Router table insert

[Lewis DeJoseph]

After our last discussion about router tables I am looking to design my own. I am considering 2 router table inserts. Both are metal and I am wondering which might be better.


LV is a steel insert is 3/16 on an inch thick
www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=41793&cat=1,43053,43885 (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=41793&cat=1,43053,43885)

The Woodcraft is an Aluminum insert and is 3/8 of an inch thick
www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20283 (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20283)

Thanks
Lewis

[Randal Stevenson]

The Woodcraft one, is the same size and uses the same inserts (to my knowledge) as the Woodpeckers, and the same size (don't know about inserts) as the Jessem. If you think you may use this table and later add a lift, I would lean that way (12" round verses same size plate, hard to fill those larger holes).

[Grady Cowardin]

After our last discussion about router tables I am looking to design my own. I am considering 2 router table inserts. Both are metal and I am wondering which might be better.


LV is a steel insert is 3/16 on an inch thick
www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=41793&cat=1,43053,43885 (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=41793&cat=1,43053,43885)

The Woodcraft is an Aluminum insert and is 3/8 of an inch thick
www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20283 (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20283)

Thanks
Lewis

The link for the LV plate is not working for me. If its their circular steel plate for $180 I would definitely go with the Woodcraft version over it. The 3 plates it comes with for the bit opening should be all you need. 3/8" alum is plenty hefty.

[Lewis DeJoseph]

Hi,

No it's not the round one, it 16 X 24 rectangle one. Maybe this link will work http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=41793&cat=1,43053,43885

Thanks
Lewis

[Randal Stevenson]

That link works, but it is almost the cost of a lift.

[Grady Cowardin]

Hi,

No it's not the round one, it 16 X 24 rectangle one. Maybe this link will work http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=41793&cat=1,43053,43885

Thanks
Lewis

That one is also twice as much as the Woodcraft insert. I would feel less safe with that method of Router attachment on a large router. My Milwaukee has a slow start feature but you better be holding on with both hands once it winds up. Also potential for rust etc.

[Greg Hines, MD]

One thing to consider if you did go with the Lee Valley plate. Since it is steel, you could use the Mag-Switch style of fastener to hold your fence down. If you are looking for an easy to adjust and solid connection without needing tracks or clamps, it is a consideration.

Doc

[Lewis DeJoseph]

One thing to consider if you did go with the Lee Valley plate. Since it is steel, you could use the Mag-Switch style of fastener to hold your fence down. If you are looking for an easy to adjust and solid connection without needing tracks or clamps, it is a consideration.

Doc

HI Doc,

What is a mag-switch? Does it use the rare earth magnets?

Lewis

[Greg Hines, MD]

HI Doc,

What is a mag-switch? Does it use the rare earth magnets?

Lewis



You can find it here:

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20128

I do not use them, as my router table top is Melamine, and I set T-track in it to adjust my fence, but if you are going to go with steel (or that new cast-iron Bench Dog table, I suppose), then these are for you. Flip the switch, and the magnet is off, flip it the other way, and it locks down tight.

Doc

[Johnny Kleso]

I have a Woodpecker looks just like the WC model and think its great..

The round insert would be eaiser to make counter bore in your table than the WC but other than that I would buy the WC insert...