[Bob N]

I know as long as I have been hanging around here and as much as I have already used my router table, I should already know the answer to this, but I am embarassed to say that I don't.

Just what is the purpose of the brass insert that goes in the whole? Is it to keep the dust out of the router? Is it to keep the stock from tipping into the whole when passing the bit? I am speaking of the flat one that closes the gap around the the bit, I know the porpose of the others.

Okay.... now I'll go burry my head in the sand while I wait on a reply

 

[bobj3]

Hi BOB

"to keep the stock from tipping into the hole when passing the bit"

Bj

 

[challagan]

That's it bud, you said it... it closes the gap around the bit. Much safer to use and will keep you from jabbing a smaller workpiece's corner etc. down into the whole!

Corey

 

[Joe Lyddon]

I know as long as I have been hanging around here and as much as I have already used my router table, I should already know the answer to this, but I am embarassed to say that I don't.

Just what is the purpose of the brass insert that goes in the whole? Is it to keep the dust out of the router? Is it to keep the stock from tipping into the whole when passing the bit? I am speaking of the flat one that closes the gap around the the bit, I know the porpose of the others.

Okay.... now I'll go burry my head in the sand while I wait on a reply

Could it be that he's talking about the Guide and holder?

If it's just the flat space filler, it is to stop your small pieces from dropping down and to reach the bit smoothly.

 

[curiousgeorge]

Hi Bob,
It has the same purpose as a zero clearance table saw insert.

 

[challagan]

He is talking about the brass insert as he says from Oak Park. Reduces the whole from 1 1/2 inches down to 3/4 I think.

Corey

 

[Bob N]

Thanks y'all.... I knew all along and was testing to see if everyone else knew the answer Yeah Right...... hey, just trying to save face here.

Sometimes we do things because we are told to and never fully understand the reason why. Now I have my reason why

 

[Mike in CA]

OK, I have no ego, I'm learning something new. The only brass insert I knew about was a guide bushing that has a keeper ring screwed onto the back.

If it's "similar to a zero insert table saw plate", is there a insert set, that allows different size bits to protrude through the hole?
Does that also mean that it can be used table mounted, or hand held?
Thanks for asking this question
Mike

 

[bobj3]

Hi Mike

"Does that also mean that it can be used table mounted, or hand held"

Well Yes and No,,,,

No one makes a set like you are talking about but I think Bob N was talking about the one that goes in the router table BUT you can make a set that will work in both (table and plunge router) Some routers and base plates have a 1 1/2" / 1 3/4" hole and some have a 1 3/16" hole.
All you need to do is buy a set that fits your router opening and remove the male part of the brass guides(you cut them off or just drill them out (with a standard drill bit or a step drill bit ) and then kiss the hole on both sides with a counter sink to remove the bur,they do make it safer to use your router.
Below you will see some links for the Oak_Park base plates and some brass guides they sell, also you will also see a link for some standard 1 3/16" type for the PC opening that are sold at the right price so you can cut off the male part and make your own.

I have made a set for my router tables and plunge routers and they do work well to close that hole up.
When you are using 1/8" and 1/4" bits and 3/8" bits.

http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=BP-BP11-&product=BP20051
http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=BP-BP11-&product=CR043
http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=BP-BP11-&product=BP20890
http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=BG-BGST-&product=BG034

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95160

Bj

 

[Mike]

Mike, Whiteside makes a set of brass opening reducers to fit PC style guide mounts. These are as close to a zero clearance insert as you will find. You will find them on page 34 of the Whiteside catalog. Here is the catalog in Adobe format:

 

[bobj3]

Thanks Mike

I didn't know any one made a set

http://woodworkersworld.net/router_bits_bit_accessories.shtml#collets

Bit high in price but it's good to know one can just order them on line and save some time.

Bj

 

[Mike in CA]

Many, Many Thanks Mike & Bj, those are now on my "Gotta Have" list. :sold:
And the links to a couple sources, very cool!

Mike

 

[labric]

Bj, Mike, & Mike in CA

Lee Valley carries brass guide bushings and router plate inserts for both 1-3/16" dia, and 1-3/4" dia. router plate holes, available in 1/4", 3/8', 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" & 1" id.

The 8 pc set of plate inserts including locking ring is US$20.50 ( CAD$24.50 ) for both sizes.

See Lee Valley item 04J27.15 for 1-3/4" dia.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=51152&cat=1,43000,51208&ap=1

See Lee Valley item 46J92.20 for 1-3/16" dia.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=51153&cat=1,43000,51208&ap=1

I have both sets and use them mostly for router table operations but have used them in hand hand operations as well.

Hope this clears up the question of availability.

Ric

 

[bobj3]

Thanks Ric

More links and at a good price on top of that

Bj

 

[curiousgeorge]

ALL RIGHT!!!! More links. You guys sure know how to help me spend money.

 

[RustyW]

http://pricecutter.com/product.asp?pn=400-1510
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=6511
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11391

 

[cbsjoez1935]

Mike,

You can buy a set, just like you wanted, from Eagle America for $40.00. They are on www.eagleamerica.com
You can do just as Bob described, but I think this is easier.

Good luck,
Joe