Warped outer plate - query

[John Moorhead]

Folks -

I've finally gotten around to setting up a router table - I am building the "Swiss Army Knife" version that was featured in FWW several issues back.

The plastic plate that I have for mounting the router is about 12" square... Unfortunately, now that I am ready to mount the so and so in the table, I've discovered that the plate is cupped, with a crown of about 1/16+ in the middle. So, is there any way that this warp can be reliably removed (heat?) or should I put "pull down" screws to suck the plate down to the table when the router is installed? The plate is ~1/2" thick. Yes, I know... Buy another plate... But kinda need to get the table going, albeit roughly, to finish a project for Christmas, and I can't get a piece of plastic (or aluminum) of that size locally. I suppose I could make do and make another plate out of plywood, but thought I'd get some feedback here.

Thanks in advance,

John Moorhead

[Swingman]

Have you tried mounting and hanging the router? One, or both, may well take enough "cup" out to make it usable until you can find a flatter insert.

[bridger]

that warp just might be intentional. try measuring it again with the router hanging from it. heck, it may give you an excuse to buy a heavier router.

"But honey, I NEED it..."