Am I going to be able to run my 3.5" panel raising bit with this router plate?

[Matt Armstrong]

The woodpecker's aluminum plate has a 3 9/16" opening (without any rings) it claims... how precise is this? Is the 3 1/2" bit going to present a problem? Freud recommends that you do not use the 3.5" bit in the 3 5/8" openings found on the rockler plates... help?

[Mark Godlesky]

I wouldn't feel comfortable with only 1/32" of clearance.

[Myk Rian]

That's too close for comfort. Buy a HF plate for $20 and open the hole if you need to. It has a 3 7/8" opening.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94331
Or, get some plexi or lexan and make one that will fit the WP hole.

[Aaron Wingert]

I'm not at home so I can't check it right now but I have a woodpeckers plate and a 3-1/2" Freud RP bit and have never had an issue. If memory serves, I just remove the red rings from the table when raising panels...Although it has been a few months.:confused:

[Rod Sheridan]

Matt, it depends upon how accurately centered the router spindle is.

You have 1/32" of clearance if the spindle is centered, that's plenty.

I often make zero clearance inserts for my shaper with 1/32" or less clearance, after all, as long as it isn't touching, it's fine.

Regards, Rod.

[Matt Armstrong]

The woodpecker's support team says they do it all the time... just have to make sure the router is centered, they say.

So, we shall see!