Tools and Tool Buying

[#1]

 I need a "list of materials" to make a new plate for my router table.   Since the table is also "homemade", I'm thinking that making a new plate would be nice.  The "Flexan"  plastic does just that, it FLEXES from the router's weight.  I'm thinking maybe either 1/2" plywood or maybe a sheet of metal.  Area of the plate is small, so, maybe something could be made for this?   I don't use a router"lift" or a "raiser",  just something simple to make AND use would be nice.  Ideas?

[#2]

I'm thinking adding thicker plate, no matter what material, you will lower the router that much more, and make it harder to change bits.

Of course, if plenty of time on hand, and doing those kind of fun things is fine with you, then go for a 3/4" ply. It wont bend much because the surface isn't large. If you use softer material and large in size, like 9 x 5", then yes, you may have some problems.

Have you thought of connecting two pieces of Flexan and go from there?

Tony

[#3]

 Or, maybe a 3/4 thick piece that has been "rebated" out for the router's base by about a 1/4"?   Plate would be about 6" wide by about 12" long.  Flexan piece was a"one-of" thing, scrap from work.   The "old plate" ( before the Flexan) was 1/4"  LEXAN the did not flex a bit.  It was too small for the new routers in the shop.  The "old" router was just a Craftsman 1 hp router with a 5" base.  Table top being wood, I can "adjust" the opening as needed.  Top is about 1" thick snadwich of two plywoods. 

[#4]

Phenolic is a good choice too....stiff and works well.

[#5 · Accepted solution]

I made a router baseplate using 2 pieces of Lexan, glued together in spots aound the perimeter, etc. with Superglue. Plenty stiff. Phenolic would be good, also.

[#6]

Hey Whitedog,

I've got a few Jointech Plates sitting around, want one?

[#7]

agree with this. phenolic is pretty durable and strong. i use it in my other addiction( high power rocketry) for fins as when a rocket comes close to super sonic speed, the fins tend to wobble and can break off.  this doesnt happen with phenolic fins.

[#8]

Find a local metal fab shop and raid the scrap bin.  I came up with some 1/4 aluminum plate about 24"x12" that would be plenty stiff and amazingly light weight.  In the alternative, the off-the-self plates work great and I love the inserts that can be replaced or used with template/zero clearance bushings.  There's a lot of wisdom in not reinventing the router plate.

Ryan