Has anyone cut the base of the Freud FT2000E Router to enlarge the
hole? I can hardly get a 2 1/4" bit into it. I am using it as a table
mount and would like to change bits from the top of the table. This
will never work, since I can't get the wrench onto the nut. I plan on
cutting a hole 3 1/2" in the top of the table, and use inserts. Wow
that is a small opening. Wondering if anyone had any luck cutting the
base. Thanks
Yes, did mine about 2 years ago. Removed the springs and some other
non-essential parts and have mine mounted permanently in a router table on a
Jessem, Rout-R-Razer.
As for cutting the top to a larger size - its easy enough with a metal blade
on a jig saw then file it to clean it up. The material you remove is really
minimal and does not lessen the strength of the base. You're actually just
completing the hole by cutting off the flat edge they put there. Before I
did it though, I did call Freud and priced out a new base - $64 at the time
and included some other parts (tubes etc.) which you really don't need.
I've been using the large, Freud panel raising bits with no problem. I also
bought the "Bent Wrench" from CMT and filed it open to 27mm to fit the
collet nut. Works great too...
Bob S.
On 3 Aug 2003 03:26:37 -0700, [email protected] (woodman) wrote:
>Has anyone cut the base of the Freud FT2000E Router to enlarge the
>hole?
I've found Freud (UK) to be quite good at spares, so I'd incline
towards getting a new base casting and sacrificing it for a permanent
table mount. Possible new pillars too, if it's easier to swap the
motor on the pillars than to swap the pillars on the base.
I do find the small blind tapped holes in th ebase inconveniently
small for table mounting. One day I'll drill them through, so as to
allow longer screws.