MD

"Mike Dembroge"

27/01/2004 4:45 AM

Router out of square

I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base is
not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
problems I've had over the years.

My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?

I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ? or
whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using a
straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a drill-press
too.

I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
is.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Mike Dembroge

P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?


This topic has 14 replies

MD

"Mike Dembroge"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

28/01/2004 6:26 AM

Okay, thanks. Maybe I'll peruse their catalog or try contacting them.

Mike

"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Jesada sold one...
> Tom
> "Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Mike Dembroge asks:
> >
> > >I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> > >much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the
base
> is
> > >not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the
little
> > >problems I've had over the years.
> > >
> > >My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> > >everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
> > >
> > >I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical
?
> or
> > >whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like
using
> a
> > >straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
> drill-press
> > >too.
> > >
> > >I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue
it
> > >is.
> >
> > Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long,
> for
> > centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I
> can't
> > find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just
shim
> until
> > it is square to the base.
> >
> > Charlie Self
> > "Character is much easier kept than recovered." Thomas Paine
> >
> > http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/myhomepage/business.html
>
>

cC

[email protected] (Charlie Self)

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 9:56 AM

Mike Dembroge asks:

>I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
>much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base is
>not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
>problems I've had over the years.
>
>My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
>everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>
>I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ? or
>whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using a
>straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a drill-press
>too.
>
>I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
>is.

Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long, for
centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I can't
find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just shim until
it is square to the base.

Charlie Self
"Character is much easier kept than recovered." Thomas Paine

http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/myhomepage/business.html

Po

"Pounds on Wood"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

28/01/2004 8:24 PM

Don't know how to fix it, but to check it just get a dowel pin like this:
http://tinyurl.com/2h6ay

Handy to have for other stuff too.

--
********
Bill Pounds
http://www.bill.pounds.net/woodshop


"Mike Dembroge" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base
is
> not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
> problems I've had over the years.
>
> My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>
> I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ?
or
> whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using
a
> straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
drill-press
> too.
>
> I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
> is.
>
> Thanks for any help in advance.
>
> Mike Dembroge
>
> P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?
>
>

TB

"Thomas Bunetta"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 7:00 AM

Jesada sold one...
Tom
"Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mike Dembroge asks:
>
> >I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> >much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base
is
> >not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
> >problems I've had over the years.
> >
> >My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> >everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
> >
> >I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ?
or
> >whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using
a
> >straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
drill-press
> >too.
> >
> >I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
> >is.
>
> Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long,
for
> centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I
can't
> find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just shim
until
> it is square to the base.
>
> Charlie Self
> "Character is much easier kept than recovered." Thomas Paine
>
> http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/myhomepage/business.html

kb

klaatu

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 9:42 PM

Mike, If you chuck a "Last Word" type indicator in the router spindle,
then swing it, you will see how far it is out. A mill supply should
have any adaptors that you may need. A Starrett would be best but
is pricey. Opt for an import. You will find a multitude of uses for it
in a wood shop including your drill press and table saw.

On Tue, 27 Jan 2004 04:45:38 GMT, "Mike Dembroge"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
>much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base is
>not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
>problems I've had over the years.
>
>My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
>everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>
>I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ? or
>whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using a
>straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a drill-press
>too.
>
>I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
>is.
>
>Thanks for any help in advance.
>
>Mike Dembroge
>
>P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?
>

hD

[email protected] (David Hall)

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 9:07 AM

"Mike Dembroge" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base is
> not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
> problems I've had over the years.
>
> My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>
> I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ? or
> whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using a
> straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a drill-press
> too.
>
> I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
> is.
>
> Thanks for any help in advance.
>
> Mike Dembroge
>
> P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?


I would go to the Borg and buy a foot of 1/2" smooth steel rod. Check
it for straightness before buying (a much smaller piece is all that is
needed, but it is probably sold by the foot).

Dave Hall

MD

"Mike Dembroge"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

28/01/2004 6:27 AM


"Bridger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 27 Jan 2004 09:56:18 GMT, [email protected] (Charlie Self)
> wrote:
>
> >Mike Dembroge asks:
> >
> >>I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> >>much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the
base is
> >>not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the
little
> >>problems I've had over the years.
> >>
> >>My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> >>everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
> >>
> >>I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ?
or
> >>whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like
using a
> >>straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
drill-press
> >>too.
> >>
> >>I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue
it
> >>is.
> >
> >Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long,
for
> >centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I
can't
> >find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just shim
until
> >it is square to the base.
> >
> >Charlie Self
>
> the point will work for centering but not so well for squaring. get a
> length of ground drill rod (either 1/4" or 1/2", depending on the size
> of your collet) and an accurate square. get the drill rod long enough
> to match the long leg of the square plus some for the collet.
>
> as far as how to adjust the router base or if it's even possible, I
> don't have that router, so I'll STFU now....
Well, I haven't tackled it yet, but my first thought was to use shims.
There must be a way. It's pretty important to have the router be square
afterall.


>
> Bridger

KJ

"Ken Johnsen"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 1:27 PM

Rockler also offers one


"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Jesada sold one...
> Tom
> "Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Mike Dembroge asks:
> >
> > >I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> > >much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the
base
> is
> > >not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the
little
> > >problems I've had over the years.
> > >
> > >My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> > >everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
> > >
> > >I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical
?
> or
> > >whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like
using
> a
> > >straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
> drill-press
> > >too.
> > >
> > >I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue
it
> > >is.
> >
> > Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long,
> for
> > centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I
> can't
> > find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just
shim
> until
> > it is square to the base.
> >
> > Charlie Self
> > "Character is much easier kept than recovered." Thomas Paine
> >
> > http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/myhomepage/business.html
>
>

PA

"Preston Andreas"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

28/01/2004 12:30 AM

I have this
http://shop.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=895&gift=False&mscssid=BCB084B9F8034C65953033D379B7DC1B .
It has a 1/2" pin that you chuck into the router and you attach a dial
indicator to that. It is the setup that is attached to the drill press in
the picture. Perhaps you can come up with a similar setup.

Preston
"Mike Dembroge" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base
is
> not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
> problems I've had over the years.
>
> My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>
> I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ?
or
> whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using
a
> straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
drill-press
> too.
>
> I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
> is.
>
> Thanks for any help in advance.
>
> Mike Dembroge
>
> P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?
>
>

Bn

Bridger

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 9:47 AM

On 27 Jan 2004 09:56:18 GMT, [email protected] (Charlie Self)
wrote:

>Mike Dembroge asks:
>
>>I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
>>much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base is
>>not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
>>problems I've had over the years.
>>
>>My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
>>everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>>
>>I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ? or
>>whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using a
>>straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a drill-press
>>too.
>>
>>I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
>>is.
>
>Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long, for
>centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I can't
>find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just shim until
>it is square to the base.
>
>Charlie Self

the point will work for centering but not so well for squaring. get a
length of ground drill rod (either 1/4" or 1/2", depending on the size
of your collet) and an accurate square. get the drill rod long enough
to match the long leg of the square plus some for the collet.

as far as how to adjust the router base or if it's even possible, I
don't have that router, so I'll STFU now....

Bridger

JC

John Crea

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 10:37 AM

Many woodworking catalogs have KNOW Pins, reference shafts you chuck
in the router to give you a CENTER and a straight edge reference

John

On Tue, 27 Jan 2004 04:45:38 GMT, "Mike Dembroge"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
>much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base is
>not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
>problems I've had over the years.
>
>My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
>everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
>
>I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ? or
>whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using a
>straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a drill-press
>too.
>
>I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
>is.
>
>Thanks for any help in advance.
>
>Mike Dembroge
>
>P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?
>

MD

"Mike Dembroge"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

28/01/2004 6:28 AM

Thanks John. Now that I know what they're called, I should be able to do a
better job searching.


"John Crea" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Many woodworking catalogs have KNOW Pins, reference shafts you chuck
> in the router to give you a CENTER and a straight edge reference
>
> John
>
> On Tue, 27 Jan 2004 04:45:38 GMT, "Mike Dembroge"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> >much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base
is
> >not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
> >problems I've had over the years.
> >
> >My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> >everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
> >
> >I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ?
or
> >whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using
a
> >straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
drill-press
> >too.
> >
> >I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
> >is.
> >
> >Thanks for any help in advance.
> >
> >Mike Dembroge
> >
> >P.S. Does Par Warner's book discuss this type of thing?
> >
>

Bn

Bridger

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

27/01/2004 11:47 PM

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 06:27:47 GMT, "Mike Dembroge"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>get a
>> length of ground drill rod (either 1/4" or 1/2", depending on the size
>> of your collet) and an accurate square. get the drill rod long enough
>> to match the long leg of the square plus some for the collet.
>>
>> as far as how to adjust the router base or if it's even possible, I
>> don't have that router, so I'll STFU now....
>Well, I haven't tackled it yet, but my first thought was to use shims.
>There must be a way. It's pretty important to have the router be square
>afterall.



checking it with a square as I suggested is probably good enough, but
checking it with a dial indicator is better, and not that much more
work. wish I'd thought of that (G).

shimming the base ought to work. it's a plunge router, right? if the
misalignment is axial to the plunge rods I suppose it's possible that
there is an adjustment there. I'd look at that before making any
changes to the base.

if you do end up shimming, you might want to secure the shims with
some sort of glue, applied only to the subbase.... easier to reverse
if you change your mind later.
Bridger

MD

"Mike Dembroge"

in reply to "Mike Dembroge" on 27/01/2004 4:45 AM

28/01/2004 6:25 AM


"Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mike Dembroge asks:
>
> >I've had a Bosche plunge router for several years now, and like it very
> >much. While adjusting a round-over bit in it, I discovered that the base
is
> >not square to the collet. Instantly, this explained so many of the little
> >problems I've had over the years.
> >
> >My question is this, how does one go about adjusting the base so that
> >everthing's square? Do I shim the base? What do I use as a reference?
> >
> >I looked through the Starrett catalog to see if there were cylindrical ?
or
> >whatever that I could chuck into a router for testing. Sort of like using
a
> >straight-edge for jointers & table saws. It could be used for a
drill-press
> >too.
> >
> >I have never seen anybody address this, and wonder how big of an issue it
> >is.
>
> Someone used to make a little pointed steel round, several inches long,
for
> centering drill press chucks, and checking chuck run-out. Lee Valley? I
can't
> find it on-line, but it should be ideal for your purposes. Then just shim
until
> it is square to the base.
Yes, I saw one sometime somewhere, but I can't remember. I think it was in a
magazine review, but I can't remember. And honestly, I'm not sure what such
a bar would be called, so using google or online-distrubutor's search
functions was tricky.

Thank you very much for your help.

>
> Charlie Self
> "Character is much easier kept than recovered." Thomas Paine
>
> http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/myhomepage/business.html


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