Are there compatable router bases

rout-on said:

Hi Y'all;
I have a question for which I cannot find the information myself via the net or Manufacturers website regarding whether I can find a fixed base that is capable of attaching to my plunge router (Craftsman 315.245070).It is a pain in the butt trying to set up using my router in the table with a plunge type base.Any suggestions would be hepful.Thanks.

Can someone move this to General Routing posting section..please
Is my question so far out.......or is it that no one can give me a positive answer.....I suppose that I will have to just go out a buy another router and plate to attach it.I have posted the pic of my router.......it's probably not all that popular,but IT IS the first one I got.

Click to expand...

I don't know that particular router but it looks like one that would not have a fixed base. You can do a few things to make it easier to use. Some of these things will make it in to a table mounted router and require time to re-assemble for free hand use. As was mentioned the springs maybe removed. This makes it for "table only use" until you put the springs back in but it will make it easier to push up into position and lock. The plastic shield can be removed and that will make changing bits easier to do. These things are "free". If you want to spend money several companies make systems for adjusting the router from above the table.... They start at about $90 and go up to $$$. Of course they have to fit your router???

I started with a Sear router a lot of years ago, I still have it and use it for a few special projects. I also have a "large" Sears plunge router in a Sear table and use to have the springs out but purchased a router razer over the winter. This allows for above the table height adjustments but it was about $90.

Most people find it nice to get a second router.... third router.... forth router...... fifth router...... For about a $100 you can get a major brand one with a fixed base..... if you can spend the money to get a variable speed, softstart one it becomes more useful. If you have a bit more to spend look into one with both fixed and plunge bases.....

If you would like to detail your problems rather then spend the money we might be able to give you more detailed answers........

Ed

Donald,

I believe Ed and Donald have offered some good advice. Many of us have more than one router and this allows us to leave one in the table without the hassles you describe. I think an additional base will cost little less than an additional router itself if you look around. I myself use the Dewalt 618PK which came with a plunge and fixed base. Fine and well until I saw Norm on TV one day and he had a nice "D" handle base, knowing me, I just had to have one.... $75 plus $15 shipping. A few weeks later I ran up on a fellow on another forum that was selling his "new used only once" DW618 fixed base router for $120 "including" shipping, I did not even have to think about it and grabbed it in a heartbeat. He had to liquidate his shop for personal reasons and was selling everything but the walls. It was as brand new as it could get when I received it.

I say look around for a bargin and get a 2nd router. Mount one in the table and keep the other handy for freehand use. These little buggers are addictive and I just added a PC7310 to my collection after listening to this bunch of router addicts discuss it in another thread and also after researching the model furter from other sources. I saved $30 under retail on ebay of a brand new one.

Just my opinions for what they are worth.