My Router Table

[T-Bone]

I made my own router table 3 or 4 years ago and didn't have much cash at the time so I decided to use the BT3 accessory table as my router plate (see pic). It has really worked great for me so far with the PC 1 3/4 hp router I have.

I have the Triton TRC01 3 1/4 hp router showing up at my house tomorrow which I plan to mount in the table. I would like to use it for raised panels but the hole in the router plate isn't big enough. If I buy a new router plate, I've already decided that it will be aluminum and I'm not sure I want to drop $70+ on that right now.

So here is my question. Does anyone think it would be worth trying to drill a bigger hole in the BT3 router plate? If so, how would one do that? Would a hole saw have any chance of working? Maybe a jig saw with metal cutting blade?

Thanks.
Travis

[bigsteel15]

All I could say is that if yu modify the acc table for the Triton you likely won't be able to use it for anything alse when you finally do upgrade to a "proper" plate.
On the other hand why not make your own insert plate? At least temporarily.
Either option is cheaper than a new acc table.

[T-Bone]

Thanks Brian, you have a good point. I guess I could always put the accessory table back on the table saw and use it as a second router table if needed.

When you say make my own, what do you mean? I did look at raw 1/4" aluminum plate at a few places on the internet and it looks like a 12" square piece can be had for about $25 plus shipping. What I don't know is how flat it will be or even if I would know the correct type of aluminum to order that would be rigid enough yet machinable.

[JR]

I'm in a similar position, having recently bought a 2-1/2 HP router. I use the accy table, too.

I posted a thread a day or two ago on inserts http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=26379

Even if you find aluminum plate, you've still got to bore it out, and you'll want inserts to narrow the whole as appropriate.

JR

[T-Bone]

Thanks JR. I've been following your thread and based on the posts there decided that I would go with aluminum instead of phenolic, if I buy a new one.

Good point about the inserts, too. Maybe $70 (for the Rockler plate) isn't too bad of a deal, after all.

To me, that Woodpecker plate with the inserts that lock into place looks like the nicest plate. If you buy the extra package of inserts it really adds up, though.

Decisions, decisions. For now, I'll just use the plate I have and delay the decision until I need to make some raised panel doors.