The right way to make a custom router base plate! (Tutorial)

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[@em21701]

Another tip for getting the mounting holes aligned properly. Take the baseplate to a copy machine. You'll get a paper template you can punch and drill through. This works for a million other things you need accurate mounting holes for.

[@alphaclean3364]

This comment needs more likes

[@tommccurnin524]

Yes, Except ...You'll still need to center the holes relative to the edge of the acrylic, and for that you'll still need a combination adjustable square. The advantage of Eric's method is that you don't risk drilling through the original baseplate and potentially wrecking that original part.

[@panamericaco]

Just tried it what a great tip!

[@blatantmisconception]

When humans use 100% of their brain

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

​@@tommccurnin524who's Eric?

[@tommccurnin524]

I am an experienced woodworker for 40+ years and it amazes me that I can watch one of your videos and still pick up a tip or two and learn something. Thanks for all you do. Oh, rather than using a "V" groove bit to center the center hole to the collet, you can use a 1/16th inch bit in your plunge router and just kiss the acrylic. Saves you from getting a bit you might not need.

[@jlang8213]

I wish you did daily videos.... I love this channel.

[@jeffmazur8037]

The method of locating the screw holes that you suggest is great when you have an original and accurate sub-base to work with. In my case, I do not (only have a cheap-o "universal" base that is off by a good 1/32" or more.) My suggestion to anyone in a situation like mine (or worse, maybe you don't have ANY sub base to copy from!) is to obtain something called "transfer screws" threaded to the size of the holes in your router - they are like dowel center locators, but threaded, so they can be placed in screw holes. Stick these in your router's screw holes and you will get dead on marks for your drilling. Hope this helps someone.

[@barrystraughan]

Or similar to Eric Morrison's comment mentioned above, very gently place your router on the glass plate of a copier and make a paper copy of the base.

[@nakamakai5553]

Thank you, another good use of my time. I love that you don't just show us all the steps, you also explain the 'why' and 'why not' of the methods and techniques. Well done.

[@thumperman8490]

Brilliant presentation, your analysis and forward thinking pointers saves your followers from making a lot of simple mistakes. Keep up the great work....inspirational!

[@armandcarrera4937]

Just wanted to say as a long time viewer of your videos, I really want to compliment you on how well you describe each step in each video. Just as I was taking the next step into my skills, I saw this video and although it was a few years old, I am glad I found it! Your step by step instructions were great in helping me feel confident in making my own base plate, thus saving me money in buying a universal fit base plate that generally isn't universal. I love your instructional videos and as Rockford Tech mentioned, you also explain the why's and why nots of the methods and techniques. Keep up the good work and those videos coming!

[@Yawles]

Well done, James! As a slightly more skilled than novice woodworker, I highly value your teaching videos. I am also eager to get your table saw videos you did with Woodsmith folks.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Fantastic! I didn’t realize that Rockler had the acrylic pieces. Now I know where to find them. I also like your method of centering the hole fore the router bit. As usual a very done video. Thanks.

[@ThekiBoran]

WB Fine Woodworking Tap Plastics or any plastic supply store is a good source as well, and probably cheaper.

[@ChrisCazabon]

I got mine on amazon, they have lexan(polycarb) 12x12's for ~$12 prime shipped vs rockler's $18 for acrylic. Lexan is much stronger.

[@daviddrake6744]

Ditto on tap plastics. You can get off-cuts out of a bin for about $1.25/lb.

[@terrybodenhorn3508]

Really useful video. Especially liked the method for getting the center hole accurately placed.

[@jordantallmanpao4061]

just got a 1/4 small sheet of lexan to try making my own and this was a helpful video as i got the general idea but helped define some steps i will take. good stuff

[@skippylippy547]

Excellent video. Thank you. :)) This is a wonderful channel.

[@brantmorrison3704]

Ahoy, Mr. Nubs! Excellent video! For the bazillion times I've used my router I never thought of making my own base plate for a custom router application. I can see building some custom CD holders for my shelves.

[@ThekiBoran]

What about adding guide bushings to a custom router plate?

[@osvaldocristo]

Thanks - another great video (I loved the trick to find the center of the main hole). I found polycarbonate is better for that kind of applications, although it is something more expensive, it is much more scratch resistant than acrylic.

[@SecondSonWoodworks]

Thank you for this video! Very helpful

[@jimlaudate3068]

You solved some of my problems, Thanks!

[@andrewmcgibbon2342]

James, Better than acrylic, The undisputed king of plastics...Micarta. Paper, Linen, and Canvas based micartas are nearly indestructible. They have a precision surface. You can cut threads in it. You can cut it with any wood working tools. No melting issues. No issues with solvents. I have been using Micartas for knife handles for years. The late Bob Loveless called it the best handle material you could buy.

[@ThekiBoran]

Andrew mcgibbon Does it come in clear?

[@ToolMetrix]

Another great video, Stumpy! Keep 'em coming, sir. Really enjoy your channel.

[@rmhutchins7]

Very Helpful Video. Thank you!

[@MJFacas]

So many good tips. Really looking forward to the upcoming router book

[@garyschmidt7320]

Another (probably more accurate ) option for marking the mount holes would be a Vix bit. This is a drill bit which works like the centering punch, but drill a hole to give you a spot to start. These bits are made for marking holes for hinges and other hardware to receive screws.

[@dariushmilani6760]

Another great video James. Thank you for sharing.

[@jamesstanlake4064]

I use a self centering drill bit (or what is called a Vix-bit to align holes.

[@johnroth8275]

Thanks James. A very helpful tutorial for me.

[@deweygravesjr.122]

Another nice video. Thanks James!

[@thedistractedmaker]

Right on stumpy. Right on.

[@cabbyhubby]

Corian (solid surface) makes a good base plate

[@josemendez-ih2ku]

Thanks chief. Verry helping....🍻

[@kevvyg04]

Cheers Stumpy 👍🏻

[@williamhdixon]

How do you cut the hole in the middle (that the bit goes through) so that you can use a bushing, for offset work?

[@jamesmcgarvey7502]

A good free source of quality acrylic can be found in your old computer monitor.

[@254JROCK]

I like your strait forward info , TY

[@derekrowlands1189]

Another great project for me to do thanks great idea.

[@steveyoung8992]

That was grouse work mate thank you

[@mururoa7024]

This is gold! Thanks!

[@fischerdrywall]

I want to make a larger acrylic base plate for my router. How do I make the circular mortise cut so my guide bushing sits flush with bottom of the plate ?

[@cobberpete1]

GREAT... I will have to look for a supplier here in Australia

[@i.m.peterrific]

The Big Green Shed (Bunnings) has this stuff in stock. I think it comes in 500x500 sheets from memory. Don't fall over when you see the price, it's not the cheapest stuff to buy.

[@NathanNostaw]

We use small laminate trimmers at in the furnishing workshop at the high school I work at. I have found most of the kids don't have the hand control to hold the trimmer perpendicular to the job and end up making very ordinary chamfers. I have made a base plate in acrylic (100x280mm) that extends out to allow a handle and more surface to sit on the timber. No more dodgy chamfers. Bonus is both of their hands are busy and no fingers near the cutter. (late last year one kid fed his hand into the opening of the base, chunking his thumb up. He had been trained, but ignored instruction as he knew best. He knows best now.)

[@bohaggin5913]

AKA Nathan that's racist

[@dwightl5863]

Bo: How so?

[@HansonKathy]

Great video Stumpy! Quick question - is that a 2:" forstner bit you are using to cut out the center hole?

[@DesignBuildTDE]

Thanks

[@barryweiss9977]

Thank you

[@magomat6756]

You can grind the cutting edge form your bit and the acrylic will not split and de bit wil not grip

[@mfarace67]

Great Stuff! Thanks!!

[@TonatiuhMellado]

Thanks a lot, Muchas gracias 😊👍🏻

[@Thedog30]

Can you buy plates ready made

[@freebird1963]

hmm either my Ryobi RE180PL didn't have a plastic base plate or been lost over the years.. So whats the next step to make a custom base plate

[@geoffreynicholson6704]

Hi James can you help is it OK to use a thinner than 1/4 inch base plate in acrylic

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes, but if it is much larger than the router base you may have issues with it flexing or bending.

[@cottonmouth1756]

Another great video. Your video explains perfectly how to drill into acrylic, but how do you cut it to different size for different application like your offset base plate?

[@StumpyNubs]

Acrylic can be cut with a band saw, scroll saw or even a handheld jig/saber with a fine tooth blade. Sand the edges a bit and you're done.

[@i.m.peterrific]

If you want a shiny edge, use a scraper, and then if you wave a flame over the prepared edge, you can get it to smooth out like a factory supplied panel... Something I vaguely remember from my high school days in the 80's......

[@palewriter1856]

Ha! FOUND it? Well and good, but the router in my case is MISSING the origiinal. No prob - I think I'll just draw it up in SketchUp and print out a template. Carry on!

[@greglum2]

where do i find the plans for your circle jig ?? i looked in your list of videos and couldn't find any plans or a video about it

[@mudshark1971]

I watched this because I just bought a base plate and forgot that I have both acrylic and a laser, but wanted to see how you made it.

[@samuelroberts334]

Great info

[@frankcherry3810]

Do you have the rockler acrylic plate part number? I cant find it on their web site

[@chipbarkhouse7702]

Tried to find the flat screws, but can't. Where do you recommend?

[@StumpyNubs]

Any hardware store will have flat-head screws. But if you only have the round head screws, the video explains how to use them instead.

[@chipbarkhouse7702]

@@StumpyNubs the flat heads I'm seeing are for wood. I went online and found what you recommended. Thanks and keep them videos for us newbies coming.

[@mikemerc74]

Hi stumpy, I have a question. I am building a little router bench top. I am making my insert plate from 1/4 acrylic / plexiglass sheet. My router face / base plate is 6 1/8 inch round. What size is a good size to make the insert plate? I wa going to make 12 x 12 but I feel like it my be too big and might create a sag or bow. Is 12 x12 a good/ normal size or should I go smaller? Also how big should I make the hole for the bit to pass through?

[@StumpyNubs]

1/4 is a little thin. I would make the plate as small as possible to reduce bowing, as you said.

[@mikemerc74]

@@StumpyNubs thank you 🙏🏼

[@toysoldier46552]

Yeah I think I'll stick with my Dremel for doing my hand routing, damn plunge router I bought made by Black & Decker is just too clunky and does not have a round base so making plates for it is nearly impossible. So I flipped it upside down and stuck it in a shop made table with a car jack for a router lift, I still have to reach under to change the bits but meh, you win some you lose some.

[@ronnakeil3313]

Nice

[@duckpond49]

This all great info but I am not a big fan of MDF due to it's water permeability. If there's even a CHANCE, spilled drink or rain, your MDF base will swell and warp. Coat it with clear varnish or something. Or use something more durable.

[@StumpyNubs]

It rains in your shop?

[@danorsemen3]

LGRW!!!

[@bobstewart8583]

Why self centering punch rather than self centering drill?

[@StumpyNubs]

You are free to use a drill if you have one in the size you need. A punch is more versatile, in my opinion, because you can then use any drill bit in your set.

[@garyschmidt7320]

@@StumpyNubs Vix bit to mark then any size to drill.

[@roBLINDhood]

Routers really scare me. I’ve never even used mine, but I think I’d feel more confident with a larger base plate like that. :)

[@shawnbroadbent884]

Ian Enderby go and check out Samurai Carpenter for his base plate. Simple and easy.

[@roBLINDhood]

Shawn Broadbent yes, I’ve seen that one and really like it. Especially for mortising.

[@davidmcgrath6507]

Scroll saw what? Packs?

[@davidmcgrath6507]

Great tip!

[@jlang8213]

Routers aren't so bad. It's the angle grinders that make me cringe. And to think, some people use those without the shield in place... :: shudder::

[@adrianperalta7192]

👍

[@iq0099]

I went to Ace Hardware and asked for flat head router base screws (the smallest - shortest) I can find.. They didnt know the size! I have the DEWALT DW618PK and DEWALT DWP611PK where can I find them!

[@StumpyNubs]

Take you router to the store and try some until you find one that fits.

[@iq0099]

@@StumpyNubs I live outside the US, and when I visit my friends / family in US I can't bring my rounter(s)!! In my country we use "mm" and I could not find them here.