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Woodpecker Top With Kreg Insert

7.1K views 22 replies 10 participants last post by  Ratbob  
#1 ·
I just got a used (second hand but essentially brand new) Woodpecker router top on a Kreg table base. The setup didn't have a router insert so in order to save money I was going to buy a $50 Kreg insert to put into the Woodpecker cutout instead of the $100 Woodpecker insert. I'm not planning to use a lift at this time and will just mount my Porter Cable router to the underside and adjust as I go.

The problem is I'm not sure how to level and screw down the Kreg insert to the Woodpecker top since they are designed to use different systems. Is anybody familiar with this problem who could provide any advice or suggestions?

As you can guess, this is my first router table - so I'm still learning.
 
#3 ·
Hello and welcome to the router forum.
sorry not familiar with your set up but I'm sure we have a member that can help you, sounds like you got a good deal
 
#4 ·
#5 ·
Thanks for the friendly welcome and for the advice above from TwoSkies. I saw those and they might work but the existing table has a rabbit that the insert is designed to sit on. I guess I could set those supports so they sat on the inside of the rabbit and it wouldn't make much of a difference.

I did get a good deal, the whole setup with the Kreg base, the Woodpecker top, nice heavy locking casters, and a power switch was only $100!

Now I just need to learn how to use it!!
 
#6 ·
They will mount to the underside of the table top, below the rabbet. They are advertised to fit tables that are 1 1/2" thick, so you should be good to go....

You come to the right place to learn how to use it.....There's quite a bit of knowledge floating around here somewhere :)
 
#7 ·
@wrecks

Welcome to the forum - when you get a chance, please update your profile with a first name - makes it so much more personal - there are too many people with a first name of n/a :)

Your initial post asked how you would screw down the insert - you shouldn't have to screw it down as the weight of the router will keep it in place and will allow you to lift the plate/router for ease of adjustment.

Vince
 
#10 ·
problem he'd encounter I do believe is that the plate would rest slightly lower than the top of the table... and I do mean just slightly..this is something that he can easily check quickly....if it is flush, no doubt the weight of the router would hold her in place easily...not much different than resting on the adjusters, regardless of design..
 
#13 ·
Okay, so it sounds like I may be able to just drop it in and everything will be fine. I'll see how it works when the plate arrives and if I have further questions about getting it set up right I'll fire away. I picked up the table today and have the plate on order.

Next piece of business will be building a fence!

Cheers,
Rex
 
#15 ·
Hey Rex, when I build my table using a Rockler 1/4" aluminum plate (which also sits on a rabbit below the table top) I used this router leveling kit from Rockler. It worked well for me. I would agree that the weight of the router will hold the plate in place as long as the plate fits snugly in the recess.

The lip that the router plate sits on should be at least 1/2" wide for this kit and it needs to be cut to ~1/8" deeper than the plate thickness. Install the threaded inserts, leveling screws, and lay the plate on top. Easy Peasy!

Welcome to the Forum!

Jeff
 
#19 ·
It is as simple as measuring the cavity in the table and then buying a plate of the same measurement. The thickness is fairly standard but the outside measurement could be different. I am not sure but I do believe the Kreg plates are different size than the Woodpecker plates. There are 2 different plate sizes and maybe more but I only know of the two. I have a Woodpecker table with the super fence and until I bought a Jessem Lift I used the Woodpecker aluminum plate even though there there are other plates that will work.
 
#22 ·
I got my Kreg insert plate in the mail today and it fits perfectly into the Woodpecker table top. It needs to be leveled a little bit and I think I will just take care of this with a few layers of masking tape on the rabbet on the side where it is needed.

On a related note, when I mount my PC 690 router to the underside of the plate (I won't be using a lift) I assume I should remove the black plastic ring that is part of the router base when being used handheld. Is that correct?