OF 2200 Base Accessory Kit- Imperial or Metric?

[just learning]

I've taken the plunge and decided to purchase a OF 2200 router. I'm stumped on whether to get the metric or imperial base package, though. What's the functional difference, i.e are there situations where I'll need one or the other (jigs, templates, etc.)?

Any help on which to buy would be greatly appreciated? 

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Nothing much to offer with regards to the OF2200 (don't have one). 
But, I think they're identical kits, except for the measurement scale.  So I doubt you would be losing anything by choosing one over the other.

But welcome to FOG!   [welcome]

Happy to see another Madisonian.     [big grin]

 

[tbellemare]

The difference is in the template guides. If you get a metric set, you can always enhance it with Imperial guides and vice versa.

Tom

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Yep - Tom said it -- the only difference is the guides.  The metric has one extra template guide over the imperial set, but you can always add the guides later if you need the other sizes.  I opted for the imperial set when I bought mine.  It is one sweet router.

Scot

 

[Chris Hughes]

I believe that I have the imperial set, however the plunge scale is in European.  I don't think that it would be a big deal either way because if you make your own jigs I just means a little different offset.  

 

[just learning]

Thanks for all help!  I'm still a little fuzzy on something- I've only recently started doing serious router work, and have very little experience with bushings. What exactly are the different sizes used for?

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Thanks for all help!  I'm still a little fuzzy on something- I've only recently started doing serious router work, and have very little experience with bushings. What exactly are the different sizes used for?

The simple answer is that you want a bushing a little larger than your router bit.  So, for instance, if your router bit is 1/2 inch wide, you could use a 5/8 inch or 14mm or so bit.  You can avoid some math by having your bushings and your bits in the same measurement system, but if they are different, its not a big problem. 

A somewhat less simple answer is that sometimes you need to know the offset between the edge of the cutter on the bit and the outside edge of the bushing.  For instance, say you want to build a jig to cut a slot 3 inches long.  Your jig slot would need to be the exact width of the outside diameter of the bushing so it will ride smoothly in the jig slot.  The jig slot will need to be longer than 3 inches to accommodate the extra distance between the edge of the cutter and the outside edge of the bushing, actually the jog slot needs to be 3 inches plus twice the offset (once for each end).  Way easier if everything is in the same measuring system.

Hope this helps.

 

[just learning]

Thanks for all help!  I'm still a little fuzzy on something- I've only recently started doing serious router work, and have very little experience with bushings. What exactly are the different sizes used for?

The simple answer is that you want a bushing a little larger than your router bit.  So, for instance, if your router bit is 1/2 inch wide, you could use a 5/8 inch or 14mm or so bit.  You can avoid some math by having your bushings and your bits in the same measurement system, but if they are different, its not a big problem. 

A somewhat less simple answer is that sometimes you need to know the offset between the edge of the cutter on the bit and the outside edge of the bushing.  For instance, say you want to build a jig to cut a slot 3 inches long.  Your jig slot would need to be the exact width of the outside diameter of the bushing so it will ride smoothly in the jig slot.  The jig slot will need to be longer than 3 inches to accommodate the extra distance between the edge of the cutter and the outside edge of the bushing, actually the jog slot needs to be 3 inches plus twice the offset (once for each end).  Way easier if everything is in the same measuring system.

Hope this helps.

Jesse,

Thanks so much for spending the time to provide an in-depth answer. I think I'm tracking now!