I came across a good deal on a Bosch 1617 dual base router package, so I bought it and a set of 1/4" bits. I've never used a router until now, but they seem to be called for in a lot of projects so I went for it. I've now made a couple table saw inserts with it and realized I'm not a huge fan of using it handheld or the huge amounts of dust (was flush trimming MDF).
I've began researching router tables,bits, plates, lifts, fences, bushings and it has almost become nauseating, wayy to much to digest starting off.
Hoping you fine people can give me some good advice
1) router table - I'm interested in a low cost / low space router table (diy) or finding a used one. From all the videos I've watched it seems like you could literally just drill a hole in sheet goods clamp a 2x4 as a fence and you have a router table... Is it really this simple? What confuses the issue Is I read/ see talk about plates, lifts, bases, etc? Which of those things are needed? A plate seems like it is just to make it more convenient to lift the router out of the table, but you would still have to unscrew your router base from the plate to use it freehand correct?
What about a lift? Those dang things are expensive, does it just make adjustments easier?
Back on the topic of plates, it appears Bosch has a optional body for the 1617 designed to be mounted to a table, that 1) allows quick release of the router from beneath and 2) allows above table adjustments.
This base is about $55, but seems to take the place of a plate and a lift. Is my thinking correct on that.
Also if I wanted to make a router table. My thinking is to just use a old kitchen cabinet base (or build my own) and add a melamine top ( maybe 2 layers), anything else as a must have?
2) Bosch also offers a edge guide for routing grooves / dadoes and such. Is this a must have type of accessory or would a regular clamped straight edge do the trick as well, or is this all together negated by having a table?
3) bushings - the router came with a bag of brass threaded bushings, but no plate to use the bushings. From my research it appears the bushings are supposed to be used when you want a specific offset from the bit? Should I look into buying a sub base to use the bushings or is this not a commonly done activity?
4) dust collection - Bosch offers a couple accessory kits for dust collection in handheld mode. Does anyone have experience with these? Online reviews seem mixed.
5) actual good YouTube series on routing basics, bit setup,and such? As we all know there's a crap ton of people on the tube teaching about stuff they don't know to well. I don't know anything about routing so I don't want to fall prey to them.
That should give me some good reading. Thanks in advance
Michael