I’m looking for a router that will let me raise and lower a 3-1/2″ panel raising bit through the opening in the base. I have to keep the bit in my current router extended, and add a piece of plywood on top of the router table. I’d rather have a table mounted router that will let me raise and lower the bit like normal.
Any recommendations?
Replies
Can you remove your OEM base and replace with a shop made plexiglass base?
I did that with a PC 3hp.
If it’s in a table the base plate should be removed anyway.
I don’t understand.
Please explain further your setup.
I’m using a Jessem router motor in a lift, but prior to that I used a Triton but never experienced your issue.
I have several routers, all older. A Bosch, Makita, Dewalt, PC. I take the phenolic base off to attach a Rockler aluminum plate for my router table. No lift or anything. The router stays in the factory base, minus the outer plate. But a 3-1/2 inch but is too large to be retracted through the opening in any of the factory bases. The largest opening on any I have is 3-1/4.
I was hoping to find one that will let me raise and lower the bigger bit.
JessEm has an array of router plate inserts. Rockler offers an undrilled insert. You may be able to cut it to your needs. MLCS has blank and pre-drilled plexiglass 1/4" and 3/8" router plates.
Thats all I have. Good luck,
Mikaol
I just put a caliper on the casting of my old USA Porter Cable 7539 3hp plunger...
3 63/128" North-South
3 62/128" East-West
Plenty of beef on it to open it up for your helicopter rotor bit. Mine is on at least it's 30th lap around the sun, no idea about availabilty, never had to look.
The Triton TRA 001 can't do it - 3 1/8 mac hole size. I think it would be possible to have it machined to swing that bit though.
John, Not sure how you feel about used gear, but there's one on ebay right now. Mine has a "type 2" serial number.
I would recommend buying a lift instead of a new router, it would be cheaper and the better solution. Once you use a lift you will wonder why you ever struggled with a hard mounted router.
There is a reason base openings are smaller than that monster bit and it is to discourage freehand use of such bits which could be disastrous.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004U7B6IE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_4QNVFb6MA5384?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
PS I do hope one of your routers is 3hp.
Also do not use such a bit in a fixed speed router it must be run at no more than 15000 rpm and that probably exceeds the manufacturers recommendation. If you do you are playing with fire.
Thanks everyone. I don't use the giant bit very often, but I dislike having to layer plywood on top of the table to make cuts. At least it's better than when I first used it, back before variable speed and soft start existed. I ruined some undershorts in those long past days.
It doesn't look like the router I was thinking of really exists, which leaves me thinking about lifts again. And instead of putting a lot of money in a lift and new motor, I'm back to thinking about a spindle shaper. But I use it very seldom, and default back to doing nothing.
Hmmmm.
When I swapped the PC out of the table for the Triton I had to resign myself to not using a few of the big boys anymore. That was 2 years ago and I can't say it's ever been an isssue.
You have no choice but to buy the $1000 shaper to avoid the potential waste of the $100 router bit.
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