Looking for router plate recommendation

[JR]

Man, the prices for router plates is all over the map!

I want/need to make a new router table extension for my BT. I want something that has a >3" opening, with inserts to reduce the opening as appropriate.

This would seem to be $20-$25 part to me. A quick search revealed prices running from $40 and way up from there.

Any suggestions?

JR

[Stormbringer]

Any suggestions?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94331

Apparently identical to the MCLS one.

discussed here: http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ghlight=triton


I posted a follow up inquiry to those who bought it, but received no responses.

regards,
Greg

[JR]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94331

Apparently identical to the MCLS one.

You could search the HF site for a million years and not find that!

Thanks,
JR

[Stormbringer]

JR, If you pull the trigger on that, please give us a review.

Thanks

[Popeye]

Stan bought that I think and said it sagged. Maybe he'll jump in here with a review. Pat

[Stan]

Yep, I bought one of those plates. It is definitely worth the $20 or so that I paid for it, but it does have some flex to it.

The router itself did not cause it to sag, but if you don't have consistent downward pressure on stock going across the plate the cut-line will show where the plate flexed with varying amounts of downward pressure above the plate.

Just my view for what it's worth, ymmv.

[RayintheUK]

I use Rousseau plates, John - got one in each table. They definitely do not sag, but they're also not the cheapest available. One source is here (scroll down just over halfway).

Ray.

[Knottscott]

Iv'e got a couple of phenolics from Hartville Tool that I like...enough to buy the 2nd one. I think they were ~ $30.

[Andrew Benedetto]

Hartville also gives a 15%? discount to Woodnetforum members.

Here is the Rousseau w. rings and pin for $35 +s&h

http://http://www.woodworkingshop.co...onthsBetween=0

[sweensdv]

Reguarding the HF plate, does anyone know exactly what phenolic resin is? I did a Google on it and came away just as confused as before I did the search. It appears that phenolic resin and be any number of things.

[ChrisD]

I use Rousseau plates, John - got one in each table. They definitely do not sag, but they're also not the cheapest available. One source is here (scroll down just over halfway).

Ray.

Ray, I have been thinking of getting the Rousseau plate ($33 with free shipping right now at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000022...581769-0675615), but was a little concerned about the feedback from some customers regarding the "slight crown" in the center. Did you experience any problems with this?

Thanks, JR, for letting me steal the thread.

[LinuxRandal]

I picked up a used woodpeckers aluminum router plate. Now I am kinda paying for it, in searching for the bolts for my router. It uses a smaller diameter headed machine screw. I haven't found any locally or through Mcmaster Carr yet. Emailed Woodpeck today, so will see.

[RayintheUK]

Ray, I have been thinking of getting the Rousseau plate ($33 with free shipping right now at Amazon, but was a little concerned about the feedback from some customers regarding the "slight crown" in the center. Did you experience any problems with this?

Absolutely not. It's so slight you don't see it with the naked eye. Wouldn't have bought the second one if I'd had problems with the first.

Ray.

[Black wallnut]

I use Rousseau plates, John - got one in each table. They definitely do not sag, but they're also not the cheapest available. One source is here (scroll down just over halfway).

Ray.

Ray with all due respect if you are talking about the same Rousseau plate that i purchased from MLCS several years ago, phenolic with the 2 or 3 rings (I do not recall which) Bull S H I T!!!!!!!!!

I had one they are crowned! by several thousanths of an inch making precision joinrey a bear. plus with enough weight they will sag.

here's the proof, each lead (#2 alloy) ingot weighs about 1.5 pounds:





Router was installed, Skil 3 1/4 hp older model. Weight was added centered until I could use a feeler guage to measure deflection at the rings. At this late date I no longer remember the approx weight involved (seems like near 40 ~50 pounds) and the amount of deflecion (probabaly .005"). IIRC the amount of weight under the paper was what was required to make the plate level. The weight did not touch the level and feeler guages were used to check flatness and sag. Sorry to use such strong language but impirical evidence trumps all others. Please accept my apology if this is not the same plate that you are referencing in your post.

Shortly after the picture was taken I moved, sold the Rosseau plate and upgraded to Rockler's 1/4" thick aluminum (size large) plate which under the same tests is flat and remains flat.

In closing each purchaser need to determine IMHO what level of precision they need for the type of routing they are planning to do. If your aim is sliding dovetails or any other type of precision joinery do not buy any plate other than hard anodized aluminum! All others will sag over time and depending on useage and many will be crowned in manufacture. Both of these situations are detrimental to precision joinrey.

[Greg.B]

+1 for the rockler plate. Its just the best you can by IMO for $50. And you can order the custom made ones for your router. I have one for my PC890 and its the best.