I made a response asking another question and then realized that it was a dumb question.
Router Bushing help
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The versatility and adaptability of routers can make them confusing, and in a case like this there are 2 or 3 manufactures involved.
First the bushings. I highly recommend going with the Porter Cable standard bushings, they don't need to be made by PC, just compatible with. The bushing has a flange, it fits into a hole in the router base, the base has a rabbit for the flange to fit into. Then a threaded ring that comes with the bushings screws onto the top of the bushing. The router base is not threaded. I have and like this set of bushings:
My routers are mid size DeWalts, they come with bases ready for PC bushings. It is unclear to me if your compact dcw600b comes with a compatible base. I think the base you linked to is for midsize routers, it lists DeWALT (DW621, DW616 series, DW625, DW618), I think that means your router isn't included. This base should work, and to me the handles would be a big plus for stability and ease of handling:
Rockler Compact Router Sub-Base with Handles
Wide baseplate with integral handles adds superior stability and control to your compact trim router.
www.rockler.com
But do you have a plunge base for your router? Most of the time that I use bushings it is with a plunge base, maybe other forum members can say what they think of using bushings with a fixed base. DeWalt does make a plunge base for their compact routers, selling for about $75 to $120, but seems it is out of stock most places now.
Plunge Base for Compact Router | DEWALT
The DNP612 heavy-duty Plunge Base for Compact Router features a clear, Lexan base for enhanced base durability and rubber overmolded handles and low center of gravity design for comfort, balance, and ...
www.dewalt.com
Quality Router Bits For Sale - Rockler
Rockler has you covered for all your router bit needs! We have bits for every project, including plunge bits, edge forming bits, and more.
www.rockler.com
Josh, please tell us what kind of router projects you like to do and hope to do in the next few years. Hard to recommend router stuff without knowing the goal.
Maybe this isn't right for you, but I'll throw it out there. Instead of spending around $100 on a plunge base for your compact DeWalt get a midsize router kit that has both fixed and plunge bases.
DEWALT Router, Fixed and Plunge Base Kit, Soft Start, 12-Amp, 24,000 RPM, Variable Speed Trigger, Corded (DW618PKB) - Vacuum And Dust Collector Accessories - Amazon.com
DEWALT Router, Fixed and Plunge Base Kit, Soft Start, 12-Amp, 24,000 RPM, Variable Speed Trigger, Corded (DW618PKB) - Vacuum And Dust Collector Accessories - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Advantages:
With 2 routers one can be set up for one thing, the other router for another, really nice for some projects.
Mid size routers can use both 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits, some bits are only 1/2", when both are available I get the 1/2".
I'm biased to midsize, to me they feel more stable and the handles safer. Lots of experienced people love compacts, just not my preference.
Mid size is what is commonly used in router tables, if you get one of those.
Get a corded one, safe the expense and hassle of batteries.
Cons:
It is a big price jump from where you started the thread. It goes back to what projects you want to do, what tools you need to get there.
Good find, it says it fits the DCW600, best price so far, and is in stock.
DEWALT Router Sub Base for Compact Routers, Round (DNP613) - Power Router Accessories - Amazon.com
DEWALT Router Sub Base for Compact Routers, Round (DNP613) - Power Router Accessories - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
I just bought a set of router bushings from Rockler and I'll point out one great benefit of their set. It comes with centering bits that go in the router collette and help you to set up and center the base/bushing. Then you remove the centering bit and insert your router bit an you know it's centered and correct.
None of the el-cheapo sets on Amazon or eBay had these extra two tools so I spent a few extra $$ and got the Rockler set.
None of the el-cheapo sets on Amazon or eBay had these extra two tools so I spent a few extra $$ and got the Rockler set.
Some router plates are not adjustable and a centering pin will not help. In this case if the plate isn't correctly centered you have to buy a new plate. At the time I purchased one from Pat Warner.I just bought a set of router bushings from Rockler and I'll point out one great benefit of their set. It comes with centering bits that go in the router collette and help you to set up and center the base/bushing. Then you remove the centering bit and insert your router bit an you know it's centered and correct.
None of the el-cheapo sets on Amazon or eBay had these extra two tools so I spent a few extra $$ and got the Rockler set.
I did not know this before ordering the bushing set so of course I got a cheap-o one from amazon without a centering bit/cone. I'm thinking I can just turn a centering bit/cone out of a hardwood. Any reason this is a bad idea?I just bought a set of router bushings from Rockler and I'll point out one great benefit of their set. It comes with centering bits that go in the router collette and help you to set up and center the base/bushing. Then you remove the centering bit and insert your router bit an you know it's centered and correct.
None of the el-cheapo sets on Amazon or eBay had these extra two tools so I spent a few extra $$ and got the Rockler set.
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