Shank depth with template guide
Hedgehodge
| Posted in Jigs, Fixtures, Tips & Tricks on
I’m 100% new to owning my own router, esp a plunge and router table. Most I did was 18 years ago in high school woodshop…
I’m trying to setup a jig/guide and not sure why my bit doesn’t come out past the guide and deep enough for depth requirements.
I am using a Bosch 1617 fixed/plunge. Have a skill ra900 table. I HAD the Harbor freight jig/HF brand PC guides and a 1/4 shank 1/2″ dovetail bit that’s 2inch long. I can get the bit to come out of the guide only if I pull out the shank from the collet, NOT a good idea. The collet hits the PC guide….
Any tips would be great, tried Google but don’t see what I’m missing, tried fixed base and plunge, same results obviously… Templates require plunge ?
Thank you
V/r
Michael
Replies
I forgot to mention, returning the HF jig and guides, bought the Porter Cable 4216 for 133 on Amazon, will be here next week. Assuming I'll have the same issues, hopefully not
The usual cause of this is trying to fix the guide plate over the base of the router with the plastic base in place. Most routers come with a plastic bottom which you need to remove before fixing on the guide holder. The Bosch you mention certainly seems to have one of those in the images I could find. You will have the same problem with your new machine if you don't do that.
If you did remove the base, then you might consider that some guide bushings are longer than others and some base plates are thicker too. I have a set which has mostly 4mm deep guides but some are 10mm. It can be hard to use shorter bits with the deeper guides.
You have four options, of which the last two are included only for completeness and are not really wise.
1. Seek out a bit with a longer shank.
2. Pull the shank out a little. If you think about it, you need to do this anyway as you don't want the shank bottoming out in the router. The collet is supposed to pull it in some, so pulling it out 1/4 inch will do no harm and may even give a more secure fixing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY65tqjXwas shows a Kreg sponsored demo.
3. Reduce the guide bushing. (not easy but you could do it with a saw...)
4. Reduce the thickness of the guide bearing plate (you could drill a deeper centre hole for instance) though this is probably best for those who have a metal working lathe.
I believe you are correct, I still had the black Sub base installed, not sure why I didn't think to remove it, (maybe I need a different subbase, we will see) I'll give it another shot once the new jig gets here. I didn't know the new jig came with 4 bits too... Bought two Freud ones, oh well. Lots of kitchen cabinets to learn/do. Thanks for the four things to look for :) Happy New year
Instead of Google try YouTube. Lots of good info there. And pictures, to boot.
Mikaol
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