Clear Router Base Plates

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Anyone know where to get a clear base plate for the Bosch 1617 drilled for PC guides? I know Pat Warner, but man are those things expensive!?!!? The Bosch Colt offset is $30 and the 1617 base is $22!

[cabinetman]

Anyone know where to get a clear base plate for the Bosch 1617 drilled for PC guides? I know Pat Warner, but man are those things expensive!?!!? The Bosch Colt offset is $30 and the 1617 base is $22!

Much cheaper to make base plates from clear Plexiglas using the plate from a new router as soon as I get one, as I know sooner or later I'll need one. Use the plate as a template.

[Brian G]

Lee Valley for $19.50

I posted that link only because I knew they had one.

Now, I DARE you to order one from there, without ordering anything else.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Lee Valley for $19.50

I posted that link only because I knew they had one.

Now, I DARE you to order one from there, without ordering anything else.

My cart has been full just waiting to complete everything I need! Their 6" aluminum blast gates are simply awesome!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Much cheaper to make base plates from clear Plexiglas using the plate from a new router as soon as I get one, as I know sooner or later I'll need one. Use the plate as a template.

Where do I get thick plexi or lexan? I assume you just use forstner bit for the PC bushing opening?

[cabinetman]

Where do I get thick plexi or lexan? I assume you just use forstner bit for the PC bushing opening?

I use Plexiglas G (cast acrylic), not extruded, with a paper cover, or any polycarbonate, You can use a forstner bit or a hole cutter for the correct size. You could use an adjustable hole cutter in a DP like this.

You might try calling one of these suppliers in your area for the acrylic. If they can't help, maybe they know where to direct you.

A Grims Plastics & Fabrication, Inc.
6951 Allentown Blvd Ste H Harrisburg PA 17112
800-745-8179

Bps Industries
Baltimore MD
800-638-9492

Laird Plastics
111 Agnes St Harrisburg PA 17104
800-873-8406

Total Plastics IN1C
7561 B Derry St Harrisburg PA 17101
800-442-6839

Plastic Fabricators, Inc.
MAP 1450 W College Ave York PA 17404
717-846-4223

Quaker Plastic Corp
103 S Manor St Mountville PA 17554
717-285-4571
.

[thrytis]

The 1617 fixed base (at least the one with the through the base height adjustment) has two sets of holes to attach base plates. One set accepts a PC 690 base plate if you have one of those already or can find one for cheaper.

[gwyneth]

Where do I get thick plexi or lexan? I assume you just use forstner bit for the PC bushing opening?

Can't add to c-man's great list of suppliers, but if you have Bill Hylton's Router Magic, he walks you through the whole process of not just making the openings, but threaded plastic inserts for everything. Amazing.

[LinuxRandal]

The 1617 fixed base (at least the one with the through the base height adjustment) has two sets of holes to attach base plates. One set accepts a PC 690 base plate if you have one of those already or can find one for cheaper.

Never tried that, but I though I had heard that before. Thanks for the verification (should be cheaper then making)

However, McMaster Carr, also carries polycarbonate as an example, a clear, 12x12" 1/4" thick piece:
85805K28 $9.58


I found them to be a reasonable source of UHMW plastic as well.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Thanks for all the information guys.

Thanks for the lead on the UMHW as well. Think I'll be making sacrificial fences for the router table out of that material. Currently has MDF on the faces and I am having problems with that.

[movnup]

To one of the ultimate bargain hunters here's a bargain I found. At most smaller plastic companies they have cutoffs that they will sell by the pound. I found one out here that charges $1.50 per pound which a 12 x 12 x 3/8 just happens to weigh!!! At $1.50 per router plate (or insert) and some drill press time w/ carbide bits you can custom make pretty much anything you need. So far I've made five clear zero clearance router inserts, the door panel inserts for a router cabinet / storage cabinet underneath the BT3 left/right table tops, as well as the dust collection port on my new router fence. Easy to work with and for less than $20 for a dozen thats a true bargain !!!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

To one of the ultimate bargain hunters here's a bargain I found. At most smaller plastic companies they have cutoffs that they will sell by the pound. I found one out here that charges $1.50 per pound which a 12 x 12 x 3/8 just happens to weigh!!! At $1.50 per router plate (or insert) and some drill press time w/ carbide bits you can custom make pretty much anything you need. So far I've made five clear zero clearance router inserts, the door panel inserts for a router cabinet / storage cabinet underneath the BT3 left/right table tops, as well as the dust collection port on my new router fence. Easy to work with and for less than $20 for a dozen thats a true bargain !!!

I'll look into that!