M12V router plate

[p8ntblr]

Where's a good place to find a router plate for the M12V. Only one I found online so far was from woodpecker but it cost $99. Any cheaper option?

[THyman]

I think Rockler sells one but I do not know if its any cheaper. Let me know what you end up doing?

[Warren]

The Router Workshop also has a couple of plates for that unit.

[Uncle Cracker]

Woodpeckers has one made just for that router. I use it, and it's great.

Here's the link: http://woodpeck.com/plungelift.html

[messmaker]

I got mine from Hartville but I had to drill it.

[Ken Massingale]

I know 100 bucks is a lot of money but a router plate is something to get right the first time. With the Woodpecker tou have a plate for life.
Just my opinion based on experience and having to do it twice, costing more in the long run.

[LarryG]

I know 100 bucks is a lot of money but a router plate is something to get right the first time.

+1. Same experience. Same expense. Same conclusion.

(My second "plate" was actually a lift, but the basic lesson I learned was identical to Ken's.)

[TB Roye]

I have the one from Rockler. It is 1/4" Aluminum and is perfect. It also has holes for a starting pin and to mount a dust collector/ Bit cover.

Tom

[p8ntblr]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm just gonna save up a little and get the Woodpecker lift kit since it's only $69 more than the plate itself. Funny thing is it's gonna be almost double what I paid for the router itself

[Uncle Cracker]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm just gonna save up a little and get the Woodpecker lift kit since it's only $69 more than the plate itself. Funny thing is it's gonna be almost double what I paid for the router itself

Yep, I got my M12V when Amazon had that screw-up last year. $80 is just SICK, but that's how I was able to afford the 'Pecker Lift. And the thing is an unstoppable wood-shredding, sawdust-belching monster!

[ryan.s]

Another option would be to make your own from a 1/4 plate of aluminum. I did this and it was actually easier than expected. I made a template out of MDF to fit the opening and flush trimmed the aluminum using an inexpensive router bit. It's been a while but the aluminum itself was less than $10 IIRC for a remnant piece. I picked it up at http://www.imsmetals.com/ . The only trouble I had was making a fitted insert for the different bit diameters. To resolve this I just made two router plates, one with a smaller opening and the second for larger bits.

[p8ntblr]

I did this and it was actually easier than expected. I made a template out of MDF to fit the opening and flush trimmed the aluminum using an inexpensive router bit.

You can use a router on aluminum ?!?!

[Uncle Cracker]

Most of the metal plates and lifts I have seen are aluminum. My Woodpecker definitely is.

[ryan.s]

You can use a router on aluminum ?!?!

Yes you can. Just make sure you take small passes to keep the temperatures down on the bit as well as the aluminum. It's a very soft metal and has similar characteristics to a really dense hardwood. I've done it many times and haven't had any problems. The bit I used for my plates was a holbren bit and it's still sharp after 3 plates.

Edit: Use slower rpms if possible.

[Uncle Cracker]

If you don't want to use a router on the aluminum, you can simply get the aluminum at a local metal shop, and they'll stamp it out whatever size you need. I did my first one that way, and it only cost a couple of bucks. Then, you just grind the corners round, and drill your own holes. Worked just fine, before I went hi-tech...