Router Plate Question

[GreenGA]

We need to get a router plate for a table we need to build.  We have the 3 1/2HP Triton with the capability of using the built-in router raiser.

I have tentatively narrowed it down to two:

The Woodpecker
http://www.woodpeck.com/aluminsert.html

Or Incra
http://www.incrementaltools.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MLPALUMINUM_RT

Does anyone have an opinion, one way or the other?  Perhaps another plate I am unaware of?

I like the idea of the 3/8" thick plate.  Those 3 1/2 HP router can get quite heavy.

 

[Kev]

Don't have any advice from experience with these, but I must say the Woodpeckers offering looks superior from the links you've put up.

 

[JimRay]

I have both a Woodpeckers plate and a JessEm plate. Very similar, but I do like the JessEm wrench for the throat plates better. Both are attached to router lifts, and of the two, I like the JessEm better for their design as well. The Spring counterbalance of the Woodpecker unit works, but it is hard to get it adjusted properly without a few trial and error raisings and lowerings. The crank of the JessEm unit would seem slower at first, but after factoring in the trial and error adjustment, it is actually faster. Add in a Wixey scale, and it rocks.

Jim Ray

 

[live4ever]

Incra all the way.  I have both.  

The Incra magnetic rings are faster and easier to swap than the plastic twistlock rings on the Woodpeckers.  The twistlock rings require the little specialized spanner wrench.  The Incra rings, being held by strong magnets, simply require a pencil, screwdriver, etc. to lift off.  

Don't get me wrong, they are both the cream of the crop when it comes to plates, and neither is flawed.  But if I had to choose one, I would go with the Incra.

Note that there is one other major difference to consider, which is that Woodpeckers will predrill your plate for the above-table height adjustment wrench of your Triton router.  You will need to drill the Incra plate yourself.  As I discovered, drilling aluminum is not a big deal, however.

 

[builderbob]

It's always challenging to make decisions when theres differing opinions!  I have both the Incra plate for my Triton 3 1/2 hp and a Jessem Mastr lift for my Bosch 2 1/4 hp. Fwiw, I really really dislike the Incra plate.  The problem that I have with the Incra is the Magna Lock. While it is a great idea, all of the rings that came with my set are pretty impossible to level out. The Jessem or Woodpecker plates that have the twist I really appreciate. The screw/twist style has always been flush for me.  I like that style so much more that I'm listing my triton & plate & portable Kreg router table on CL to replace it with another lift style plate & router!

Just an opinion!

Bob

 

[GreenGA]

So, the consensus is, there is none... [unsure]

Personally, I like the Magna Lock idea, no spanner wrench to use or lose.  The Incra video makes them look perfectly flat.

I like Woodpecker because......, well, I forget.  Oh yeah, I like it because their plate is already pre-drilled for the Triton. However, it was pointed out by live4ever that drilling the aluminum plate is no big deal.

The Incra video also shows that the plate, once leveled, can be locked in the opening with, what I assume are, cam-locks in each corner.

Then BuilderBob intends to sell his entire setup because he does not like the Incra.

I am so confused.....  [blink]

JR just pointed out to me that three weeks from tomorrow, we will be attending the WW Show in Somerset, NJ.  Surely I can wait that long to, hopefully, see them for myself.  Perhaps a deal or two may be available... [big grin]

 

[builderbob]

The Incra does have a cam lock in one corner that does seem to help hold it in place. I have the Jessem in an Woodpecker table and I used a few layers of tape to take up the slack. It works great for me!

Bob

 

[tbellemare]

Mr. Green:

If you're going to be in a setting in which you can lay hands on, you might consider listening to your "JR".

Tom

 

[live4ever]

I've had no problems in flushing up the inserts on the Incra, but I could see how that would be tremendously frustrating were it the case!  I say buy Bob's off him for real cheap.  [tongue]

 

[ccmviking]

    I have the JessEm version from Incra and it's about perfect.  The MagnaLock plates all sit perfectly flush and the features on the lift are great and work as desired.  Because the MagnaLock plates are so easy to switch out I never use a bit without the proper sized plate.

    My MagnaLock didn't need any adjustment and was right on out of the box, however if yours does need some correction it's easy to do and is in the manual CLICK HERE

Chris... 

 

[GreenGA]

I may be dumb, but I am not stupid!  [blink] I always listen JR.  On those, now rare, occasions when I failed to listen, I paid dearly. [embarassed]

Mr. Green:

If you're going to be in a setting in which you can lay hands on, you might consider listening to your "JR".

Tom

 

[GreenGA]

According to the video, and the web site, flushing up the plate is done with 8 leveling screws and, what appear to be, lip insert pads.  In other words, on the lip that the plate rests upon, there were 8 adjustable rubber leveling "pads" ??? that can be adjusted from above through holes around the edge of the plate. Using an Allen key, you can raise or lower that area of the plate.

I believe, but am not certain, the Woodpecker offering is similar.

Oh...

And Bob's idea and cheap and mine may not mesh.  [huh]

I've had no problems in flushing up the inserts on the Incra, but I could see how that would be tremendously frustrating were it the case!  I say buy Bob's off him for real cheap.   [tongue]