![]() If you are having to use a DeWalt router in situations where you aren't just running along the edge of the wood and need straight cuts (and don't have a table saw or router table), this track setup is really hard to beat. ![]() I had thought it was going to be more tedious or difficult, but it was a breeze. I finished so quickly I actually paused in concern, thinking I had missed something. The setup of the track and clamps went much faster than I expected, and I am guessing I was done with everything in under 10 minutes. The cut was the perfect length and perfectly parallel to the length of the board. I made the cut, gently pushing the router along the track, and it was absolutely perfect. (see two additional photos) I hadn't done this type of cut before, but I pulled out the DeWalt track, clamped things down, and then did a try run, moving the router along the track to confirm the cut was straight. I needed to cut two channels in the middle of a board so that two screws with knobs could slide up and down to adjust the height of the project. JANUARY 2016 UPDATE: I still love this DeWalt router adapter and DeWalt track. If dados are a hassle for you and you want an easier solution, I highly recommend this adapter and the DeWalt track. They aren't fancy, but they work well with the track. ![]() I also purchased the DeWalt track clamps. And the knobs and adjustments on this adapter are a bit odd and not nearly as refined and easy to adjust as a Festool design, but the two rods were very stable and once you figure out how to set it up for your router and workpiece, it works well enough. I put a little bit of Renaissance wax on the track and it made the adapter move much easier and smoother. Out of the box, the adapter may not slide smoothly on the track-Festool products can be the same way. So much simpler, easier, and the results were unbeatable. What a huge improvement over the jig and straight edge methods. After adjusting the tensioning knobs and getting things dialed in, I turned on the power and gently pushed the router across the track. I marked the locations of the dados, set down the track, did some learning and fiddling to figure out where the track needs to be to get my bit in the right location, and then did a dry run, sliding the router across the width of the board to make sure it moved smoothly. I used the router adapter to cut dados in a plywood cabinet that I was building. The price for this adapter is dirt cheap by Festool standards, and the price for the DeWalt track is also very reasonable. I don't use a router nearly enough to justify that type of expense.Īnd then I saw this track router adapter and I was thrilled. I own some Festool tools, so I looked into the Festool router + track solution, but the price of the total solution is absolutely insane. And when the router jumped or I wasn't applying pressure properly, the router would move off the straight edge slightly, messing up the dado. I then tried a simple straight edge, but that is also tedious if you need a dado that is slightly wider than your router bit. I tried one of those "exact width" dado jigs, but it was very tedious to use. I don't have a table saw, so I have had to use my DeWalt router for dados. Note: A 3/64 inch allen wrench is all that is required (but not supplied) to take the pieces apart and reassemble to another configuration.I was thrilled when I saw this DeWalt track router adapter. I may eat those words someday, but if I have trouble, I will report back. I didn't have time to make any test cuts, but for now, I am giving this thing two thumbs up. The adapter moves smoothly along my track and the router appears to be stable. I adjusted the slack tension knobs that are built into the adapter, and I was ready to go. Then I turned my track around and used the back side. To make this thing work with my track, I had to remove the micro adjustment screw thingie. This makes it very easy to attach it to the router or remove it. Thumb screws supplied in the parts bag fit the threads perfectly. I removed the guide rails and attached them to the supplied adapter, which bolts perfectly to my plunge base. The spacing is off just a tad and the guide rails are a smidgeon bigger (thicker in diameter).Īfter a few more tries and test fits, I figured it out. I don't have any way of testing the compatability of those tracks.Īfter unpacking the parts, I tried to fit the guide bars into the receivers on my Bosch 1617 plunge base. ![]() It appears my track is similar to the Makita and Festool tracks, but don't hold me to that assumption. My track (Scheppach, which is identical to the Grizzly track) has the guide off center towards the right side. I have attached some pics so maybe y'all can get an idea of what is included.įirst of all, this adapter is made to fit the Dewalt track which has the raised guide in the center part of the track. My pkg was delivered today, so naturally I tore into it to see what the fuss is all about.
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