O/T: router table for KM12VC

[koehler]

Hi All,

I have a BT3100 and a new KM12VC, however not sure if I've read if the Hitachi will fit the Ryobi router mounting kit?
Anyone?
According to Rockler, the router plate is extra large, enough that it can only be used with their #2 table and larger. If the Ryobi mounting kit won't fit it, I'm thinking of just getting some counter-top laminate or MDF and a router plate from Rockler.

Oh yeah, any suggestions on a good novice woodworking book that includes router operation?

thanks,

Fred

[Wood_workur]

I wouldn't use a router plate with the hitachi KM12VC. It isn't needed. You should go to www.sommerfeldtools.com and get a bent wrench and a router raizer, and build a solid router table. The reason behing a router plate is to remove the router for adjustments, and changing bits. The hitachi KM12VC is designed for a router table, so all of the controls are on on side, and the spindle lock can lock in eight positions, because it it is just like a wrench.

oh, and yes, the hitachi will fit on the bt. many here have done it.

[LarryG]

I'm reasonably certain that only Ryobi and some Craftsman routers will fit the stock holes in the router mounting plate. But you only have to drill three (or perhaps four) holes to mount any brand of router, so no big deal.

There are several sizes of router plates out there, so it's hard to say any one of them is the defacto standard, however the 9-1/4" x 11-3/4" size used by Woodpeckers, JessEm, and a few others is probably most common. You might want to look at those, if you haven't already.

For a router book, you cannot beat "Woodworking With The Router" by Bill Hylton and Fred Matlack. If you're thinking of building your own table, you should seriously consider buying this book and reading the relevant chapters before you start. Twenty bucks in bookstores, about 2/3 that from amazon.com.

A general woodworking title is a little harder to recommend. The best place to start is your local library. Beyond that ... I've seen two or three that I thought were really well done, and at least twice that many more that seemed only so-so. "The Complete Book Of Woodworking," which I've seen for sale at Lowe's and I think Home Depot too, looks pretty good (I don't own it, but have thumbed it several times). The first half covers tools and their uses, the second half is projects you can build. Another one that looks good is "The Complete Manual Of Woodworking" by Albert Jackson. Somewhat more advanced, but still accessible to a motivated beginner, is "Classic Joints With Power Tools" by Yeung Chan. This is a GREAT book, easily among the top two or three of the 25-30 woodworking books I own.

As I said, check the library, and then spend some time browsing a good bookstore. You know your skill levels best, so you'll be the best judge of which title will be most suitable.

And welcome to the forum!

[koehler]

Alex and Larry, thanks very much.
So, wasn't aware that the Hitachi was deisgned for a router table as you mentioned. However, since the raizer is $90 off the bat, I am trying to find something quick/dirty/cheap to simply start with, and then once I figure out how much I will use it, I would expect to go with a full-bore router table/raiser, etc.
If I get the Ryobi kit, once set up do I lift it like a router plate, or is there room to change bits and adjust?

Appreciate the help, thanks.
Fred

[vaking]

Fred,
Firstly, I think there is a little confusion here. Many of us have Hitachi M12V router mounted in a BT3100 accesory table. Mounting it takes drilling 4 holes in aluminum plate but it is not very difficult. I don't think many have KM12VC router -it is too new. Most likely it will take drilling holes for mounting as well. If it is - still not a big deal. The baseplate for KM12VC is smaller than the plate for M12V especially if you mean fixed base (KM12VC is a dual-base kit). Somehow I don't see KM12VC as built for table use. Replacing the bit in this router takes not one but 2 wrenches and there is no spindle lock on that router. Most lifts are compatible with M12V, I have yet to see anything for KM12VC. Which router do you have: M12V or KM12VC? I have M12V mounted in the BT3100 and I also have KM12SC, which is a single-speed version of KM12VC. All the mounting is the same as on KM12VC; if you want I can confirm in the evening need for drilling holes. KM12SC is a great router for hand use, KM12VC is a better and more expensive version of the same but I have never used it in a table and don't know of anyone who did.
Secondly: If you are trying to save money and avoid router lift even with M12V it is very possible. I have M12V mounted in native BT3100 table with native plate. I usually change the bit under the table with regular wrench and adjust height with the knob that comes with M12V. I don't have a lift and I consider it a luxury since I am a hobbyist.
And one more detail: KM12VC is a multi-base kit so it is easier to remove router from base than the base from the table to replace a bit. Once you mount the base to the table you will never remove it.

[maxparot]

I have that router installed. Like so many all that is needed is to drill new mounting holes into the accessory tables mounting plate. It isn't a difficult task to undertake.

[koehler]

OK, just lost my entire reply.....

Alex, I do have the KM12VC router with both fixed and plunge bases. I'm not sure why it would not be built for table use, are you saying that because it is only 2.25 hp, or some other reason?

Just happened across http://routerforums.com/showthread.p...ghlight=km12vc where it looks like it will sub-base is the same as PC 690.
So does that actually mean I might be able to either use the Ryobi kit, or the Rocker #1 table after all?

maxparot, you have the KM12VC mounted to the Ryobi kit?

Appreciate everyone's help and advice. BTW, just picked up Holbrens 24 bit set at overstock:
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....ROD_ID=1546464

I know they are 1/4", however I'm thinking for a beginner it should have a lot of the 'normal' newbie bits to play with?

[evgenyb]

Fred,

I'd recommend next time go to the Holbren directly. I just picked up their 35 1/2 and the same set as yours 2 days ago

http://www.holbren.com/home.php?cat=27

Now I impatiently wait

EugeneB

[koehler]

Eugene, I did when I read a post of his here, or on another forum however he was already sold out. He suggested anyone looking for it pick up one of the few remaining at Overstock. I know the 1/4" are probably undersized for heavy work, however hoping they'll do me for a while as I learn.

Thanks

[vaking]

Koehler,
Another Alex (Wood_workur) mentioned that KM12VC is specially made for a table and explains why. I believe that Alex got confused between M12V and KM12VC because his descriptions fit M12V only.
I do believe that M12V is better suited for table use than KM12VC. Couple reasons. KM12VC requires 2 wrenches for changing bits. It has no spindle lock. Using 2 wrenches under the table does not look very comfy to me. Most likely you will end up removing the router from base to change bits. This is doable but not optimal. Generally, people use dual-base routers in a table only when that is their only router and they try to survive on that router for everything - table and hand work. If you get router dedicated to the table - why pay for second base?
The method used for adjusting depth in a fixed base of KM12VC does not lend itself to things like router-raizer. This method is standard for dual-base kits but the way plunge routers and some fixed based routers like Milwakee do it (with the knob) is easier to adapt for a raizer.
The power of a router (2-1/4 HP) is the least of my concerns. 2-1/4HP is enough for most table operations. If you decide to make raised panels with horizontal bits with 3HP router you can do it in one pass, with 2-1/4HP you will make several passes. Ryobi mounting would not let you use large bits anyway - not much of a loss. I have 2 routers I use in tables - 3-1/4HP M12V and 2HP craftsman. I don't feel that craftsman is handicapped in power to M12V. M12V is better in other respects however, like depth adjustment method.
In conclusion - KM12VC is usable in a table but in a long term you are likely to get yourself another router for table use only and use KM12VC in hands only. It is a great router for that.
Just my 2 pennies.

[Wood_workur]

Yes, Alex V, I did get them mixed up.

[koehler]

Alex and Alex V, thanks for the correction. I just found the box for the KM12VC, and since I haven't used it yet, I'm seriously thinking of returning it and going with the fixed only for the table. You got me thinking when you mentioned needing to pull the router out to change bits, etc. My only experience is watching Router Workshop, thought that was sort of the way it was done, 2 wrenches, and lifting out the router with the plate???

OK, potential flame-fest question, and I am now back to first base.
I would like a router (fixed) for table use. I expect 2.25hp is more than adequate. I will be ordering the Rockler #1 table package, so need something that will work with that table, at leat preferably.
Would like bit changing easy, however could also go with the Jacob's PowerCollet http://www.popularwoodworking.com/fe...uter1_new.html here.
Soft-start would be nice too.

Can't remember which router review was happy that the power switch was lighted, or had power to it.

If you had to do it over again, and wanted to spend $100-150 for a table-only router, what would you suggest?

Appreciate everyone's help, please keep me from buy a top of the line Bosch, or HarborFreight......[8)]