In this episode of "China Tools", a track adapter for routers

[Patrick Varley]

I'm on the record as buying stuff off AliExpress and BangGood as a form of entertainment, with functionality being an added bonus. Well, I've been looking for a router adapter for my track saw tracks (PowerTec...Makita/Festool knockoffs), and I know there are plastic ones available from Etsy, etc. Or brand-specific options from Festool, Makita, et al. However, I was hopeful to find one that allowed wider compatibility with various routers. Enter something I saw on AliExpress:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804901027782.html

Cost me $120 all-in for the guide and two plates to go with my Bosch 1617 and DeWalt compacts. Waited the 20 days for it to get here, and I have to say that I am quite impressed. Nice fit and finish on the machined parts, fits snugly on the track rails. Plates fit the DeWalt compacts without issue, as well as the fixed base for the 1617. Had to drill new holes for the 1617 plunge base. Overall, works just as expected. Still wasn't the cheapest option, but the cost-to-functionality ratio is tough to beat.

The caveats still apply: non-existent tech support, and there were no instructions. Fortunately it is fairly intuitive. However, I'll stand by my thoughts that you can find some decent stuff if you're willing to take the gamble. Especially if you stick to a few of the bigger "brands".

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[Lisa Starr]

Very interesting. The $120 is something I'd pay for the accessory. Can you tell me more about it? Are the two parts that are black anodized aluminum or plastic? It seems that there are a lot of knobs. What do they all do?

[Tom M King]

I bought this marking gauge just out of curiosity because it was so cheap, and it surprised me with the quality.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/314396637138

[Rich Engelhardt]

I bought this thing (https://www.etsy.com/listing/931847215/makita-router-adapter-to-makita-track?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-a-craft_supplies_and_tools-tools_and_equipment-tools-other&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjw8-OhBhB5EiwADyoY1QAoq2p_t-gqjqQtg8Sqi1NKRtRnt9TQZ7yxbNhLv_9b2V3lFbMJARoCo6sQ AvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12565278184_123210950767_5071875376 26_pla-295604191622_c__931847215_505299989&utm_custom2=12565278184&gclid=CjwKCAjw8-OhBhB5EiwADyoY1QAoq2p_t-gqjqQtg8Sqi1NKRtRnt9TQZ7yxbNhLv_9b2V3lFbMJARoCo6sQ AvD_BwE).
It's far less sophisticated. Probably made by somebody with a 3D printer.

It puts the center of a bit exactly 2.5 inches away from the Makita track.

So far, after using it more than a half dozen times, I haven't figured out a real use for it.
I prefer to use a flush trim bit, guide bushings and/or one of the dozen or so shop made jigs that offer a "made to fit" dado.

[Jim Dwight]

I have no experience with the subject jig but I really like the router adapter I got from DeWalt for my DeWalt track saw. I use it with my PC 690 routers. I prefer to make dados with my router and track saw track as opposed to setting up my PCS to cut dados. Router bits do not last real long but are a lot cheaper than dado blade sets. Any time I need a fairly wide dado, especially if it will be shallow too far from the edge to use my router table I look for this jig. Narrow ones I sometimes nibble with a normal blade on my PCS.

[Keegan Shields]

I have found the track attachment for my Festool router useful for mid panel dados/sliding dovetails. I use it with an MFT style grid precisely laid out with the Parf guide system.

Like someone else said, there are lots of jigs to do that, but its one idea.