router table plate recommendations

[BTL-A4]

Does anyone have any thoughts/comments/experience with this company's (O'Skool Tools) router table insert:


I have a Bosch 1617 router. This will go on my TS insert. Thanks!

 

[niget2002]

Those types of inserts are OK, but they're typically a pain to adjust. They rely on you reaching under and using the stock fixed base that comes with your router.

It might be worth looking at the inserts with the integral lifts. The ones that you can raise and lower from above the table are extra nice.

 

[BSWS]

I hadn't seen that one. I like that the plate is aluminum and I like how the adapters lock. But....I've been using something similar for 20 years, and for about 19.5 years I've wanted to replace it with a lift. I'd spend a little more and getting something with a lift and be done with it.

 

[BTL-A4]

Those types of inserts are OK, but they're typically a pain to adjust. They rely on you reaching under and using the stock fixed base that comes with your router.

It might be worth looking at the inserts with the integral lifts. The ones that you can raise and lower from above the table are extra nice.

I was thinking of getting a lift. I was more concerned with this particular company. I also want to make sure they have either standard insert rings, or will be around if I need them. The reviews seem fine, but the company is, I think, a reseller/distributor and not a manufacturer; they find factories to make stuff to their specs and then sell them. Not a deal breaker, but I just want to buy from a company with a good reputation.

 

[BTL-A4]

I hadn't seen that one. I like that the plate is aluminum and I like how the adapters lock. But....I've been using something similar for 20 years, and for about 19.5 years I've wanted to replace it with a lift. I'd spend a little more and getting something with a lift and be done with it.

I'm starting to lean toward that. I'd really like to know if O'Skool is a reputable company.

 

[niget2002]

I was thinking of getting a lift. I was more concerned with this particular company. I also want to make sure they have either standard insert rings, or will be around if I need them. The reviews seem fine, but the company is, I think, a reseller/distributor and not a manufacturer; they find factories to make stuff to their specs and then sell them. Not a deal breaker, but I just want to buy from a company with a good reputation.

If the company ever stops producing inserts, I'm sure someone could design a 3d printed one.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I found discussions at both sawmill Creek and lumber jocks. Very few references. No comments on quality. One discussion on "who is this company".

For short term messing around probably fine.

How do you intend to adjust router height? I assume the adjustable base. Never used it for this because I chose to go directly to a lift.

You should be able to test height adjustment in the base by testing with a piece of 1/2" plywood with appropriate holes cut in the wood to adjust through the top. Etc....

It is annoying to cut/fit the base. I have five it a few times. But, if you don't like it, you may need a new top unless the replacement base is exactly the same size (including depth) or at least larger so you can simply enlarge the hole.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I hadn't seen that one. I like that the plate is aluminum and I like how the adapters lock. But....I've been using something similar for 20 years, and for about 19.5 years I've wanted to replace it with a lift. I'd spend a little more and getting something with a lift and be done with it.

Do it, do it now. Really.

 

[BTL-A4]

Those types of inserts are OK, but they're typically a pain to adjust. They rely on you reaching under and using the stock fixed base that comes with your router.

It might be worth looking at the inserts with the integral lifts. The ones that you can raise and lower from above the table are extra nice.

I think I can drill a hole in the table and use a hex key to make adjustments. I have a Bosch 1617 router that has a 3mm hex that is accessed from the bottom ("up" on a table) plate side.

I think the advantage of a lift is you can raise the router collet all the way up above the table surface really easily to make bit changes. But, I'll have to see if I can do that with my Bosch and the table I have.

 

[BTL-A4]

The issue I'm having with the rings is when I take the one I have off to use a bigger bit, wood residue gets flung and stuck on the piece that holds the ring. It makes it difficult to hold the ring. I can scrape it off, but it will eventually damage the plastic. I'd like to keep the ring holder clean and have replaceable rings.

 

[BTL-A4]

If the company ever stops producing inserts, I'm sure someone could design a 3d printed one.

The only issue I see is that these rings have a pretty tight tolerance for fitting and I'm not sure a 3D-printed one will work as well as an injection-molded one.

 

[acer66]

I have a Triton with a build in lift and that is one of those things I wish I had bought ages ago.
The other great thing is that it has a dust shroud and that hooked up to a vacuum does wonders.

I know that is not a lot of help but maybe you search also for used/new router with a build in lift that fits your needs alongside looking for a lift to broaden your options.

Good luck.

 

[niget2002]

The only issue I see is that these rings have a pretty tight tolerance for fitting and I'm not sure a 3D-printed one will work as well as an injection-molded one.

I print inserts for my bandsaw. It took a few tries to get it to snap in correctly.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have a Triton with a build in lift and that is one of those things I wish I had bought ages ago.
The other great thing is that it has a dust shroud and that hooked up to a vacuum does wonders.

I know that is not a lot of help but maybe you search also for used/new router with a build in lift that fits your needs alongside looking for a lift to broaden your options.

Good luck.

I built a box to hold the router under the table. Dust collection is attached to that box. This keeps all dust and chips contained. Highly recommended

I also have dust collection in the fence.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I think I can drill a hole in the table and use a hex key to make adjustments. I have a Bosch 1617 router that has a 3mm hex that is accessed from the bottom ("up" on a table) plate side.

I think the advantage of a lift is you can raise the router collet all the way up above the table surface really easily to make bit changes. But, I'll have to see if I can do that with my Bosch and the table I have.

Mine came with a hex T handle to adjust I think... But I never used it because I have a router lift and I use that rather than the plunge base You can adjust from the top. But I think it is specifically designed to be able to do that.

 

[rharman]

I have a JessEm Rout-R-Lift II. They get great reviews. Can't tell you about my experience. It's been in the box for a LONG time and I'm just getting around to building the table for it. WoodPeckers also has very good lifts but they're more pricey.

JessEm still has their Black Friday sale on. Code: BLACKFRIDAY24.

 

[legenddc]

The O'Skool tools look to be the same as ones sold on TaylorTools.com. Here's their aluminum router plate: https://taytools.com/products/anodi...-x-12-x-1-4-thick?_pos=4&_sid=7df07a2f5&_ss=r

I found a used router lift for $50 and picked it up. They're a lot quicker to move it all the way up/down compared to the Bosch 1617 adjustment.

If you do get a plate, make sure it's the same size and corner radius as a router lift that you might want one day. I think there are a couple of different sizes.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you're using a plunge router like the Dewalt/Elu 625 you don't need a lift. If you're using a fixed base router you'll give your right nut for one. Woodhaven is where I got my extension knob for the height adjustment on my 625