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I needed a better way to control my new trim router since my fingers hurt too much to wrap around it. I was watching a sign carver and he used a base like this and I thought I should make one to see how much better control I can get with it

It is made from7/16" Lexan and 8 1/2" wide and 7" deep and kinda oval. The wood handles are made from Jobillo. That is not on the data base so I looked it up. It is Goncalo Alves aka Tigerwood from Brazil. It is pretty hard (2160) and threaded real well .

The handles are finished with EEE and Shellawax.

Cheers, Jim

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6,953 Posts
Really nice, Jim. Those knob handles should really help with control.
 

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Custom made router bases are very useful and relatively easy to make. Well done.
 

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Sure is pretty Jim, nice job on those knobs.
 

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That will definitely give you more control Jim. nicely done.
 

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Great design and it looks like it was brought except for the beautiful work on the handles which can't be bought.
 

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Sure this is good solution due better visibility….. from my own experience
 

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Nice job JJ... I expect those handles give a greater bit of control… I get the idea as I have small hands and find some of the bigger trimmers hard to handle…
The large see through base is a handy visual assist.

However, how is that oval design holding up. would have thought that a flat or round edge would keep the router bit better "centered" (or whatever the non-technical term is)... in case you inadvertently "twist" the router just a tad.
 

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- LittleBlackDuck
[/QUOTE]

Nice job JJ... I expect those handles give a greater bit of control… I get the idea as I have small hands and find some of the bigger trimmers hard to handle…
The large see through base is a handy visual assist.

However, how is that oval design holding up. would have thought that a flat or round edge would keep the router bit better "centered" (or whatever the non-technical term is)... in case you inadvertently "twist" the router just a tad.

- LittleBlackDuck
I see what you mean. Maybe Jim wanted to rout Oval -ish or V-ish shaped things.
It's still wonderful looking.
 

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nice addition to the tool arsenal -
 

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Excellent design Jim. I like the idea of the 7/16" thick Lexan too. It's heavier than most commercial bases which is a plus in my book.
 

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Thank you for all the nice comments. I used it last night with roman ogee bit and it was so easy to control with the handles out there. I wanted to share the video of Eric, the sign maker, where I got the idea for the base. Their website for bits and products is great too:

Hi Alex. the base is not round or flat on one side because it will never be used to follow a fence or guide. I have other routers for that kind of work. I plan to use it with piloted bits or carving bits where I follow the letters free hand ( if I'm as steady as Eric to do it). I do have the round base that came with it and made a bushing to put that base exactly on center with the bit if needed that way. I did have to drill and tap the mounting holes in the router base for 8-32 screws because one of those little metric screws stripped out already.

Hi Ken. I was given a big sheet of 7/16 " Lexan and use it for all kinds of fixtures etc!

Cheers, Jim
 

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Super nice Jim, as always with the tools you make. ;-)
I also quickly made my self one of these for more control when needed, with the small trim router base.
Cool!
Cheers,
Mads
 

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I can see how this would help Jim. My small DeWalt wobbles on me once in awhile. 7/16" is fairly thick Lexan, did you have to buy it? Nice handles, you should have no problem controlling the router with them!
 

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Beautiful job Jim. I always liked a larger base on a router, and having handles allows you to use it to the max. You can bear down heavier on the stay side, and keep the darn thing from doing what they apparently want to do. Flip over the edge, and ruin your work.

I see Ducks point though. I also like a flat, so you can follow a straight edge. Hopefully it will increase accuracy, and make it your go to trimmer because it's so easy.
 

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... I plan to use it with piloted bits or carving bits where I follow the letters free hand…
- Jim Jakosh
JJ, now that you have started, and plan to use it just as a follower… have you considered an offset base?

When I bought my Milwaukee trimmer I had to Google what an offset base does… I've only needed to use it once since, but that one time convinced me of my justification for buy. In fact I might make a new one myself as the existing one has bit size restrictions. How'd you attach the handles… bolts or screws… a single handle might need greater securing.

Now all you have to do is invent a quick base change-out mechanism.
 

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Thanks, Mads, Tony, John,Redoak49 , Steve, Bob and Alex.

Hi Mads, I'll bet you'll love using the wider base!!

Hi John, mine wobbled too and I lost a grip on it a few times. Someone was moving and gave me a 36"x40" piece of 7/16' Lexan. I have been cutting pieces off of it for a long time.

Hi Steve and Alex. I have 9 routers. One with a flat side,one with a D handle, a couple in fixtures and the rest with round bases and dedicated bits in them. I also have an off set base I made for one job and it has never come out of the drawer since.

I had never had a trim router and we have one in the Az shop and it has a hokey plastic adjustment wheel so I bought this Porter Cable with an aluminum body and a twist to adjust feature and I love it.

I attached the handles with a 10-24 bolts threaded into the wood. After threading, I coated the internal thread with CA glue and acetone to harden it. If it twists, I'll drive roll pins in from the bottom but so far it holds tight. I doubt I'll ever put that little round base back on.

Cheers, Jim
 
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