setting up the hitachi router on the bt3100 router plate

[footprintsinconc]

i was going to install the hitachi router onto the alluminum plate so that i can fit it onto the bt3100 router table. however, the holes dont match up.

i was going to drill new holes and then use a bigger bit to couter sink the hole so that the new flat head screw would sit in.

do i have to keep something in mind when doing this or is there another way around this? should i use a bigger bit for counter sinking or should i go out and buy a metal counter sinking bit?

thanks for the help in advance!

[LCHIEN]

ideally the chamfer of the countersink should match the angle of the flat head.
The most common general purpose drill bit angle is 118 degrees. There are some, specialty bits at 135 degrees; you probably won't find sets of 135 degree bits at Lowes or HD Walmart or target. Thus any drill bit used for this will be way off.

The flat head screw is 82 degrees (virtually all).
There are countersink bits at both 82 and 90 degrees, make sure you get the right one. The 82 is intended for countersinks for FH screws, the 90 is used for deburring or chamfering holes. It's usually not marked on the bit and often not indicated even on the package.

My mantra is to always use the proper tool for the job. So I'd use my 82 degree countersink bits.

[footprintsinconc]

My mantra is to always use the proper tool for the job. So I'd use my 82 degree countersink bits.

thanks loring. so, where do i get these 82 degree coutersink bits from? stupid question, i have to make sure they are for metal not wood?

[LCHIEN]

these are the ones I have -

Cut real smoothly ( I call them wormholes, as opposed to fluted cutters) from Lee Valley.
The description specifically says 82 degrees.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...240,42281&ap=1

[footprintsinconc]

i see, these are better than the fluted ones. but the site doesnt say anything about it being used in aluminum.

[LCHIEN]

i see, these are better than the fluted ones. but the site doesnt say anything about it being used in aluminum.

it should work fine in Al. I think I used mine.

[dbhost]

Please post your success / failure with this process. I have the Hitachi router as well and am planning on doing that same trick...

Also, I am working on a deal for a BT, but it is hard to get to in a reasonable time frame... I may end up missing that deal and having to go with a 21829.... Would I still need to punch custom holes in the 21829?

[LCHIEN]

Please post your success / failure with this process. I have the Hitachi router as well and am planning on doing that same trick...

Also, I am working on a deal for a BT, but it is hard to get to in a reasonable time frame... I may end up missing that deal and having to go with a 21829.... Would I still need to punch custom holes in the 21829?

21820 has some issues. No router plate separate, just bosses in the aux top. The bosses are where the Craftsman router goes, you'll have to make a judgement call on where to drill the router mount hoels for other routers, whether the maerial is thick enough. Discussed in other threads.

[shoottx]

There are two more concerns in mounting a different router.

1. Location of the handles/ on of switch, even if you plug the router into the saw's cabinet switch.

2. Location of the equipment for setting the router height.

I would suggest thinking through these as you set up to drill holes. If you get the router situated so that all of the adjustment are on the back it can be a real pain in the