Any alternative to the Rockler router bushing kit? The Festool copy rings?

[jnug]

Sort of an impromptu pole.

Given that Festool does a pretty darned good job providing several diameters of router copy rings for its routers , do folks tend to use those copy rings or use a set of brass bushings. Rockler seems to have a pretty good set, with centering pin.

There are so many different sources for bushing kits now and the tolerances seem suddenly to be all over the map. It makes me wonder if there is really much to be gained from using the Festool adapter with a bushing vs using a Festool copy ring.

I suppose if somebody had several bits and bushings mated to those bits already then he would likely want to take advantage of the experienced earned for that mated pair. But if not, it would seem that using the Festool copy rings are a safer bet. I am sure there are people here much better able to answer that question than I.

I started looking at it because I was about to just go ahead and get the Rockler bushing kit. It seems to me to be the nicest  bushing kit there is, complete with centering pin. But Rockler does not have inventory and won't till mid April at best. Not sure there is an alternative out there worth trying instead of just using the copy rings.

 

[Motown]

Not sure if this set will meet your needs but I have the Porter Cable set for my 3 1/4 HP table router. http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-42000-9-Piece-Template-Guide/dp/B0000222V1

 

[jnug]

Thanks for that suggestion Motown. I guess I would say that for me {and it may just be me) if I am going to have a kit it will be a kit in brass. If not I would just as soon use the Festool copy rings. I do wish the Festool copy rings were a little less costly. If one were going to try to end up with all four, you are going to pay $64.00 to get there ($16.00 each). I think in part that might be why people like using the bushings. Even one of the best bushing kits (if in stock) is eleven piece with two nuts and a centering pin for under $45.00.

On the other hand if one were to spring for the $64.00 and get all four of them, I am not sure he would ever actually need a bushing kit.

 

[polarsea1]

Steel bushings tend to loosen up, I would definitely go for brass. Woodcraft has them on sale right now.

 

[jnug]

Decided on the brass kit from Woodcraft. Seems to be well received. Will see when I see it.

Now left deciding between the Microfence system mainly for its large circle jig capability. The problem with it is you just about need three of their major kits to get anything done. By the time you are done, you could have had another router, even a Festy router! Its that or get the Festy guide stop and edge guide and find some crummy circle jig to use. Thats the real problem. That Microfence is probably the best circle jig going.

 

[waho6o9]

http://microfence.com/circle-jigs-c-23.html?osCsid=27519cd7de270544d87c616038d968fd

MicroFence rocks, not sure why you need 3 major kits for a circle, but since you've

done your homework you'd know better for your needs.

If there's something specific you need give them a call as they're very helpful and might
save you some funds.

 

[jnug]

Actually I think the MicroFence Circle Jig looks darned near incredible especially compared to most of the contraptions out there. Yes it does have many parts but it appears to operate very smoothly and apparently without fail.

Just really struggled with configuring everything the way I wanted it. I wanted to use a Festool Guide Stop and Rail for the router. I can't say that I am really thrilled with what MicroFence calls a "clamp" which is really their rail. I wanted to use the Festool Rail. But the Festool Rail forces you to use this thing that MicroFence calls a Slider in its Guide Stop and Rail configuration I think and I wanted to avoid that piece as well. This is the piece that the measurement positioner sits on. Its white and it ride directly atop the rail and under the measuring positioner.

So I think I have it figured out now to where I can use the Festool Guide Stop and Rail for those applications where one is needed and the MicroFence Edge Guide and Circle Jig where appropriate.

Trying to keep some money in the budget for that piece that Festool calls a table widener as well. To be honest I am not sure how useful it is but the pictures do make it look like for particular jobs it would provide a meaningful added measure of stability.

Anybody using it occasionally for their router? It looks so much like the stability subbases that Pat Warner makes only he makes his out of acrylic and he really does not have much for Festy. But if one rarely gets much use out of that piece I would dearly love to avoid buying it. Any comments appreciated as I really want to be talked out of that added expense if at all possible.

 

[chippy]

Here are video links for the Festool MFS system jig/ template, note the dust.







Festool work on systems, this integrates with the OF1010, OF1400, OF2200.



http://www.festool.com.au/WebRoot/Store/Shops/tooltechnic/MediaGallery/Brochures/routing/Brochure_Routing_family.pdf