OFFSET ROUTER SUBBASE

Router Woodworking

PC 690 plate, completely machined with collar guide installed.

There is always less than half the router on the work while routing along the edge and less than 25% when you reach the end and make the turn. It is nearly impossible to keep the router from tipping under these normal but yet adverse conditions. You should not be surprised if your edge cuttings are uneven or burnt. There is also some risk if you tip the router when the cutter is engaged in a lot of work. A slight change in the cutter axis will tear the profile, might splinter the work or kick back the router. My offset subbase should eliminate those problems, add a measure of safety and essentially add a power steering unit to your router.

A grip on the knob on the offset triangular section of my subbase will keep the tool flat down on the work especially as you round the corner. Its transparency will make it easier for you to see the cutter, the edge of the work, watch the cut in progress, and anticipate the start/stop as you approach scribelines. You can also use the knob to wind the cordset up for easy storage.

The offset subbase will provide no benefit, accept transparency, if the router is surrounded by substrate and already well supported. My round acrylic replacement subbases, however, are an advantage over the standard equipment black bakelite bases in these more favorable circumstances.

All of my offset subbases are fully machined, made of tough 12 mm see-through acrylic and they won't bend. Should you accidentally drop your router, in all likelihood, it will land on the offset subbase. The base will chip from the impact but may well save the router from a bent or broken casting. My PC 7518's have gone right back to work after these miserable interruptions.

It doesn't have to be big to be good. The PC plate is only 8-1/4" long.

My subbases are unique; one size does not fit all. Each one is designed for a specific router. As such they have a minimum footprint for a maximum of control. The cutter hole is centered on the diameter and there are two hole options. One option is the standard counterbored 1-3/16" hole for the Porter Cable collar guide bushings and the other is 1-3/4" for general use. (Safe sized bearing guided cutters are almost all greater than 1-3/16" but less than 1-3/4" in diameter). Customer specified cutter holes are also an option.

Expect no machine work to use my plates. Unscrew your baseplate and screw my on; that's it. (New longer screws included).

Readers concerned with collar cutter centeredness please see the Collar Guide and Sundries links, and email for addtional information if desired.

Offset subbases listed in this link are 30$, which includes: The machined subbase, knob assembly, new subbase screws, shipping, packaging, handling and a little bit of soul. Any 2 offset subbases (on this page) 55$. Add 17$ for any Warner round replacement subbase. (Round subbases purchased alone: 21$)

Offset router subbases are available for the following routers:

1. Porter Cable's full line (except 7529 & 8529).
2. DeWalt fixed base (616/618)
3. Bosch fixed base (1617/1618)
4. Milwaukee (all fixed base)
5. Makita 1100 & 1101
6. DeWalt plungers (DW 6182, DW 621 & DW 625) priced separately at their respective links.

Email router model and cutter hole requirements (Collar,1-3/4", or special order) for prompt ordering instructions, availability, delivery information and method of payment.