OF 1400 Base Plate Issue

Silverlight68

Silverlight68

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Joined
Aug 16, 2009
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16
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening (depending where you're all living  ;-)

I have a question about the base plate of the OF 1400 router. I've seen a number of posts about the 1400 and base plate issues but I haven't seen anything that addresses my predicament (yet).

This is the deal: I want to use a lock mitre bit in my router, and I've ordered a jig to calibrate the height and fence distance.

This is the jig:  http://www.infinitytools.com/Lock-Miter-Master-Jig-For-Bits-Cutting-3_8-3_4-Stock/productinfo/LMM-002/

However, I'm NOT using the router in a router table, but handheld. So, in order to use the calibrating jig, I need a base plate that comes as close to the bit possible so the bit jig can rest on it.

I'm thinking I might have to use the Festool 492574 Small bore base plate to accomplish this, although I don't think the bit will pass through it; the 1/2" shank will, but the cutting assembly won't. This means I'll have to plunge and lock the height to attach the bit through the narrow bore base plate.

It would be goofy as hell, but I think it should work.

Anyone here see a problem with this or have some tips?

Thanks!
 
I think you might find it a bit too exhilarating using it hand held!  Those bits can snatch the wood quite violently.

Andrew
 
Good morning Andrew, thank you for your reply!

Hmmmm.... 'exhilarating' and 'violently' and not the most promising adjectives I was hoping to see.  [embarassed]  I am aware that for the best results, this sort of bit should be used in a router table, but I'm hoping I can get around that with a home made jig that will hold my wood pieces securely for me.

I've been looking into all the possibilities of making an extra 'drop leaf' for my MFT which will be outfitted with 20mm holes laid out in grid fashion, as well as T-tracks for clamping devices. With the workpiece secured in this fashion, it will be then up to me to guide the router over the edge without launching myself through the backyard.

I have to admit, though, my hands are starting to tremble a little....

Shall I make a video recording of my very first attempt with this set-up? Could provide some terrific comic relief,  [tongue], but then again, hopefully not! 
 
Before you go to the trouble of making a jig, make yourself a router table. For this operation it doesn't need to be very sophisticated. You need a top  and a way to support it and a fence and some clamps to keep it in place.

Three pieces of Mdf will work. Use one for the top, drill a hole larger than the bit you want to use in the Mdf. Fix the router underneath centered on the hole. I've seen folks use existing holes in the router base and screw it to the base and others come up with a clamping system using scraps of plywood. You'll use the routers depth adjustments to raise and lower.

For the fence, take a strip of mdf and cut a hole in the middle. The size should be about twice the size of the height of your bit. Then cut the strip in half lengthwise. Fasten the two pieces together at a right angle. That is your fence. The half hole on the base piece mates with the half hole on the face to make a pocket for the bit.

Use the clamps to hold it to the top.
 
rvieceli said:
Before you go to the trouble of making a jig, make yourself a router table. For this operation it doesn't need to be very sophisticated. You need a top  and a way to support it and a fence and some clamps to keep it in place.

Three pieces of Mdf will work. Use one for the top, drill a hole larger than the bit you want rouse in the Mdf. Fix the router underneath centered on the hole. I've seen folks use existing holes in the router base and screw it to the base and others come up with a clamping system using scraps of plywood. You'll use the routers depth adjustments to raise and lower.

For the fence, take a strip of mdf and cut a hole in the middle. The size should be about twice the size of the height of your bit. Then cut the strip in half lengthwise. Fasten the two pieces together at a right angle. That is your fence. The half hole on the base piece mates with the half hole on the face to make a pocket for the bit.

Use the clamps to hold it to the top.
Click to expand...

Agree with this. It will be no more work than a jig to hold the work and could get you started in the wonderful world of router tables. The issue of setting the tool off the base of your router goes away as well. Lock miter bits need 2 precise settings (as you probably already know) and no wobble when doing the work. That is a tall order handheld. Assuming you can get the settings right you will then need flawless technique. These type of cuts are just what prompted the first caveman to hang his router under a table. Sometime after that he discovered fire.  [poke]
 
The problem is not the workpiece, but the router itself. If that thing bites the wood wrongly, it will be wrenched violently out of your hands and can end up who knows where. Once I used a panel-raising bit in my OF1400 hand-held. The wood was securely clamped to my bench, but I tilted the router ever so slightly, the bit grabbed the wood and the router was jerked out of my hands with such force it ended up five feet away. It passed through a clamp on its way, and I have kept the clamp along with other workshop accidents to remind me of what can go wrong.
 
RL said:
The problem is not the workpiece, but the router itself. If that thing bites the wood wrongly, it will be wrenched violently out of your hands and can end up who knows where. Once I used a panel-raising bit in my OF1400 hand-held. The wood was securely clamped to my bench, but I tilted the router ever so slightly, the bit grabbed the wood and the router was jerked out of my hands with such force it ended up five feet away. It passed through a clamp on its way, and I have kept the clamp along with other workshop accidents to remind me of what can go wrong.
Click to expand...

And I suspect that clean undies were in order.  I know that they would be in my shop... 

 
I unplugged the router, turned the lights off and went to the pub.
 
I have a bit just like the one you wish to use. Each time I set this bit in my routing table, my heart starts to race because I know what can happen [eek]. I think all of us have experienced close calls or (as in my case) has spent several hours in the ER getting some type of medical attention to body parts [scared]. Fortunately I still have all 10 of my fingers.

As it has been previously posted, the force of the routers will send something flying in just a blink of an eye. I have to agree with rvieceli, do yourself a HUGE favor and make a router table as he described. This may be a little more trouble than what you are wanting but I think it will be a lot safer for you in the long run.. :)
 
One other thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - be absolutely certain that you turn the router's speed down to no more than 12,000 RPM when using large-diameter bits.  I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the router if it were to start spewing shrapnel due to over-speed.  [scared]

 
Wow, gentlemen, thank you for all your replies and bits of advice. I think that indeed the best thing to do here is put together a router table, even if it won't win the beauty prize.
I don't have that many clean sets of underwear nor have I any fond memories of visits at the Emergency Dept. I do still have both eyes and all my fingers and both thumbs, and wouldn't mind keeping it that way.
 
I don't know of any way to get above the table height adjustment with a 1400 than the CMS-OF.  If you could afford just the CMS-OF you'd have the plate and the fence.  I don't think we can buy just the plate here in the US but you can right?

Then you could build your own stand and make it as big as you want, as stable as you want.  You could put casters on it.  Drawers like a typical router table.  It would be not only your router table but also the place where you store your 1400 when it's not in use, instead of the systainer. 

You can make a sled to use with that lock miter bit.  The bit is full contact so it will eat the part the sled up to and through the work piece but it can be done and it works fine.  You just need plenty of bearing surface behind the work piece.

 
I just took a look on the net to see how much a CMS-OF would set me back. It would be the equivalent of US $ 735.00.  Not exactly pocket change, and for that money I could finally get my hands on a DF 500. Might try to bide my time and wait for a used one to come along... you never know, one might get lucky. I do have the time to be patient. Perhaps I could try to construct something rudimentary in the meantime....

I see by places like Incra, Rockwell, and Infinity Cutting Tools that they all carry a number of different elements for building your own table like mitre tracks, sleds, and plates and what not. Have to wonder whether I wouldn't be better off just waiting to buy an CMS-OF. Hmmm...  [scratch chin]
 
Is there anyone here with a home made table for an OF 1400?
I was wondering what the major considerations would be in mounting the router to the underside of the table? I'm assuming that it would be best to fasten it with screws directly through the plate itself. I have an LR #@ base plate I could use as a template, but that's just 2 screws! That wouldn't be enough, would it?
 
I believe you have made a very wise decission towards a router table Siverlight68.  [big grin]  We are all here for one reason, making sawdust. The main priority in the shop is SAFETY and should always be on your mind.  ;)  The people here on the FOG is a HUGE resource for ideas and technics and really don't mind sharing that information.  Good luck with your router table build.
 
Hi Fletch,

Yeah, I think it's definitely better to play it safe and just not take the risk to hand hold that kind of bit. Now the question is more of should I invest in building my own table, or just bide my tie until I can get a (used) Festool router table insert. The do pop up once in a while on Marktplaats (Dutch Craigslist  ;-) , but you have to be quick in deciding because they sell even quicker.
 
Well, depending on how many tools you have, the size of the shop, etc., the most fun part of this hobbie (at least for me) is being able to build your own equipment. Personally for me, I wouldn't be hanging an OF 1400 under a router table, although I have several other makes and model of routers that I can choose from, just my opinion. There are all sorts of plans out there that you can build your own table from, depending on how much time you wish to take to construct a table and the tools that are required to construct one. Again, there is a HUGE selection of router tables to purchase from or build your own. My router table was a gift from my father, which I will never stop using nor will I replace. [big grin]  Each person has their own preference.  Good Luck
 
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