Festool LR32 system and Bosch Router

[Dick Mahany]

Has anyone adapted a Bosch 1617 plunge router to the Festool LR32 hole drilling guide plate. If so, how difficult was it?

[James Zhu]

I have LR32, but not Bosch 1617. If 1617 round base's diameter is bigger than 5 1/2", there is no way you could install it on LR32 plate, because it will interfere with the rocker (long plastic piece which raises or drops the pin).

Otherwise, it is possible, but you would definitely need to drill some holes on LR32 plate to mount the 1617.

[Dick Mahany]

I have LR32, but not Bosch 1617. If 1617 round base's diameter is bigger than 5 1/2", there is no way you could install it on LR32 plate, because it will interfere with the rocker (long plastic piece which raises or drops the pin).

Otherwise, it is possible, but you would definitely need to drill some holes on LR32 plate to mount the 1617.

Thank you for the info. I'm in the process of downsizing/relocating, so my tools are in storage and I need to make new shop cabinets, bookshelves, A/V cabinets and a slew of other cabinets. I'm wanting to use as many existing tools as possible, but really want to go the Metric / frameless way at minimal additional costs.

[Wojciech Tryc]

Has anyone adapted a Bosch 1617 plunge router to the Festool LR32 hole drilling guide plate. If so, how difficult was it?
I am using Makita rail guide with Bosch 1617 and Festool track. You need to add a small jig in order to lock it with holes on Festool's LR32 track, but that is trivial.

[Dave Sabo]

I don’t think adding a “jig” to a Makita router guide that indexes the Festool guide rail’s holes is trivial at all.

It hasn’t to be sturdy, easy to operate repeatably, and remain accurate. Otherwise, there are better and faster ways to drill 32mm system holes.

[Wojciech Tryc]

I don’t think adding a “jig” to a Makita router guide that indexes the Festool guide rail’s holes is trivial at all.

It hasn’t to be sturdy, easy to operate repeatably, and remain accurate. Otherwise, there are better and faster ways to drill 32mm system holes.
I will post some pics once finished...

[Jamie Buxton]

A non-Festool jig can get you the same results for less money. For instance, here's the Woodhaven jig -- https://www.woodhaven.com/collections/shelf-pin-jigs-accessories-hardware/products/woodhaven-782-metric-shelf-pin-jig?variant=11922422980 . Get the longer jig, and a 5 mm plunge router bit. I use a upcut spiral solid carbide. Use any router that will accept standard template guides - your Bosch for instance. If you have a template guide set already, you don't need to buy Woodhaven's.

[Dick Mahany]

I had forgotten that I even asked this question in 2016. I did manage to get the Bosch router mounted to the LR32 plate and it centered perfectly using the centering disc for the LR32 system. I did need to trim one of the small webs that capture the auxiliary guide rods for the Bosch base but that hasn't affected performance.

I wound up getting the LR 32 system (albeit pricey) and it worked flawlessly and fast for a large build of cabinets. In addition to the shelf pin holes, it was great for adding the holes for Euro style hinge mounts and milling the 35mm pockets in the doors for the hinge cups. The doors were built several weeks after all of the cabinets were installed and I was super pleased with how perfectly the cup hinges aligned on the doors with out needing to measure for their placement.

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