 1201 Base Plate / Bushing Set for Routers: Home Improvement

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#23 · (Edited)
BJ.....


Thanks ever so much for the T-4 base plate info and screw sizes, I was just about ready to write you and get some guidance on that part. I see you found an offset base, where did you get it? I don't think I need the laser/light, but sure would love the base. If I use my Milescraft base plate, what am I going to need the one I got from MLCS for? I am sure I'll just hang on to it for something down the road.

I wonder how hard and how to go about drilling it for the T-4, any sage advice on that for me buddy? EDIT: I found this great write up by Mike so I guess my question is answered on this. http://www.routerforums.com/table-mounted-routing/14985-centering-your-router-mounting-plate.html

I sure do like the skis you whipped up so fast for it. How about some details on sizes for the skis and rods if you get a chance.

Thanks so much for forerunning this router and paving an easy road for me and others to follow. I rekon we are just going to have to get used to that metric junk if we are going to surrive in this new world order :cray:
 
#24 · (Edited)
Hi Bob

The plate you have drill it out for the big guides ( OP type )
They are nice in the plunge router, I think you said you have the OP table with the guides for it,, one part for both routers :)

http://www.routerforums.com/project-plans-how/10818-bogydave.html

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" I see you found an offset base" yep,,you will really like the light,,,the older we get the more we need the light :) plus you can use your router in the dark LOL LOL,,it helps a great deal when try to see the line on the project..

On-Point Universal Laser Guided Router Plate

Or
Offset Router Plate - Rockler Woodworking Tools

The one below is a neat one once you have the MilesCraft mounted on your router,it's just quick turn and it's locked in place,no need to switch the base plates around :)
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=60490&cat=1,43000,51208&ap=1

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Once you have the MilesCraft place you can use it for a master for drilling the one from MLCS :) or any other plate.
Just a note for drilling the mounting holes the real key is the brass guide to line things up real quick and easy :)

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" skis and rods " they are 5/16-18 x 18" long,the ski is 4" tall and 10" long and the slots are 3/8" wide ,on 3 1/2" centers..


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BJ.....


Thanks ever so much for the T-4 base plate info and screw sizes, I was just about ready to write you and get some guidance on that part. I see you found an offset base, where did you get it? I don't think I need the laser/light, but sure would love the base. If I use my Milescraft base plate, what am I going to need the one I got from MLCS for? I am sure I'll just hang on to it for something down the road.

I wonder how hard and how to go about drilling it for the T-4, any sage advice on that for me buddy? EDIT: I found this great write up by Mike so I guess my question is answered on this. http://www.routerforums.com/table-mounted-routing/14985-centering-your-router-mounting-plate.html

I sure do like the skis you whipped up so fast for it. How about some details on sizes for the skis and rods if you get a chance.

Thanks so much for forerunning this router and paving an easy road for me and others to follow. I rekon we are just going to have to get used to that metric junk if we are going to surrive in this new world order :cray:
 
#27 ·
OK Bj, you haven't finished yet, get rid of that stupid three way height adjustment that at last is going out of fashion, and make a six way one as I did on the big Makita, it makes deep plunge routing so much easier.
 

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#28 ·
#29 ·
I already did, the big Makita 3612C is the only one that I use for plunge routing. That being so, I'm sure that ALL members are eagerly awaiting to see what you come up with and equally importantly, what you think of the new deep routing experience.
 
#30 · (Edited)
#31 · (Edited)
#32 ·
Hi Bob,

I did see the link and ran across the item a few days ago, but was a little skidish of the reviews it received. There appears to be a little slop in the unit according to the reviewers.

How do you like yours? It really is an innovative design it it works good.
 
#33 · (Edited)
Hi Bob

It's has a little bit of slop in it but it's a plastic part but with a little bit of paper it's fine now :) it has a snap lock part that could be made a little bit better...

I like it :)

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#36 ·
Hi Howard

To me it's like having 10 screw drivers,they all do the same job more or less but some times you need the right one ,like the 18" Phil. long screw driver :) just makes the job essayer ....and quicker :)

I do sometimes build jigs as I need them but most of the time I think of what the jig can do b/4 I make it ,like putting a ratchet knob on a long screw driver...

That makes me recall the 6ft.long screw driver I needed to open a car trunk,from the inside the car from the back seat of the car,,when a mate lost his keys to the trunk,/jigs/jigs/jigs..:)

I'm now making the T4 more user friendly with some updates.like removing the turret stop and using 1/4" plastic for the same job but it's wide open for the bass setup bars or stock I'm using.,,now it just slides in free and easy, no knobs to get hung up on..like using it for inlay jobs,just slip the stock under the pole stop and it's dead on the right depth setting..no guess work needed :)

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#37 · (Edited)
Hey Bob

Here's a update and a review on the T4 and the MilesCraft products, I'm sold on the T4 and MC plate and it's the best plate for any router..:) bar none :)

I had a full page of text and I hit the wrong key and just that quick it was gone...$!@%#@!%@#.. :)

I'm sure you will see all the updates on the T4 so I'm just going to post the pictures :)

As you will see I'm sold on the MC products and now the T4 router is a user friendly in many ways.. :)

If you have any question just ask,,I'm not going to start over on the post :)

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#38 ·
Hi BJ,

Thanks for the update pictures. You really know how to soup up a router better than anyone I know. I am still waiting for some accessories to arrive from Amazon before I can work on mine so I have nothing new to share at the moment. Also being held back a little from looking after my wife who now is down in her back (probably after effects from the recent kidney stone adventures). I need to get her well so she can look after me :sad:

I appreciate all the nice pictures for me to steal ideas from, and I won't let them go to waste once I can get back out in the shop (hopefully a little this weekend at least). I am glad to hear that you like the MC offset base plate so well and I will more than likely get one heading my way before it is over with. Right now I settled for the Rockler model to get me started and I am still looking at the MilesCraft offset base also.

Appreciate the added info Bob!
 
#39 ·
Hi Bob

Your welcome :)

SORRY about the BOSS,,I know they can be nasty :(

If you are like me when I put the brass guides in place it's hard for me to get my fingers in to get the ring nut in place and get it out, but with the MC base and the turn-lock system it makes it easy...now :)
Plus I can use up to 2" OD bit without removing the base plate,,i.e. rabbit bit ,slot cutters,etc.

I can just hear Harry now,about the one piece guides,,but they are a PITA when the vac.tube is in place and do like to suck up the chips all at one time..:)



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