B&D Firestorm FS1200RP Guide Bushing adapter? - Woodworking Talk

dbhost · 05-23-2008, 04:50 PM

I have a B&D Firestorm FS1200RP plunge router, which so far has been a decent enough router. I need to install a guide bushing from MLCS to use on my dovetail templates... HOWEVER, the base plate for this router is WAY bigger than a standard 6", and the center hole is too big. Does anyone know of a part # and vendor that sells an insert / adapter to allow me to use standard guide bushings with this router? I called the B&D / Dewalt power tool support line, and those folks are completely clueless when it comes to what guide bushings are or where they go...

user4178 · 05-24-2008, 12:13 AM

I looked in the B&D website and your router should of come with a template guide bushing. But here is a link to parts if yours is a type 1 http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/cgi-b...1200RP_TYPE_1/

dbhost · 05-24-2008, 12:40 PM

The "template guide bushing" that the B&D comes with, is just shy of 1.5" diameter.

I have the problem solved though. My brother in law owns an auto body shop, he has a friend that is a machinist, and he is going to fab an adapter up for me out of plate steel. I will probably have to trim edges down and buff it up to give it a smooth surface, but aside from that. I think we will be good to go by next weekend!

Sam1933 · 05-27-2008, 10:09 PM

I think dbhost was looking for a PC type that needs a smaller hole to screw into. I have looked for one with no luck. Guess only solution is to make a new base. Any one know of another solution?

dbhost · 05-28-2008, 12:08 AM

Exactly. The fabbed up adapter is meant to screw onto the stock base plate, and allow me to thread in a PC type guide bushing. I should have my adapter by this weekend...

Davet · 05-28-2008, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam1933

I think dbhost was looking for a PC type that needs a smaller hole to screw into. I have looked for one with no luck. Guess only solution is to make a new base. Any one know of another solution?

Yup, Buy a Porter Cable.

dbhost · 05-28-2008, 01:16 PM

Wasn't in the budget at the time.

Actually, I SHOULD have bought the Ryobi plunge router instead of the B&D Firestorm. I have seen a LOT of really good reviews on that one, and it fit in my under $100.00 budget requirement...

Davet · 05-28-2008, 02:32 PM

Actually I am really impressed with the features the Firestorm has and the attachments that the Firestorm comes with for the price.

It gets pretty good reviews, shame B&D and other tool company's could not keep some sort of standard when it comes to their router bases for attachments.

dbhost · 05-28-2008, 03:35 PM

What I thought was most shameful was the serious lack of product knowledge from their customer service reps. I understand it takes soem training, or experience as a hobbyist to know the products inside and out, but I am pretty sure when I was telling this lady about my B&D router, she was most likely thinking "we don't make computer parts"...

I am NOT hammering on the customer service rep herself. Good lord knows she tried her darnedest. My wife works for a software company that is just as inept at training customer service people... It seems MBA stands for Millions of Bad Adjustments (couldn't think of a better synonym for descisions that starts with A...).