OF-FH Router Guide Modification

[CDN38]

I'm wanting to use the OF-FH guide with my OF 2200 for cutting a dato slot 1 1/2" wide in the back of floating shelves to fit the HOVR Bracket System. The bit hole in the jig is only 1 1/4" so I'll need to take that hole out to just over 1 1/2" . Seems to be straight forward, anyone else run into this before?

 

[jonnyrocket]

[welcome] to the FOG!

You may be overlooking one way that the OF-FH was intended to be used. The cutter diameter does not need to match the exact dimensions of your mortise. By doing some math that includes the thickness of your floating shelf and the cutter diameter, you can correctly set the outer guides to allow you to cut a mortise that will meet your needs.

 

[CDN38]

Yes, I could do multiple passes with a smaller bit to achieve the width, or open it up and single pass the width, still multi pass for depth. Was just curious if anyone had modified the jig in this way.

 

[Frank-Jan]

I haven't modified mine, but if the slot is going to be centered, I would use a smaller bit anyway (allign the edge of the bit to the edge of the mortise, and route both ways)

 

[tsmi243]

One way would be using an "oops arbor" and two hole saws. 

Or use a 1/8" rabbet bit, and cut halfway through the jig.  Then follow up with a flush trimmer, to get the other half. 

 

[squall_line]

You're also risking compromising some of the dust collection if you hog out the hole.

I would imagine that the side "wings" are deep enough that they would still slide over the edge of a door even if the bit was extended through the base.  You could then continue to plunge from there once situated.

I think anyone who uses the base on a professional basis just uses it as others have already mentioned: multiple passes.

 

[tsmi243]

You're also risking compromising some of the dust collection if you hog out the hole.

The router itself covers the hole.  No worries there.

 

[CDN38]

I would just plunge through with the 1 1/2" Amana 45566 bit that I would be using to cut the rabbet, and then smooth it out with a slight bit of clearance on my spindle sander. It's only taking it out .125" on each side of the circle. Here's the work that needs to be done. Most floating shelves I do are 2" thick. These are probably about 1.75"

View attachment 1

 

[Frank-Jan]

If I were in your situation, I wouldn't hesitate to use the method you have in mind.
(I don't have an of-2200, and use my OF-FH with an of-1400, and I also would have to purchase a wider bit anyway, so I wouldn't bother.)

 

[Crazyraceguy]

After spending almost $400 for that jig, I wouldn't have the heart to go cutting on it.....says the guy who modified the heck out of a zero-degree base for his MFK700  [unsure]

 

[CDN38]

my stress exactly... $569 here in Canada for the jig, but I don't think the small amount clearance out will create any issues.

 

[CDN38]

Works like a hot damn! That jig is amazing.[attachimg=1]