Replies

1. 
   woodworker79 | Oct 11, 2005 03:05pm | #1

   A similarly priced alternative is the Jessem (sp?) pheonolic plate. I have one in my "Norm Abrams" router table and I've been very happy with it. You have to drill your own holes for the router (which I believe is the same situation as the Rousseau). I was lucky enough to have a machinist do that for me.

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Oct 11, 2005 07:36pm | #2

   The biggest problem you face is that each companies router table insert is a different size. I've used the Rousseau plate and I'm happy with it. I do a lot of work using the PC router (pattern) guides and like the feature of the center inserts. I've also set up two tables for friends (with the same plate). The only problem is that this plate tends to be a bit brittle and is liable to crack if not handled (relatively) carefully. SawdustSteve

3. 
   GrGramps | Oct 11, 2005 08:20pm | #3

   Brendan,

   I bought my Rousseau insert at a wood show months ago and finally got around to building Norm's router table.  As I approached building the top I must admit that I had reservations about the crown in the insert.  (So much emphasis is placed on dead flat tops.)  My thought was that the worst that could happen was that I would need to build another top with a different insert.

   It seems fine to me.  The crown (ever so slight) is still there, but I can't see any effect in the finished product.  I suppose if you were measuring in thousandths of an inch, there would be a difference.  My work is not yet that accurate, and I can't imagine needing anything more accurate.

   Roy

4. 
   PlaneWood | Oct 12, 2005 01:37am | #4

   Buy a piece of 1/4" aluminum on Ebay, cut it out on your bandsaw and drill the center hole with a hole saw.  Then drill the 3 or 4 holes for the flathead bolts that attach the plate to the router base.  I've got 3 of them (with different diameter center holes) that I made years ago.  Have not used the ones that came on the routers (PC) since.

   See pics (sorry about the mess).

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

   
5. 
   BG | Oct 12, 2005 01:01pm | #5

   Brendan,
   I replaced my plastic insert (Bench Dog)with a metal type from Rockler..which is what Norm used in his table. It was about the same price as Rosseau.