Was using a very new Bosch 1617 with the fixed plate to rout out the opening in a router table top. Notice some “swirling” in the MDF where the 5/8″ top bearing pattern bit dug in a little. I was really surprised as I had been extremely careful not to allow the router to tip.
I got down very low to watch the base come into contact with the router top. Was thinking maybe there was a little wave in the MDF. Wrong. The plastic base on the router was not flat. It is actually a bit concave. I bet it is close to 1/64″ – not just a little. Now what I don’t know is if it is just the plastic sub-base or the whole fixed metal base is off.
Has anyone encountered this? How might one tell if it is the plastic or the actual base that is the problem? Wow. I really expected better from Bosch on this one.
Thanks for any help.
Robbie.
Replies
This is hardly unique, most cast plastic router bases are dished in a bit, I'm surprised that someone hasn't come out with an aftermarket metal base plate to correct the problem..
John W.
It is possible that the plastic is flat, but the metal base is not. Take off the plastic, and stick some sandpaper to a flat surface, such as a jointer table. Lap your metal base bottom, and see if that doesn't solve the problem. About 120 grit should be fine. Only takes a couple of minutes. I had to do this to my 1617, and there was a vast improvement. I did so based upon a tip on this forum.
Alan
Alan
http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com
John and Alan:
Thanks for the feedback. Alan, I will check and potentially lap with 120 grit when I get home this evening. If it is off substantially, I will just call Bosch and complain.
John, I ordered new subbases from Pat Warner's website this morning. They are not metal, but Pat claims that they are substantially better than the factory plastic bases - plus I will be able to use PC template guides instead of a separate set from Bosch.
Robbie.
Be conscious of the fact that when you sand the base you make take it out of square with the center shaft. I would contact Bosch before you take action.There are more old drunkards than old doctors. Ben Franklin
I would also check with Pat Warner (www.patwarner.com). He makes replacement bases for the Bosch (as well as other) routers, and his web site is a wealth of information. I would assume that the base plate, not the casting is off. I have the same router and haven't noticed any of these issues. Mine has a Lee Valley router table base plate that stays on most of the time, so I don't use the factory bottom a lot.
John
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