Trim Router Basics - Start Here

To get the most out of your trim router, a new base plate that's bigger is a great place to start. It's also very handy to make it so that it's centered perfectly on the bit, and I show how to do that easily in this video.
I'm using 1/4" thick clear plastic, but you could also make it from plywood or even metal. You might want to find a different (safer) method to cut the outer diameter if you are making it from metal, though.
This base replaces the other base plate I made last year that was rectangular. Overall, a perfectly round and centered base plate is the most versatile.

▶️Support the work I do on Locals:
▶️ Patreon:
▶️ Join my Makers Mob for detailed build tutorials:

My "Scrap bin" channel:

#ibuildit
#woodworking

[JohnHeisz]

To get the most out of your trim router, a new base plate that's bigger is a great place to start. It's also very handy to make it so that it's centered perfectly on the bit, and I show how to do that easily in this video.
I'm using 1/4" thick clear plastic, but you could also make it from plywood or even metal. You might want to find a different (safer) method to cut the outer diameter if you are making it from metal, though.
This base replaces the other base plate I made last year that was rectangular. Overall, a perfectly round and centered base plate is the most versatile.

[Michael-Makes-Stuff]

I wondered how you got such a perfect circle... That table saw trick is genius. Thanks for sharing!

[TheKidFromYTown]

It isn't just the projects in your videos but the tips you often find in them too that makes your videos so interesting to watch. Thank you.

[JayBates]

I always save broken router bits for this purpose. They make great alignment pins for various tasks. Great thinking with using the bit installed for making the plate perfectly centered.

[murphymmc]

Great tips, John. And who among us doesn't have a 1/4" drill bit that is too dull or damaged to resharpen. I have a few, now I know why I kept them.😉

[ConcreteLand]

As usual, very impressive. It’s these little insights on how to do seemingly simple tasks that really help amateurs like myself.

[AlexanderElse]

That's a nice trick using the right size drill bit as the centre pin on the circle cut sled.

[dogwoodtales]

Yeah i agree that the latter method is better because there will be more stability when cutting the base round. The former method could easily result in an inconsistent round.
Nicely done.

[groggycl]

Don't know why I am not getting reminded of your videos... If it wasn't for your Instagram post about new videos, I wouldn't know 🥴

Love your stuff, regards from Chile, Latinamerica

[dave]

John, the last bit of info was priceless Keep em coming, 12 years subscribed

[wordsworthjlang]

John, I think it's time for another guitar amp project. I know the guitar players out here would love it. You can commemorate the beginning of this channel!

[vasja_vasin]

The second method with a drill bit is original. I enjoyed. Thank you.

[dianemoore]

That was a great idea to make the circle in the acrylic base! Never saw that trick before. Very helpful!

[barry.w.christie]

Nice and simple to follow instructions ... and great to see you come up with a better method of making this later on in the video 👍

[thenext]

I saw that drill bit wonder on the press. It was like "I'm going this way, no I'm not, yes I am, ok fine maybe I stay". I see you. I am finishing a 8/4 walnut table, and wanted a matching lazy susan to go on top, that rounding trick is what I was looking for, but I'll have to scale it. That will go just fine I'm sure.

[barryirby]

You have better skills or nerve than I have, I would never drill a hole like that guide hole on my table saw, I am sure I would have drilled through and scarred my table. Same thing with the hole saw on the router base plate, I'm sure I would have hit the router and flung it all over creation or at least scratched it. Congrats, mad skills. OTOH, I bought an oversized base plate for a few bucks and saved my nerves.

[hassanal-mosawi]

Thanks for sharing those tips and the make!

[MorRobots]

At 1:06 John you show the value of a spotting drill. Even with a brad point, the bit can walk.

[sapelesteve]

Well done John! Knowing how to do that will come in handy at some point. Thanks! 👍👍

[jayhitek]

Really like the improved method better. Great call in using the broken drill bit.