Router guides

[PJC]

Well, I am seriously considering the PC 4212 dovetail jig (hopefully while it's on sale). My concern is with my ryobi router being able to handle the bushings that come with the jig (a la the Bosch router). If there's a problem, what would I need? A universal kit?

I am a bit confused.

Pete

[RHunter]

You would need to replace your base with one that can take PC Templates. I have the 3-base Ryobi, and I had to purchase a new base for the same reason you are asking.

The best price I found for one was at Hartville.

Router base from Hartville

But I got antsy to try out my new 4212, so I bought this from my local Woodcraft:

Router Base from Woodcraft

You just need to be REALLY sure you align the center of the base with the collet, or your template adapters will be off.

Took a couple of tries to get it right, but it works fine for my 3-base Ryobi.

But you say you have a Bosch Router, 1617? You would need the RA1100 adapter RA100 from Amazon . This fits in the 1617 Router base that will let it take the PC Bushings.

I've got my eye on the 1617EVSPK kit, for this purpose and ditch my Ryobi, so I've been researching too...

Good Luck!

[PJC]

But you say you have a Bosch Router, 1617?

Thanks for the reply and the info! I don't have the Bosch router I used that as an example of another router that neede an adapter. When I was searching the forums, that Bosch router and adapter kit kept popping up.

**Edit**
I just checked that link you put and that looks perfect! Thanks again!


Pete

[PJC]

Is this the same one as the link above from Hartville tools?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

the only difference I can see is the one from Hartville tools has a gold adapter and the one from Amazon has a silver adapter (and Amazon is $3 cheaper and has free 2 day shipping with my Prime trial account)

[RHunter]

Is this the same one as the link above from Hartville tools?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

the only difference I can see is the one from Hartville tools has a gold adapter and the one from Amazon has a silver adapter (and Amazon is $3 cheaper and has free 2 day shipping with my Prime trial account)

Actually the adapter is your PC Guide, the plate does not come with any of those. The 4212 comes with metal guides, which happen to be silver. And most common guides (bushings) I think are made of brass- in case you don't get your plate mounted exactly center and your router bit "carves" into the bushing.

Good find!!! And free 2 day shipping too!!! You can get your 4212 and the plate on the same order from Amazon.

Happy dovetailing! I am in love with my 4212 over my HF DT Jig- I actually enjoy making dovetails now instead of dreading the process...

[PJC]

AWESOME!!! Thanks for the help!

[PJC]

Was it pretty easy to center the bushing? Jasper also makes the 550 which comes with a centering pin:

http://www.jaspertools.com/10Expand....Code=Model-550

I can get that from tylertool.com for about $23.50 (with shipping). Do you think the centering pin would be worth the extra $10.50?

http://www.tylertool.com/ja550baplad.html

[JimD]

Another way to get a base for PC style guide bushings is to make it. I recently bought a 12 inch square piece of clear polycarbonate (Lexan is one brand of polycarbonate) from McMaster Carr for less than $10 (nearly 15 with shipping) and made three clear bases for my PC router from it. For a base to mount the bushings on, like the stock PC base, you need a 1 1/8 inch and a 1 3/8 inch forstener bit. You recess for the outer ring of the bushing with the 1 3/8 bit and then go the rest of the way with the 1 1/8. I actually have a 1 1/4 bit and it works fine for the clearance hole. 1 3/8 is the size for the European hinges so I already had one of those. I made a large hole, a PC guide bushing hole, and a larger base with an offset handle from the one piece of polycarbonate. I spent around an hour, maybe two by the time I sanded the edges, making the three bases. Clear is especially nice for dovetail routing so you can see the jig without having to look under the router where all the chips are flying around.

Jim

[bigsteel15]

Pat Warner also sells universal bases for $18
You can use a piece of 1/4" bar stock to center the plate on the router.