Leveling router plate insert

[atgcpaul]

I have a rectangular phenolic router table insert with screw levelers at the
corners. During operation, the screws vibrate loose and the insert isn't flush
with the table anymore. Any homebrew suggestions? How about teflon tape? Otherwise, I guess I could buy and try some Loctite.

Thanks, Paul

[cabinetman]

I have a rectangular phenolic router table insert with screw levelers at the
corners. During operation, the screws vibrate loose and the insert isn't flush
with the table anymore. Any homebrew suggestions? How about teflon tape? Otherwise, I guess I could buy and try some Loctite.

Thanks, Paul

Teflon tape might work. Or, give masking tape a try.
.

[Uncle Cracker]

Loctite?

[Norm in Fujino]

Or fingernail polish.

[Black wallnut]

How about adding epoxy at each corner so that the plate is level with the table top without the need for leveling screws.

[dealweb]

My Benchdog router plate came with Loctite for the leveling screws. When I get home tonight I'll let you know which specific product from Loctite that was given.

[dbhost]

For some reason teflon tape sounds like a bad idea. Isn't teflon a dry lubricant?

[LCHIEN]

For some reason teflon tape sounds like a bad idea. Isn't teflon a dry lubricant?

actually its not an uncommon trick to use a few wraps of teflon tape on threaded rods to keep them from working loose. The teflon fills the gaps and i guess increases the friction by surface area and also keeps any play from causing the threads to walk out. the best example of this is using teflon tape in the three spokes of the elevation handle extensions on a drill press, because they are subject to side load they tend to work loose. I've done this on all three of the DPs I owed which had the same issue, and so apparently have others.

I think however, i've only used this trick on 5/16 or 3/8 threaded rods or bigger, not sure you can sucessfully use it on small set screws you'd find for levelling screws - the tape would be too thick for the space in smaller threads and hard to wrap on something that small.

[atgcpaul]

I needed an excuse to get out of the lab around lunch so I went to Lowes and
picked up a bottle a Loctite Red 271. It says it should only be used on metal
to metal. I'll test it on an obscure corner of the phenolic first to see if it will
melt it. It shouldn't because that's the same stuff lab benches are made.

Paul

[PhilofKayDu]

I read somewhere to use silicone caulking. Put some wax paper pieces down where the leveling screws will contact. Screw the leveling screws out a little bit. The phenolic plate should now be a little higher than the table. Now put 2 dabs of caulking on each screw. Put the plate into the opening. Don't forget the wax paper. Last of all [and hopfully you can access the screws from the top] turn the screws to level the plate to the table. This should pull a little of the caulking into yhe threads of the plate. Once the caulking dries; it will hold the srews in place but also stay pliable for repositioning in the future. Phil N.

[atgcpaul]

I needed an excuse to get out of the lab around lunch so I went to Lowes and
picked up a bottle a Loctite Red 271. It says it should only be used on metal
to metal. I'll test it on an obscure corner of the phenolic first to see if it will
melt it. It shouldn't because that's the same stuff lab benches are made.

Paul

I used my router table for the first time since I used Loctite on threads. They
didn't shake loose like before and the Loctite did not melt my router plate. FYI.


Paul