Craftsman routing table questions..

3124 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by mgmine, Oct 29, 2021

Zachware12

Discussion Starter · Aug 21, 2021

Hey everyone, just picked up an older craftsman table saw with an attached Craftsman router table extension. So I know that not any router will fit but is there a universal attachment so I can fit a different one or do I need to find a Craftsman router for the table? Also it did not come with a fence, so same question for that. Is there a universal on or should I just make one?

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old55

· #2 · Aug 22, 2021

Welcome to the forum.

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jw2170

· #3 · Aug 22, 2021

G'day @Zachware12 , welcome to the forum.

BY the look of those screw holes, I would think a number of common router should fit,

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TenGees

· #4 · Aug 22, 2021

It looks like you have two different 3-screw patterns available in a triangle shape centered around the main bit hole. If you measure between two holes on each pattern, you should be able to compare that measurement with the baseplate screw spacing on a router. I'm not sure what router the holes in the rectangular pattern are for.

I think it would be difficult to find the fence and I've never seen a universal one. There are slots for screwing a fence down. The pics don't show the bottom of the slots... they may accommodate "toilet bolts" that would be handy for positioning a DIY fence (so you don't need a wrench on the bottom). On some saws the saw fence can move over the router wing but you'd need to add faces so the bit doesn't cut your fence. This could also be inconvenient because you lose your settings when you change tools.

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woodworker47

· #5 · Aug 22, 2021

Check out the M.U.L.E. fence system. They are made for old craftsman table saw. I have a vintage 50’s saw and the fence works great.

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Zachware12

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 26, 2021

Thanks everyone for your help! Hoping to use the Bosch 1617 with it based on the positive reviews…..if it’ll fit 🤞🏼

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Steve Pack

· #7 · Aug 26, 2021

Zachware12 said:
Thanks everyone for your help! Hoping to use the Bosch 1617 with it based on the positive reviews…..if it’ll fit 🤞🏼

I have a router table table made for TS , you can use TS fence if it will move over that far.

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John G Graham

· #8 · Oct 29, 2021

Zachware12 said:
Hey everyone, just picked up an older craftsman table saw with an attached Craftsman router table extension. So I know that not any router will fit but is there a universal attachment so I can fit a different one or do I need to find a Craftsman router for the table? Also it did not come with a fence, so same question for that. Is there a universal on or should I just make one? View attachment 399339 View attachment 399340

Hi Zach,
I stumbled across your post as I think I may have seen your same router table and router - take a look at my post:

New to Table Routers - would appreciate help please

Hi, I'm new to table routers (I am familiar with small palm routers like my Bosch GFK-125CEPK for little trim jobs). I have recently retired and have a couple of moldings I'd like to create with a table router. Not having all that much to spend I came across a Used Craftsman Table Router (see...

www.routerforums.com

Would appreciate it if you could let me know what the Craftsman model numbers are please (for the table and the router). I think (from one of the above photos) that the table may be 171.253510 - but a search on craftsmanservice.com does not show it as a valid number.
On another note: If you don't mind drilling new holes into the router table, you could fit just about any router under it. Just follow the instructions in

Centering your router on a mounting plate

It is very important that your router be centered on your mounting plate. Many people sweat over this for hours remeasuring before they drill their mounting holes. The quick and easy way to do this is with a centering kit from Rousseau. These kits work with all brands of mounting plates that...

www.routerforums.com

(you may have to use a temporary blind mounting "plate" (or scrap plywood) on your router+ base, to hold the router in place so you can transfer the holes).
Hopes this helps
John

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John G Graham

· #9 · Oct 29, 2021

Zach,
I found the mounting plate for your question: It's a Universal Mounting Plate (Adapter Plate) from Craftsman:
P/N 9-26479 Craftsman Professional Large Router Adapter Plate
• Molded glass-filled polycarbonate plastic adapter plate mounts most non-Craftsman routers to the 171.264630 and the 171,264640 Professional Router Tables
• Easy to follow instructions and mounting templates supplied
• Adapter plate mounts to the router table using fasteners supplied with router table
• Fasteners for mounting the router to the adapter plate are not included and must obtained separately
IMPORTANT NOTE: The drilling and the countersinking of holes in the adapter plate are necessary in order to mount the router to the adapter plate. The screw heads must be slightly below the top surface of the adapter plate.

AND your other question of the fence:
Also from Craftsman P/N 9-26472 Precision Router Table Fence Assembly
• Mounts to all Craftsman Professional Router Tables
• Extruded aluminum fence is fully adjustable measuring 4" high and 27" long
• Fence opening is adjustable for different size router bits providing greater support
• Exclusive "keyed"jointing feature straightens workpiece edges for gluing
• Fence assembly has 2-1/2" diameter dust port for wetJdry vacs with 2-1/2" diameter hoses
• Clear see through guard allows viewing of the work area
• Incorporates T-slot design for mounting feather boards

Your Router Table is a Craftsman M/N 171.264660 Professional Router Table
171.264630 (without Floor Stand)
171.264640 (with Floor Stand)

Hope this helps.
John G

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mgmine

· #10 · Oct 29, 2021

I would use the router table extension as a saw extension and not for a router table. It seems like it's going to cost money to make it work and in the long run what do you end up with? No fence, no way to hold the work down on the surface (feather boards) and no rings to make the hole smaller for normal size bits.

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