Help installing a WoodPecker router plate (router skills)

[Rick Herrick]

Of the 5-6 tools I use, the router is the one I have the least amount of experience with.  Trying to rectify that, hoping to end up with a nice router table set up.  I decided to start with a plate installed in my Paulk bench, with my Dewalt DW618.  I ordered the aluminum plate and the cutout template/router bit combination from WP.

Kept trying to figure out how to set up the router to do the cut.  Long story short, with the bit in the router and the router at full plunge depth, the length of the bit was just over an inch.  The template was 3/4" MDF and I need to make a 3/8" depth cut to accommodate the plate.  Thats 1-1/8" which I can't get with this solution.  What am I missing?  After thinking about it I realized I could have taken the base plate off the router and gained another 1/4" or so.  But I would not think I needed to do that.  First thought is the bit is the wrong bit but its a package that WP sells so I figure I am doing something wrong.

Plate

Template/Bit combo

There are pictures of two bits, one short and one long but the only one in the package is the short one that received.

Any suggestions appreciated.  Thanks.

 

[Jim Metzger]

Make the first pass at a shallower depth, remove the template and then use a small top bearing pattern bit to go around the cutout you previously made.

 

[Rick Herrick]

Thanks Jim, there are a couple of work-arounds but trying to figure out why this is a package when it does not work for me.  Just seeing if I am doing something wrong.

 

[thender]

So how much more depth do you need?  About 1/8”?

How far into the collet are you inserting the bit?

Usually you can pull the bit partway out of the collet;  that may get you the extra depth you need.

Hopefully more experienced folks will chime in but I usually feel comfortable with 3/4” or maybe a tad less inserted into the collet.  Hopefully you will have sawn away most of the material so you aren’t taking a heavy cut.

That said WP could have picked a bit with a bit more length to it for this application...

 

[Rick Herrick]

Tom, yep, another 1/8th or so.  I bottom the bit in the collet and then pull it out just a smidge.  Not sure where/when I heard it but I didn't think the bit should be fully inserted.  Going to pull off the router base today and see how that goes.  Will check with WP on Monday.  Thanks.

 

[CeeJay]

3/4 seems awful thick for a template. I wonder if they have produced a batch from the wrong stock?

Most templates are generally 1/2” or 3/8 in my experience.

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[chrisrosenb]

3/4 seems awful thick for a template. I wonder if they have produced a batch from the wrong stock?

Most templates are generally 1/2” or 3/8 in my experience.

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The set I bought 15+ years ago from Woodpecker is just like the current set with 3/4" thick template & the same bit. I have routed out at least 4 tops for Woodpecker plates & never had a problem doing them. As Tom said above, do not put the bit so deep in the collet.

 

[rst]

One way to ensure that you are not bottoming the bit is to drop a small O ring into the collet be fore installing the bit.  If the bit sticks the O ring will give enough when you tap the bit down.

 

[thender]

Tom, yep, another 1/8th or so.  I bottom the bit in the collet and then pull it out just a smidge.  Not sure where/when I heard it but I didn't think the bit should be fully inserted.  Going to pull off the router base today and see how that goes.  Will check with WP on Monday.  Thanks.

OK... so loosen the collet, pull it out 3/16 or so  and you are ready to rock.

Your procedure of full insertion, then pull out a smidge is a good place to start.  In this case, you just need a little more extension.

If you have 3/4" still in the collett you should be plenty safe.

 

[Rick Herrick]

All is well.  I did some measuring and pulled the bit out just a tad longer than necessary and my plate is installed and working.  Thanks to all for the tips.  Thanks [member=25351]rst[/member] for the o-ring tip.  That might be good long term for me.  Appreciate it.