I’m into woodworking for 39 years. Only recently I switched from the ol’ tried and true “screw based” (not concentric in elevation changes) Porter cable router, to the new rheostat/ arbor lock model with rack and pinion height adjustment.
At the same time I bought this excellent model, I also bought the plunge router attachment (after market from P.C.) for my older models. I love both of these purchases.
Now my question, what do ya think is best for a router table. I presently have the newest version in the table but still adjust elevation from under the table. It seems just as quick as advertised above table adjustment. I have never tried a plunge router in a router table.
Should I stick with what I have (I love it) or is the Porter Cable plunge better in router table???
I also have a very nice Woodsmith (home made jig ,from their plans) ,horizontal router jig. Which type of router would you like best in horizontal?
I presently only use the plunge for mortise. Is it more versatile than this??
Thanks in advance,
Don
Edited 3/29/2008 8:25 am ET by DonC
Replies
Plunge or fixed upside down?
I suspect more plungers are used in the router table but not for this operator. Notwithstanding, either design can be maximized for inverted use if well fixtured.
I prefer a fixed base, or one of the new adjustable router lifts in a table.
If your new router is the 890 series, get the above table adjuster, (that P-C makes), and drill the two holes in your mounting plate so you can adjust it from above the table.
One place I find my above the table adjustment is great is when the router is sitting in my enclosed router table/stand (modified from the one suggested by John White of FWW). I hinged the top to flip open if I have to remove the router, but mostly it stays sealed up. Great advantages for dust collection and noise reduction (my ears n o longer bleed!) In this config, above table adjustment is great.
Steve
Don,
Leave the fixed base in the table. If you put the plunge base in the table it is more difficult to adjust the height (remember, you're just pushing against springs and it is quite difficult to hit on exactly the right depth). In addition, you lose some capacity with the plunge base - the collet does not come as far above the table as with the fixed base. I have this issue with a plunge base mounted in my table right now and when I make raised panels I have to pull the bit a little further out of the collet than I feel comfortable with. I have a Jessem Router Lift and a PC 7518 just waiting to be mounted in my table. Maybe I should log off and go do that...
Cole
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled