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Router insert plate

A

Alder

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I am considering buying a Trend insert plate, there is one available which is pre drilled for thr T4 and T5 Routers which I already own. Before I purchase the Trend plate I would like to know if anyone has experience of the Kreg plate. One version is thicker and kreg offer the opportunity to purchase adjusters for the corners. This obviously adds to the cost, is it worth the additional expense?
Russell
 
You can shim the corners relatively easily with a layer or two of tape under the plate corner(s) if necessary. Some come with small grub screws for the same purpose. I would not personally pay significantly extra for an adjustment feature, but you DO need to have the plate levels with the surrounding table - even a tiny lip can make a piece of timber jump or catch and that (for me) is a big no no even if my hands are safely away from a spinning router cutter.
 
I have strong "deja vu" on this post, but cannot find a way to search history so will pretend this is the first time I've replied to it.

I have had Kreg phenolic router plates, The first one warped quite badly from the weight of the makita router (which isnt the heaviest router in the world). To be fair and honest, Kreg replaced it free of charge quickly and with no hassle, but the second plate also developed a warp quite quickly. It was small but measurable. If you only do job site or long and large work it would not be an issue. If you are making "fine" woodworking (especially short pieces of wood) it is an issue.
The Kreg "adjusters" are not for adjusting, they are for the initial levelling.
There are two ways of mounting a plate into a table. One is to make a through hole the exact size of the plate. Then you need the Levellers which are screwed to the underside of the table to support the plate. Once the plate is levelled in the table you never touch them again.
The other way is to make a rebate into the table so the plate fits flush but is supported by the rebate. You make the rebate slightly deeper than the plate and the plate can be packed with paper shims to get the plate flush with the table so the "adjusters" are not needed.
Strangely, the Kreg instructions are the best I have ever seen and they go into extreme detail about mounting the plate.
I have an old Trend router plate which is basically a piece of steel painted green with flimsy plastic inserts. I bought it unseen and once seen didnt even bother to mount it into the table. It's in a storage box waiting to be thrown away and I would not recommend that plate to anyone outside the third world.
I believe the new Trend plates are more substantial, but from the pictures I've seen they appear to be phenolic like the kreg. I would not buy phenolic again.

I use my router table a LOT!, So I bought the INCRA alloy plate. Its not cheap, but its a once in a lifetime purchase and is definitely fit for purpose as it is dead flat, extremely rigid, and comes with steel inserts that will not warp or move as they are held in a recessed shape with 4 magnets. Its also a pretty gold colour :eusa-dance: :eusa-whistle:

I bought the "cleansweep" accessory plates as well. Not vital but they greatly improve dust removal from the bit.

Remember the oldest adage in buying tools and toys, "buy cheap = buy twice"
I can recommend the Incra plate and inserts 100%. 8-)
 
I've got a big Trend router in my Ax UJK aluminium plate which hasn't warped and has remained flat. They do a round, multi hole fixing adaptor plate so that almost any router you care to name can be used with it - Rob
 
I think you missed the bit about the Kreg being phenolic resin. Resin will warp (not always, but sometimes) Ali doesnt warp. The Incra scores big on the steel insert plates. :eusa-clap: :eusa-clap:
 
Thank you for the replies , and the Kreg has been dismissed as an option. The Incra sounds good but the compatibility chart does not include either of my current Routers and I cannot justify another machine.
It is sometime since I visited the Axminster store in Cardiff and my impression of Ujk at the time was that they sounded metallic.
I hope to visit the Cardiff store on Friday and will have another look. Having a form of Unibase to attach the router appeals to my skill level.
Russell
 
Dont give up. Incra dont make one for my makita either. But you can get a blank one and drill your own holes. Go to woodworkersworkshop.co.uk
They were very helpful to me when I asked about one. I bought from them and am completely happy with it. And its not often I am happy about woodworking machines and tools :eusa-hand: :eusa-clap: :eusa-clap:
I also have a lot of UJK stuff, and its pretty well made. I suspect their router plate will be anodised aluminium as strong as the Incra.
 
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