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Centering question

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  dutchman 46 
#1 ·
Hello all,
Being I am new here and basically new to routing, I read a lot of the topic areas and many posts. I have noticed that many times centering is questioned and answers given. I am confused because it would seem to me that if one pays a good sum for a top end router it should come centered and ready to use out of the box..after set up of course. I really don't like buying something for a bit under $200 then having to buy something else to make it work (centered) when it should be centered when produced. I know I am ignorant about a lot of this material and do'nt know a heck of a lot. If this is how it is, then this is how it is and I have to work within the tools parameters
Does this apply if I say buy a Bosch router and a Bosch table...would'nt Bosch make sure it was on the money?
I have a few other questions..should I bundle them or ask them individually.
thanks for any help that is received
Frank in NJ
 
#2 ·
Routers and their base plates are not made to fit perfectly. There is always some slop so that you CAN make it perfect.

I like to put a 1/4" or 1/2" length of drill rod in the chuck, install a guide in the base that is just the next size larger in the center hole. I then eyeball it while adjusting the base position and snug it down.

You need to do this so no matter what direction you have the router turned, it always cuts the same distance from the template edge.
 
#3 ·
Getting the bit centered is like making sure your miter box is cutting perfect at 90 and 45 degrees, or you table saw blade is parallel to the miter slot, polishing the backs of your plane irons/chisels, and the list goes on. It is just part of setting up the tool. But getting the bit centered in the base plate is only important if you are going to use guide bushings or use the base plate as a cutting reference.
 
#4 ·
Hello Frank! The discussion that you are talking about is in mounting your router in a table. and if you use a collet as a guide, it must be centered correctly. The bit could rub the inside of the collet, and the collet would not be centered, therefore, it becomes useless as a guide.
 
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