Wood router questions..

[hotponyshoes]

Something else worth noting if anybody else wants to make an adaptor..

I spent quite a while getting everything lined up by mounting the adaptor then using the router to drill its own center and then taking that out to the 51mm location lug used on the track adaptor etc.
I used the 3 plain holes (rather than the tapped ones holding the plastic base on) as there was a little play so I thought it would enable me to get the router perfectly central using a guide bush.

After actually using it I realised most of that effort was wasted.
It does not really matter where the cutter is relative to the track, as you will always have to adjust the position depending on the diameter of the cutter you are using.

So, basically, there is no need to mess about. The central hole in the adaptor could just have been cut square with a jigsaw or whatever.
The only reason I can think any form of accuracy would be needed is if you wanted to take the router off during a job, use it free hand, and then mount it back on the track again but even then, a quick wind of the offset dial would be quicker than lining up tightly fitted bolts or something.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I also had a look at the Trend unibase thing as a mate had one in his van.

As mentioned above, Its basically an adaptor to allow the trend guide bushes to mount onto pretty much any router.

It would not have been much use for mounting the router to the track system as , although there were matching holes for both sides, there was no sensible way of attaching it to the bosch track adaptor short of gluing or riveting it in place.

It's possible I could have found some countersunk nuts from somewhere or maybe made some sort of clamp system to hold the unibase on but I think an adaptor plate is a easier solution.

I might still buy one as the trend (or compatible) guide bushes and suitable jigs are easier to source and cheaper than the specific ones for my router.
Although my router has a tool-less quick change guide bush system which might be better to keep original if you were swapping them around often?

When I get around to it I will cut another adaptor in 5 or 6mm alloy and just cut it the same size as the bosch carrier base.
Then I can just drill & tap for any router I want to mount onto it. There is very little force on this so I'm sure m4x5mm threads into alloy would be fine but they could always be helicoiled if they do cause issues eventually.

It would be nice to machine some sort of slots into the original router base so you could just drop it on, twist it, and lock it in place quickly but that's only really useful if you had 1/4" & 1/2" routers and a Drem and a rotozip etc. etc. that you could make work with the same fquick fitting system.

To be honest, I expect I will leave this router connected to the track plate until I need to use it for something else as it's a tool I might only use twice a year anyway

 

[roblane65]

PM if you want a trend uni base