Router Board anyone?

[leehljp]

There are dado tools for book cases (or sliding pantry) out there that will do what I want, but I can't seem to get my mind around them well enough. I basically wanted a "router board" similar to a saw board that I could just clamp on a board, align the board with the saw/router LINE, add clamps and cut a dado. Move to the next and do the same; and so on without having to re-measure with each move. No figureing and measuring.

Well, my mind has been working on this for about a month. I am building a sliding storage for my daughter that will fit between her fridge and the wall. So I needed some dados on some long boards, including the ends.

Router Board: The bottom board slides and I move it out to to the distance that align with the edge of the router bit blade. That way, I know that the "router board" will be where the cut is made. No need for measuring from each guide set up, as on most set ups commonly used.

Because this set up raises the router to the height of the board it sets on, I had to add a similar piece to the router plate. This in turn means that the router bit depth allow for this additional 1/4 inch. BTW, I have two of the PC bases for jig use, so I am not altering my normal base.

Two things I learned quickly: 1. Cut from one side part way across, and then cut from the other side - or the exit will splinter the edges. 2. Make sure the RB is properly aligned and CLAMPED good.

Also,I had two boards (5 1/2") clamped together side by side so that I cut the dado on both at the same time. Aligned great!

Here are the picts:

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

http://www.bt3central.com/attachment...1&d=1401627426

[Pappy]

I made one several years ago but it wasn't adjustable. Piece if square tube down the center with one side trimmed to width for dados to fit 3/4" ply and the other side for 1/2". Worked but I was limited to the 2 sizes of dados.

[JimD]

My stuff is in storage until the new garage is built so I can't post a picture. But my design requires a top bearing router bit. It is just two parallel guides one of which adjusts. I can do 24 inch wide dados. I can clamp a board the width I want the dado for, plus a business card for clearance, between the guides, pull it out and route the dados. I forget where I got the design. Works well.

I also have a router attachment for my track saw track. I haven't tried it yet. But for a long dado, I would dig it out and try it. My track saw is a DeWalt and the router attachment was about $40.

[Neal]

I've been wondering about the router guide for the track saws (and if they would work with the grizzly rails).

If push came to shove, I could use the backside of one of the tracks as a straight edge guide for a router. Wouldn't eliminate the "drift" that is possible, but it would be better than nothing.

Interesting design lee.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Nice Hank. I use one like this, but with only one side guide. I believe this is the same type Jim had in mind.

...But my design requires a top bearing router bit. It is just two parallel guides one of which adjusts. I can do 24 inch wide dados. I can clamp a board the width I want the dado for, plus a business card for clearance, between the guides, pull it out and route the dados. I forget where I got the design. Works well.

[leehljp]

I've been wondering about the router guide for the track saws (and if they would work with the grizzly rails).

If push came to shove, I could use the backside of one of the tracks as a straight edge guide for a router. Wouldn't eliminate the "drift" that is possible, but it would be better than nothing.

Interesting design lee.

I understand the straight edge guides, BUT don't you have to measure EACH alignment back about 2 to 3 inches from the cut mark? Unlike a saw which can cut at the edge of a sawboard or track, a router sticks out from the base edge of the track - about 2 to 3 inches to the router blade.

Is there a jig for the router that attaches to the track that lets it cut precisely at the router line?

The problem that I wanted to overcome was not having to measure at all. Just place the jig on the line, spring clamp and cut. NO Measureing or fiddling.

Does the Track with routers do this?