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Router Crafter

2033 Views 9 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  jaguar1201, 
V
I was always fascinated by the Router Crafter, and happened on an essentially new one at a good price a while back, bought it and put it in storage until I can build a bigger shop (hopefully this year). I have ZERO time using it. Anyway, I'm looking at upgrading my router (I have a PC 693PK with both bases) as both my router table and on-the-go router. I will likely get a dedicated router table router, and buy a DeWalt cordless router as my on-the-go router.

The question here is, are there any limitations to what routers will work with the Router Crafter, or is it just a matter of having a base plate that fits on it? Minimum HP recommended? Must be plunge? Should I keep my PC for the Router Crafter, or will the DeWalt work with a different base?

Thanks,
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Rebelwork Woodworking
I'm in the same boat. A buddy at work bought one at a pawn shop and asked if I wanted it. I bought it and it sits under the bench.

I would be interested in sorting it out and getting some use out of it as well.

Maybe someone with one will chime in...
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B
I have an almost identical device, sold at the time by Vermont American. Have not used it for ages, since getting a lathe.
There is no real restriction abou which router you choose to mount. The arc-like cutouts on the router mounting plate give you plenty of freedom (remove the router's plastic base plate to be able to use the existing screw holes). The idea is to position the bit above the midline of the "spindle" you are working on. Bear in mind that, since the base plate is hinged on one side, the point of the bit travels through an arc as it cuts deeper, not directly up and down. This has a small but noticeable effect on the cuts - ever so slightly angled.
I do not think there is a minimum hp dictated by the Crafter. I used it for some time with a 11/3hp Hitachi, with no issues, on some fairly dense woods (iroko, imbuia).
We hardly ever see a fixed base router this side of the Atlantic, I have never had or used one, but I do not see why it would not work - the depth of cut is set by adjustments on the Crafter, after the initial setup on the router.
The manual is available on-line, BTW.
The router I was using at the time was single-speed (35 years go), there was some burning when making deeper cuts, related to the slowing down. Variable speed may help, also not being in such a darn hurry.
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old55
Welcome to the forum @vweaver
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M
Welcome to the forum
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roxanne562001
Welcome to the forum
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CharleyL
There is a post on Router Forums from several years ago regarding a similar unit. The post is quite long and is called "Turning Contraption". It is not directly aimed at the Craftsman Router Crafter, but should provide considerable interesting reading regarding a similar design and it's applications. A search on this forum should find it easily.

Charley
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Laserwizard
vweaver said:
I was always fascinated by the Router Crafter, and happened on an essentially new one at a good price a while back, bought it and put it in storage until I can build a bigger shop (hopefully this year). I have ZERO time using it. Anyway, I'm looking at upgrading my router (I have a PC 693PK with both bases) as both my router table and on-the-go router. I will likely get a dedicated router table router, and buy a DeWalt cordless router as my on-the-go router.

The question here is, are there any limitations to what routers will work with the Router Crafter, or is it just a matter of having a base plate that fits on it? Minimum HP recommended? Must be plunge? Should I keep my PC for the Router Crafter, or will the DeWalt work with a different base?

Thanks,
Click to expand...
I used a craftsman router on a router crafter 22 years ago to make the spiral beads on this desk. It worked pretty well. There was a bit of sanding cleanup as the way the spindle mounts, it doesnt run real true. You can adapt virtually any router on it.
Iv'e since gotten rid of the router crafter with the intent of acquring the spiral jig from Vega.

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LeftFinger
I used a Craftsman on mine . Standard 3 1/2" router body , standard base
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J
vweaver said:
I was always fascinated by the Router Crafter, and happened on an essentially new one at a good price a while back, bought it and put it in storage until I can build a bigger shop (hopefully this year). I have ZERO time using it. Anyway, I'm looking at upgrading my router (I have a PC 693PK with both bases) as both my router table and on-the-go router. I will likely get a dedicated router table router, and buy a DeWalt cordless router as my on-the-go router.

The question here is, are there any limitations to what routers will work with the Router Crafter, or is it just a matter of having a base plate that fits on it? Minimum HP recommended? Must be plunge? Should I keep my PC for the Router Crafter, or will the DeWalt work with a different base?

Thanks,
Click to expand...
SINCE I RECENTLY SOLD MY ROUTER CRAFTER, I AN NOW SELLING THE CRAFTSMAN ROUTER THAT I USED WITH IT FOR $58obo. IT IS A 315-25070, COMMERCIAL GRADE, 25K RPM, 1 HP, WITH OTHER ATTACHMENTS ON E-BAY LISTING
Furniture Shelf Cabinetry Wood Shelving
294432138529. I WILL ATTACH A PHOTO OF A SPOOL CABINET ON STAND THAT I MADE WITH 1/2 SPINDLES THAT I MADE ON THE ROUTER CRAFT WITH THIS ROUTER.
RICK @ 330 285 8296
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