[LarryI]

I've been using the BenchDog Protop Portable Router Table and now want to do raised panel doors and need a larger opening. BenchDog's router plate insert isn't user friendly with giving the flexibility of insert rings unless you go to their Aluminum ProPlate.

Anyone know of other alternative plates without spending $90 for BenchDogs?

 

[challagan]

I have the pro top contractor as well and that is one of my few gripes on that table. Even then the aluminum model doesn't work with the DW 625 from what I have read. It's heads above my old router table but it does have draw backs.

Corey

 

[bobj3]

Hi Larry

How about using Vertical Router bits ,they will do a great job and you don't need to replace the plate.

http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fixtures/2725-raised-panels-quick-easy.html

You can use the back cutter bit on the back side of the panel when you need to but it's not needed the norm.
Undercutter/back cutter Bits
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/raisvert.html

Bj

----------------------

I've been using the BenchDog Protop Portable Router Table and now want to do raised panel doors and need a larger opening. BenchDog's router plate insert isn't user friendly with giving the flexibility of insert rings unless you go to their Aluminum ProPlate.

Anyone know of other alternative plates without spending $90 for BenchDogs?

 

[Mike]

Larry, Benchdogs plate size is 8-1/4" x 11-1/2". It would be a simple thing to install a Rousseau mounting plate in your table. Rousseau plates are the most popular in the world and they are different than any others. They are slightly convex, this assures that the wood passes the bit at the exact same height every time. Odds are you have seen this plate on the NYW. Norm used this plate the first 10 years of the show and only switched because Rockler became a sponsor. I have several of these plates and am very happy with them. If you prefer to use a flat plate MLCS and Woodpeckers both offer imitations of the Rousseau plate minus the patented features. The 9" x 12" size can be trimmed to perfection in about 5 minutes using the Rousseau template kit. The kit includes a guide bushing with a collar that will be removed for cutting the lip the plate sits on. You wont be able to use your Bench dog plate anymore but that is a small price to pay. You should be able to get a Rousseau plate and the template kit for under $50. Both Woodcraft and Rockler sell these items.

 

[curiousgeorge]

Larry, I can vouch for the Rousseau that Mike suggested. When I built my table I took his suggestion and have never regretted it. It was a snap to install with the template kit.

 

[challagan]

Larry, let me know if you switch to the Rousseau plate and how it goes. I know it is only 3/4 difffernce but you have to be careful on this router top and there isn't alot of room to the front cause there is an aluminum track there. Also the bracing underneath may be an issue.
Question on this plate for those that use it. The bench dog fence allows you to edge joint a board, would the crown on this plate, it kind of sounds like it would hamper the abilities to edge joint a board??

Corey

 

[LarryI]

Mike,

Are you saying to cut the Rousseau plate down to the BenchDog size (8 1/4 x 11 3/4) or to cut the table opening larger to accommodate the Rousseau plate?

If saying cut the plate down, how easy is it to cut the phenolic material? Just run it through the table saw?

Thanks all for the feedback.

 

[curiousgeorge]

Corey,
There is no difference using the Rousseau from any other plate. I have used mine to edge joint and there is no problem.

LarryI,
I hope Mike doesn't mind my answering for him but I believe he was talking about enlarging the existing hole using the template kit to fit the Rousseau plate.

 

[challagan]

Thanks George, wasn't sure on that.

Corey

 

[Mike]

Right you are George. Larry, you can easily enlarge your opening to fit the Rousseau plate. The removeable center rings allow you to use the largest bits or to install PC style guide bushings or filler blanks. (These reduce the opening size for an almost zero clearance fit around your bit) Corey, for all practical applications consider this plate to be flat; it is a very minor but important amount of convex shape, we are talking thousandths of an inch.