Auxiliary Router Bases

The router is the go-to tool for making a multitude of profiles and a host of joinery operations. The key to success when using a router is having it set up properly to ensure reliable and repeatable cuts. Here, we showcase a few of the shop-made accessories that we turn to quite often to guarantee success and add to the range of this dynamic tool. The first accessory is a bridge, shown above. Coupled with a pair of hardwood rails, it’s the perfect way to plane large sections of rough stock that can’t be flattened in a traditional manner. Next, is an adjustable mortising jig. This jig, paired with a plunge router, allows you to turn out mortises in the thinnest of material, all the way up to 31 1/4"-thick stock. The last accessory is perhaps the most versatile. It begins with an oversized acrylic base that can be used alone, or with two hardwood feet for flattening smaller surfaces. There’s even an option for attaching a vacuum hose for collecting debris.

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