Woodpeckers DF500 Offset Base

[Birdhunter]

I received my Woodpeckers DF500 Offset Base yesterday and unpacked it today. Wow! Nice quality. Lots of pieces!

I'm going to have to go back and look at the video to see how it all works. Could not find any Youtube videos other than the one from Woodpeckers.

 

[Cheese]

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]
What are your first impressions?

I'm anxiously waiting for mine to be delivered. Haven't received a shipping notice yet from Woodpeckers. [sad] [unsure] [sad]

 

[Birdhunter]

First impression is that the basic base is sturdier than the Seneca base and the various thickness spacers are worthwhile. Second impression is that the extension arm with the stops is darn awkward.

I plan to use the extension arms to Domino the legs of a table. Maybe, after using the arm setup, I'll feel more positive.

 

[Cheese]

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]
I didn't order the extension arms because as stated, I always use pencil marks and the extension arms looked a bit ungainly. After looking at the video with them using the Domino with a 3 foot extension flapping in the breeze, I decided to opt out of that accessory.

I'm interested in more of your thoughts as you start to use the Woodpecker's base.

 

[jimbo51]

I have only made a few test cuts. The major impression is that the support base is very large. It is a good bit bigger than the Domiplate.

I do like the fact that the machine is right side up when using the Woodpecker tool. I never did quite get used to using the Domiplate and having the machine upside down.

The Woodpecker tool feels very stable. However, if making a number of cuts on a narrow pice of stock, it may require more clamping and unclamping due to the size of the base. 

 

[Birdhunter]

OK, after making the 3/4" oak  legs for my shop table I have some opinions based on limited experience. I was making the legs in a "L" pattern. One board mortises were cut using the flat side as a reference surface and the other board was cut using the 3/4" edge as a reference surface.

Positives..... The base makes the Domino extremely stable cutting mortises on flat stock. The zero mark lines up perfectly with the Domino's zero mark. The 3/4" spacer seems to exactly center the mortise in the 3/4" oak stock.

Negatives.... The larger base gets in the way of clamps. The extension arms are way too clumsy. They have been put away for another day. I used a Woodpecker story stick to pencil mark the mortise locations. I couldn't find a way to use the Support bracket with the Woodpecker base mounted. I normally use the Support Bracket when using the 3/4" surface as a reference.

Summary.... I think the thickness spacers and the large base will be the biggest positives over the long run. I'll continue to "play" with the extension arms as I continue working on the shop table. I may grow to like them.

 

[Cheese]

Got a note today from Woodpecker's stating that my Offset Base will not ship until 4/24/2015. [eek]