[David2543]

Ok here we go, I am building my first ( and probably only tabletop router table. Question the insert I have been given is a 1/4" pro made and came with holes for other routers. My 3 pc 690 holes don't fit so I drilled 3 more. I have about 12 holes in it now from other routers. Should I use this or just toss it and buy or make a new one from acrylic. Thank you, Dave:help::help:

 

[woodknots]

David - you haven't said what the insert was made of. If you're happy with it, I wouldn't be too concerned about the holes, and I certainly wouldn't toss it. If you don't have another router, you'll likely get one at some time, then you can swap out router and plate without having to change anything in your table of having to change the router on the plate.

When you get a chance, update your profile and include some of the tools you have and your general location - this will help the members here help you and provide more specific detail for you, knowing what you have available and where you might be able to get what you need. Providing help or answers to someone in the UK or Europe is going to be different than for someone in North America.

 

[David2543]

Well I'm not sure of its type its 1/4" black plastic or acrylic and came from Oak Park the routers with Bob Rosenthal. Would it be wrong to cut it down? my table isn't huge 24x16. This thing takes up almost half of the table at 12"squre. Thank you for responding Vince I obviously need the help. if this matters I wont be doing and heavy routing just building small stuff. I was just thinking of a hole in the top and that's it but the top is 3/4" and that would cause a loss of 3/4" on bit thank you

 

[woodknots]

David - the Oak Park table was 16x24 - my home made table was built from their plans and is also 16x24 and I put in a Kreg insert plate, which is almost the same size. I didn't center my plate but placed it closer to the outfeed side of the table and closer to the back. I've routed rails and stiles on that table for all kinds of cabinet doors - this forum was started because of the Rosendhals, but I'm sure some of the long-standing members here will have more details on that.

The thing about an insert plate is that you'll have the ability to change the inserts in the plate to more closely match the size (width) of the bit you are using. You don't want to have a lot of space surrounding the bit. The fact that your insert is 12x12 isn't of any consequence because it becomes part of the table so you don't lose any space. At the end of the day, though, the decision is yours

I've included a picture of my table and fence.

 

[David2543]

Wow maybe my plate isn't so big after all. Thanks a lot Vince you have helped greatly, Dave

 

[mgmine]

If it fits I would use it, that is if it has inserts for different size bits.

 

[DesertRatTom]

I don't see much point in changing it out for something else, particularly since it's oversized and will be hard to replace.

 

[David2543]

Only problem is the hole is 1-1/2" although I doubt I would use anything bigger

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

The largest roundover bits and all the horizontal raised panel bits are larger than that so you may want to look in the future at another plate and router combination you could switch out with it. My Grizzly plates are about 3/8" thick and I can't remember the length and width but it seems to me they were a little oddball. One member just bolted his to the bottom of 1/2' ply, that's only a loss of 1/8". 3/4" ply would be a 3/8' loss but you could router out the area where the router will sit to 3/8" and it would still be close to the same strength.