Replies

1. 
   Drew1house | Aug 27, 2007 09:03am | #1

   You usually can get a router template for the specific router lift you are looking to buy at the time you purchase the lift. They normally come with instructions. It's easy...

   Drew

1. 
   LarryTait | Aug 27, 2007 01:38pm | #3

   Thanks Drew. I will see if the supllier had anything.. I guess they have an interest in not telling us so they can sell one of their ready-made units. (All very nice but very pricey)  

2. 
   THintz | Aug 27, 2007 10:37am | #2

   I also vote for using a template if possible as it is the easier way out. However, if a template is not available or you want to do this now, see the link below for a story on installing a lift plate. Before templates were so common, I had to figure out an accurate way of doing this.

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/instrtrlft.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   LarryTait | Aug 27, 2007 01:40pm | #4

   Thanks Tom

   Your article lays it out very clearly.  I can't wait to get started tonight !

3. 
   BruceS | Aug 27, 2007 11:30pm | #5

   Jessem does make a template for their router table plates.  Available at http://www.eagleamerica.com   In the search box put in the part number  415-6503.  Hope that helps.  Yes,  I do work there but just want to be helpfull.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   LarryTait | Aug 28, 2007 02:20am | #8

   That looks pretty simple , thanks

4. 
   MattInPA | Aug 27, 2007 11:43pm | #6

   Lay the lift face down exactly where you want it to be in the future table. Completely outline the lift with cutoffs that are all the same thickness and wide enough to balance a router on top of. Fasten the cutoffs down with a few brads. Remove the lift from inside the frame. You are now left with a negative of the lift. Set up a plunge router to go that exact depth (using the actual face plate as a gauge). Route out the footprint using a bearing guide. You can cut out the void to let the lift through the table using a similar method, a jig saw, or a sawzall.

   Estimated Time: 15 minutes (If you have four proper cutoffs available)

   
   

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   Edited 8/27/2007 4:50 pm ET by MattInPA

1. 
   saschafer | Aug 28, 2007 01:21am | #7

   John White illustrates this technique in FWW #153:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Workshop/WorkshopPDF.aspx?id=2758

   -Steve

    

2. 
   BruceS | Aug 28, 2007 03:03am | #9

   Yes, But how do you handle the corners?  Getting the right radius?  Aside from using a monster pattern bit. Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   MattInPA | Aug 28, 2007 04:11am | #11

   I don't have a Jessem, I have a bench dog. the radius of the corner was similar to the router bit that I chose (probably only 1/2"). Are the Jessem's corners that round? I can't imagine that it's worth the money to buy a pattern that will only be used once. My corners aren't perfect, but they filled in with saw dust after one use. Nothing gets caught on them or stuck in them. I personally wouldn't pay extra for that jig. I'm sure, however, that I own a few things that people question why I bought it. Check ebay first. People that buy these must want to unload them. You could even post a message here that would attract owners' attention. People may not put them up on ebay because they think they'll only get  $1-2. offer 50%.

5. 
   genec | Aug 28, 2007 03:21am | #10

   Woodworking at home had a show where they pocket holed two 1by3 the out side can be longer the inside boards are cut the with of the plate plus the router to the bit. twice clamp it down and go bare in mind the radius of the corner of the plate and chose the bit accordingly then cut out the center with a jig saw.