In the woodworking shop at Edinboro State College, we’ve developed two router subbases that do away with much of the trauma associated with routing dadoes across wide boards and grooving the edges of narrow stock. The subbases all but eliminate wavering cuts, plunge-cut kickouts and awkward balancing acts.

Subbase No. 1 is made from 1/4-in. Masonite or hardwood plywood. Mounted to the router in place of the regular base, the straight side of the subbase allows uniform fence pressure for rabbeting and positive control even after the bit has left the workpiece. I curved the other two sides to avoid confusion about which side of the triangle was indexed to the bit.

Subbase No. 2 sits saddle-like atop narrow-dimension stock. The lateral guides are completely adjustable to various stock and groove locations. A simple system of slots with slides ensures rigidity and perpendicularity during use. Hefty 3/8-in. carriage bolts and wing nuts make tightening easy and positive. The lateral guides eliminate plunge kickout and balance problems.

Bernard Maas, Cambridge Springs, Pa.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, April 1984 No. 45

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