[Bloc75]

Quick question.

I've figured out how to create a single depth stop on my DRT50 plunge base. But there are 3 stops. Is there a way to set them to be preset at 3 depths?

 

[Biagio]

I think I understand what you are asking, but will not swear to it. But here goes:
1. Set your maximum depth of cut on your lowest stop on the rotating depth-setting turret. If there is a protruding screw and locknut, you may need to loosen the nut and screw the screw (usually has a recess for a screwdriver) in as far as possible, and re-lock the nut. Loosen whatever holds the depth-of-cut rod or gauge, allow it to make contact with the turret stop, tighten up again, do not change.
2. Rotate the turret to the next stop, set as above, for 2/3 of the depth of cut.
3. Repeat again with the next stop on the turret for 1/3 depth of cut.
You start the cut plunging down to the third stop (i.e 1/3 of depth), then work you way down on the repeat cuts.
If I misunderstood, apologies, please re-phrase.

 

[harrysin]

Most routers seem to have the obsolete three step depth turrets. For serious routing this is useless. Fortunately I have a metal lathe and have made multi step turrets.

 

[Bloc75]

I think I understand what you are asking, but will not swear to it. But here goes:
1. Set your maximum depth of cut on your lowest stop on the rotating depth-setting turret. If there is a protruding screw and locknut, you may need to loosen the nut and screw the screw (usually has a recess for a screwdriver) in as far as possible, and re-lock the nut. Loosen whatever holds the depth-of-cut rod or gauge, allow it to make contact with the turret stop, tighten up again, do not change.
2. Rotate the turret to the next stop, set as above, for 2/3 of the depth of cut.
3. Repeat again with the next stop on the turret for 1/3 depth of cut.
You start the cut plunging down to the third stop (i.e 1/3 of depth), then work you way down on the repeat cuts.
If I misunderstood, apologies, please re-phrase.

So you can essentially set them all up before you begin your work and it just ends up being the case of rotating the turrets on each pass?

 

[Bloc75]

Most routers seem to have the obsolete three step depth turrets. For serious routing this is useless. Fortunately I have a metal lathe and have made multi step turrets.

Well I'm on page 1of Alan Holtham's Complete Routing book, so way off being a serious router, but what I have discovered around the Internet is that these features are not as accurate as they make out, but I guess as I am starting out getting used to the tool, it's not a bad way to start.

 

[Biagio]

Essentially, that is the idea - set up, then proceed from turret step to turret step.
As Harry says, the older style turrets are not great. My newer routers have the multi-step turrets, such as he has made.
An alternative, is to use fixed-size set-up bars to set each depth. Harry once suggested using drill bits for this purpose, as the drill bits are generally pretty close to their stated diameter. No fiddling with locknuts, etc.

 

[Biagio]

Nice bit of kit you have, Harry is chuffed with his., although I think he has the corded version. I only have the largest Makitas.
One more thing: the depth stop (slides down to make contact with the turret) has a fine adjustment feature to fine-tune depth of cut - be sure to read how it works in the manual. Remember, when all else fails, read the manual.

 

[Bloc75]

Yeah thanks. Although like most Makita products they don't spend too much effort on the manuals. Trial and error is the way forward.

 

[Biagio]

I take your point. Terse to the point of making Hemingway look verbose. However, figures 6 and 8 to 16 essentially cover what I wrote above. Pity they are not properly referenced in the text.

 

[Bloc75]

well I think I was hoping for more, maybe they are just not for beginners - which is fine. One way or another I'll learn.

 

[Biagio]

Any way can be of assistance, only too happy.

 

[Biagio]

That goes for everybody here, most of whom know far more than me.

 

[Rebelwork Woodworking]

I use the turret often. It's a great cabinet maker option..

 

[harrysin]

This shot from one of my deep routing projects illustrates the usefulness of the multi step turret, after each 4mm cut, the turret is turned one step for the next cut, so very easy and FAST.

 

[GeoffB1950]

Most routers seem to have the obsolete three step depth turrets. For serious routing this is useless. Fortunately I have a metal lathe and have made multi step turrets.

Good day Harry, I do like your extra lighting and the new turret.

 

[harrysin]

Good day Harry, I do like your extra lighting and the new turret.

I don't have a patent on them Geoff, get cracking and have a go.