Yes, you definitely want the new aluminum guide rails. I've used the Jacobs Power Collet in a Makita 3612BR, DW621, and DW625. I don't use it all the time but there are some situations where using it allow me to use router bits I could not otherwise use. I had to cut clearance for the Jacobs PC into the router plate when using the Makita and so I have an additional plate I use with the DW625. You probably know that a revised manual is in the making??
Thanks for the details, just what I needed. I think I'm going to get
> the collett extension as well, the Woodrat plate does take up some
> depth. The Jacobs chuck has Woodrat's blessing but has apparently gone
> out of production. There is no plunge bar available for the Bosch, it
> should be available Real Soon Now. The Miter box looks super useful.
> Also the aluminum guides. I'll definitely look at Phil's mortise rail. >
> Craftsman Gallery appears to be the only non-factory source now in the
> USA and they have a good deal so off I go.
>
>
>
>
> > If you haven't already done so, you ought to check out
> >
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> Believe me, Phil's version of the mortise rail is a superb platform for
the
> 'rat. I also use the Veritas router table and find the 90 deg. sled very
> > useful for cutting all the cope cuts for cabinet doors. If you plan on
> > using dovetails for your drawer joints, you will want to order a dovetail
> > bit set from:
> >
> >
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> You will also want to practice a bit because the 'rat is very
> non-conventional in the way it cuts dovetails. Have you looked at John
> > Lucas's site:
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? John does an
> > excellent job walking you through dovetails.
> >
> > If any of the above URL's doesn't load on a single line, you must use copy &
> > paste to use them instead of just clicking on them. I find the 'rat is a
> > great mortise/tennon cutter while a lot of other stuff is easier for me on
> > the Veritas table. The 'rat is just a router table upside down, or as
> > Martin Godfrey says, the router is the "right way up", with one very
> > significant difference. The 'X' axis movement is controled via a Bowden
> > cable system allowing controlled upcuts....a big no-no on most router
> > tables. The 'Y' axis is, of course, dependent on your router's plunge
> > function. I've designed a 'Z' axis control but can't find time to build a
> > proto-type :>( .
> >
> > Good luck and enjoy your 'rat.
> >
> >
> > > I have been happy enough with the user group history online that I
> > > want to buy the Woodrat. Now I'd like help ordering the package. > > >
> > > I have a Bosch 1617EVS router with D handle and plunge base also. I
> > > have a small assortment of CMT bits, the basic 13 plus their Kitchen
> > > set. I also have a Veritas router table setup.
> > >
> > > My first projects with the Woodrat will be kitchen cabinets and
> > > small-item storage units, wall mounted, sized for small tools. > > >
> > > What should I buy and why?
> > >
> > > My list looks like:
> > >
> > > Woodrat
> > > Bits
> > > Accessories
> > >
> > > I'm located in San Diego, California, USA. I'd like to order this
> > > today or tomorrow, if possible.