First Post - OF 1400 question

[RammerJammer]

I have been trolling here for a while and appreciate this group's passion for what I believe to be some of the finest tools available. I have learned so much and look forward to being a more active participant on this forum. I am in the late design stages of a new router table cabinet and custom top for an incra positioner, incra/woodpeckers lift, and PC 7518 setup. The top is a piece of 1-1/4" thick solid surface counter top material. I have been considering an OF 1400 router for some time for the dust collection capability and was wondering if there would be a problem using it to cut the top. I know the OF 2200 is the tool of choice for this type of work, but do any of you guys see any issues using the OF 1400 to cut the hole for the lift and plowing a dado for a t-track insert. It would then be used for what it was intended - my passion for wood. Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[peter halle]

RJ,
[welcome] to the Forum.  Glad to see that your days of "lurking"  [big grin] (trolling is a bad word  [scared]) have come to an end and you are comfortable enough to post.

You can use the 1400 to do what you are asking about.  No need - in my opinion - to go get the 2200 for this.  You might have to make more shallow cuts to achieve your goal, but that can be true on many projects.

We look forward to seeing you more often and hope you will share your project as it progresses.  P.S.  We love pictures!

Peter

 

[Daviddubya]

I agree with Peter - there would be no problem using the OF1400 to finish the insert cutout for the router table top.  I suggest making the initial rough cut using a jig saw.  Then rout the rough cut smooth and square with a straight bit and guide.  Finally, use a template to guide a top bearing bit to accurately cut the dado for the plate.  A template to match your plate is available from Woodpeckers, and a top bearing bit is also available from Woodpeckers in the correct diameter to match the plate corners.  Better to cut the final dado too tight and creep up on the exact fit, if necessary.  The Woodpecker plates/lifts are equipped with spring loaded ball bearings for a snug fit, and also with height adjustment screws to level the plate with the top.  Insert small, flat-head screws where the ball bearings and adjustment screws interface with the dado, and the adjustments will hold for a very long time.

Good luck.

 

[barnowl]

I've used my 1400 to cut through solid maple butcher block.

I went in 1/4" at a time with a 1/2" bit.

No problem, just go slow.