Patrick Varley
04-13-2023, 9:07 PM
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".
499584
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".
499584