My self-centering mortising base is similar to the one illustrated in Jeff Miller’s article (from “Upgrade Your Router with Shop-Built Bases,” FWW #224) but with some useful differences.

First, I make my base from 1⁄2-in. or 3⁄4-in. Plexiglas, acrylic, or Lexan. A clear base lets me see what’s going on when using the tool.

Second, and most useful to me, I make the base round, which allows me to clamp stop blocks on the workpiece to control the length of the mortise. A round base will always contact the stop block at the center. A square base, angled to make the cut, will strike a stop block at its corner, which could cause the router to pivot offline. This is enormously helpful when making identical mortises in a set of legs.

Third, I make my router base with removable screw-on pins. This way the pins can’t be broken off or bent and made loose. I epoxy a pair of threaded inserts in the base and then counterbore the base with a Forstner bit to seat the pins. The result is a sturdy and storable base that will last quite some time.

Adam Lindsay, San Diego, CA

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Festool Cleantec CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor

The clear winner here is Festool’s CT 48 Dust Extractor. It has amazing capacity relative to its size, and unmatched suction power. It packs in a number of subtle but very helpful design touches, like a clever foot brake and easy hose and cord storage.

Buy at Amazon

Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner

This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for so many. There is no easier way to get mortise and tenon joints—but it comes at a cost.

Buy at Amazon

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Buy at Amazon