Router Template Guides

[sleddogg]

I have the Craftsman version of Bosch's 1617 evs 2 base router kit and purchased a "universal" base plate by Jasper that accepts porter cable style bushings. It mounts to my fixed router base fine but none of the holes line up with the plunge base. The Jasper plate is also smaller in diameter than the Craftsman plunge base so even drilling new holes would not produce ideal results, especially with one side of the plunge base being flattened for the purpose of following edge guides. (I do not know if Bosch's version of the plunge base has the flat side)

Also sears has discontinued the bushing set designed to fit their proprietary vesion of the router base plates. So short of milling my own baseplate, does anyone know of a product out there that will allow me to use porter cable style bushings with my plunge base?

If my only option is to make my own, how do i go about it and what material should I use? (i.e. making sure that the bushing and the circumference are centered and truly round, what to drill out recess for bushing with, etc.)

Thanks for any help.

P.S. why would Sears sell a router with proprietary baseplate design and then not sell bushings to fit such design? They are triangular with screw mounting.

[LCHIEN]

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...+1617+template

see post #9

There's other threads that describe how well it (the Bosch quick release template guide system) works. I think it works really well.

[sleddogg]

LChien,
Thanks for the information. However the problem lies in obtaining a sub base that will accept either porter cable bushings or the bosch quick release that you describe. I contacted bosch and they informed me that indeed the bosch made craftsman plunge base for the bosch made craftsman version of their 1617evs router does have a different mounting hole pattern as requested by sears in order for them to have proprietary domain over bushings for this router. Additionally bosch replacement sub base cannot be drilled out to match hole pattern on craftsman labeled plunge base due to material thickness and pattern of raised ribbing in the sub base mold design (cannot drill holed deep enough for screws without going through material) Bosch is aware of the problem but will not manufacture a replacement sub base to fit craftsman version. Frankly, I cannot blame them, no money in it, not their name on the machine.

Upon posting this issue on another forum, someone suggested contacting Pat Warner (the routerman), that he makes such bases, although he only lists one for the bosch badged plunge base and unless he has access to a craftsman version, he likely will have to make one without the mounting holes and I will drill those myself using a centering pin through a porter cable bushing. Works for me, now if he'd only answer my e-mail.
Thanks LChien for the info anyway.

[LCHIEN]

LChien,
Thanks for the information. However the problem lies in obtaining a sub base that will accept either porter cable bushings or the bosch quick release that you describe. I contacted bosch and they informed me that indeed the bosch made craftsman plunge base for the bosch made craftsman version of their 1617evs router does have a different mounting hole pattern as requested by sears in order for them to have proprietary domain over bushings for this router. Additionally bosch replacement sub base cannot be drilled out to match hole pattern on craftsman labeled plunge base due to material thickness and pattern of raised ribbing in the sub base mold design (cannot drill holed deep enough for screws without going through material) Bosch is aware of the problem but will not manufacture a replacement sub base to fit craftsman version. Frankly, I cannot blame them, no money in it, not their name on the machine.

Upon posting this issue on another forum, someone suggested contacting Pat Warner (the routerman), that he makes such bases, although he only lists one for the bosch badged plunge base and unless he has access to a craftsman version, he likely will have to make one without the mounting holes and I will drill those myself using a centering pin through a porter cable bushing. Works for me, now if he'd only answer my e-mail.
Thanks LChien for the info anyway.

I'm very sorry to hear that...
I guess I'll stop recommending the Craftsman version; it simply is a shame that it won't take the Bosch accessories, I had heard that it did have hole compatible with Craftsman/Ryobi routers.

[drumpriest]

Loring, there is really no longer any reason to recommend the craftsman version, as the latest bosch kit comes with above table height adjustment, and is currently at a very inexpensive price on Amazon.

I'm sorry to hear about the problem that having sleddog, have you checked out the turnlock universal base?? I'm not sure that it's a good option, but something to consider.

[sleddogg]

I was able to contact a man named pat warner [URL="http://www.patwarner.com"]
via e-mail from his web site and he sent me a sub base for the bosch version of the 1617 plunge base drilled to accept porter cable templates. Arrived yesterday and the holes line up perfectly so apparently only the fixed base on the craftsman version is messed up. He makes them himself and sent it on the promise of a check or M.O. for $18 which I stamped and sent the minute I saw I was back in business. Thanks for the input all and just thought I'd let you know all is not lost when it comes the Craftsman version. I think some day when I have time I'll make a few phone calls to sears and see how far up the chain I can get just to let them know.