How do you store router accesories?

Jesse Cloud

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Jan 23, 2007
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Anyone have a clever idea for storing router accessories (bits, copy rings, outrigger, parallel guide, guide stop, various dust extraction connections, collets, wrenches, and so on)?  I love the ease that Festool accessories go on and off the router, but my problem is just finding the darn things!

Thanks in advance!
 
I just posted a reply to post about not being able to get all the stuff back in the Systainer the right way on the photo archive thread. Anyhow, I picked up another Systainer withthe diced foam insert for my router accessories and yet another one for bits.
 
I'm thinking about getting one or two of the diced foam systainers for other tools.  Most of my better tools have cases now.  Some came with the tool and some I bought.  Now that I know the systainers better, I would have bought systainers for all of my tools without storage cases. 

The router bit systainer is great!  Sometimes I think I miss the forest for the trees.  When I went looking for router bit storage, I found lots of options - most of which involved a drawer in your router table.  (Oh, you want to take the bits AWAY from the router table?  What a strange idea!)  So I found a few hacked up solutions.  Then I thought, "Hmmm... Does Fes have anything?"    Duh!

One thing I didn't like about the Festool router bit systainer was that it didn't have any place to store bit parts (bearings, shims, etc.)  However, at a local storage store, I found a little flat container that just fit into the slot at the back of the router bit systainer.  It works very well to store the bits and pieces.  Problem solved! 

I'll take some pics of my little storage and post them later today. 

Another alternative would be the sortainers.  I really need to get a couple of those.

Regards,

Dan.
 
The photos illustrate how I store bits/accessories for the OF1400.  To be clear, I don't lug this to a jobsite every day -- I just wanted a system to transport bits, etc. to Denver 2-3 times a year to help my son with home improvement projects.  I didn't want to be in the middle of a project and need a finger joint bit 720 miles away!

The approach I used:

1) Use the router bit systainer (p/n 487925) as a base for the bits.  Without modification, this is a great accessory for storing 1/2", 8mm and 1/4" shank bits. 

2) Place reference material (how do I set up that drawer lock bit?) under the foam insert. 
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3) Swap the SYS1 for a SYS2 to accommodate bits longer than ~3.5".  Longest bit I currently have in the SYS2 is ~4".

4) Use a 3/8" brad point bit to drill additional 1/2" shank slots around the perimeter of the insert.  I didn't need any more 8mm or 1/4" shank spots than already provided.  I have ~60 bits housed now with room for a few more.  The critical requirement is to ensure cutting edge orientation and space around each bit so they can't bang together and chip the carbide.
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5) Leave spiral bits in their protective tubes and store these and extra shims/bearings in the space at the rear of the insert.  Dan's idea of using a flat container is good if you have several of these.
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6) Cut compressed polyester (or foam) to place over the bits for added protection.  I like the cushioning/contour forming properties of foam but I was worried foam might disintegrate over time or melt/fuse to the bits (especially when locked in the truck in 100 degree F temperatures).  I plan to try the foam insert set (p/n 487427) for this separation/cushioning function as well.
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7) Add whatever fits above the protective foam.  I store a butterfly template and calipers here.  You could also use a SYS3/4 to have lots of above the bits storage space.
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This last photo shows extra stuff I store in the OF1400 systainer.  A lot of space in SYS4 for accessories IMHO.
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  Jim, were did you get that set up gauge?

Seth
 
Thanks, Jim.  I especially like putting the instruction sheets in with the bits.  Never thought of that.  Duh.

Ned
 
Sorry the delay in getting these images posted.  The left box is unmodified.  The right box is the same box, but I cut out the partitions.  I think I modified the opening in the foam a bit, but they fit perfectly.  Total cost was about $6.

Regards,

Dan.

RouterStoragePartsClosed.jpg


RouterStoragePartsOpen.jpg
 
Seth,

I got the setup gauge from Sommerfeld's.  Not particularly easy to find again and I'm not sure I can post a direct link so here are steps I used to find:
  - Google "Sommerfeld tools"
  - Use search function on Sommerfeld, selecting "Product #" option with text "ezset"

I haven't used it yet so I can't vouch for its utility.  I'm planning to make some doors this weekend so I'd be glad to post results next week if you want to wait before buying.  My expectation is the gauge will get me "close" and I'll still have to do a bit of fiddling to get the bit height spot on.

I try to keep a scrap piece of a profile but I always seem to lose it before the next project.  This gauge also has an adjustment for wood thickness so a useful feature if it works!

August 5, 2007 update:
I tried the setup gauge on 3/4" MDF using 3 of the profiles:
  - cope was near perfect
  - lock miter was very good
  - reverse glue was no better than I get when "eyeballing"
I used CMT bits in case that matters.  The gauge is a good value for me as an occasional user.  I would just use a scrap if I cut profiles frequently using the same material thickness.
 
Thanks for a great post, Jim.  How do you keep your bits so clean - most look like virgins to me? OTOH, I presently put a lot more in the Systainer that came with my 1400 FEQ together with the router itself, but nothing is nearly as accessible and I have to take most of the items out to find anything.

For those that don't have Sommerfeld's setup gauge, I would also recommend storing a set of brass setup bars [non-metric ones are sold by Whiteside] in the case with you bit collection.

Dave R.
 
Dave,
I use Simple Green and a soft cloth (sometimes a toothbrush) to clean bits.   I also have a separate basic set I use for PT pine, cedar and the 2X mystery wood sold by the home centers.
 
Dan, not to change the subject or anything, (nobody does that), but what camera did you use for those macro shots? Thats pretty stunning clarity.
 
Monju123 said:
Dan, not to change the subject or anything, (nobody does that), but what camera did you use for those macro shots? Thats pretty stunning clarity.

Also, why are they so big and beautiful? Aren't pictures limited to 125k?
 
I have an Nikon D70 with an SB800 flash.  It takes pretty good pics.  The pic in question is under 125Kb.  I downsized with PhotoShop Elements.

Regards,

Dan.
 
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