Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 42188 2-1/2-Inch Hole Sub Base

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have made up my mind never to use 1/4" shank bits again. This posed a problem in that many 1/2" bits won't fit through the standard sub base. The large sub base permits easy bit changes, allows for the use of larger bits, and the clear plastic makes seeing the progress of your work much easier than the solid black standard sub base. In fact I purchased an extra base, the D-handle, installed the 2 1/2" sub base, and in combination, I've never routed edges and dadoes with such ease. Highly Recommended.

Didn't take long after the purchase of my PC router that the base included would not do the job. Standard base would not accept a ½" round over bit. I thought about enlarging the hole someway but thought it might leave some burrs that would mark my wood. New base was the only solution. The base plate accepts the larger router bits I sometimes use just fine. The added bonus to the base plate is its clear design. This is a good plus when using the router as you can precisely get the bit on the wood by eyesight.

Clear router base plates should be standard on all routers produced IMHO.

I bought this sub-base after I purchased the PC router kit ... and could not fit a router bit through the standard base. I doubt I'll ever go back to the standard base. The clear base gives you a much better view, and of course, allows the use of larger bits. Porter Cable should just include this base with the router.

One problem people have with the Porter-Cable router base is that the hole in the base is too small to accept some of the larger diameter bits that are now available. The hole in this base is larger than the hole in the standard base. However, the Porter-Cable bushings that work so well are fitted for the standard base opening.

It might as well be said that if you are at the skill level where you are using a router you are at the skill level where you can make this yourself. All that is needed is some 1/4 inch thick plexiglass and the ability to drill and countersink three holes. Get this if you want to avoid the hassle of making your own custom base.

I was needing a larger diameter hole base for the router and this one is nice. It not only allows for larger diameter bits but also allows me to view the work area. This is great even for working on inlays and close area work.

Definitely something no woodworker should be without. I can't believe it doesn't come with the router itself.

Exactly waht I was looking for. The clear base allows me to see what I am doing when working on smaller items.

One small change that would make it a 5* and that would be to make it just a little thicker. Say about 1/32". It is what you need to use larger dia. bits. a PC router does not come with a base with enough clearence in the opening for a lot of applications.

This product is generally what the description says, but it had a very rough finish on the outer diameter. It wasn't a knurling, it looked like there was some tool chatter when it was made. I'm surprised at this low quality. I had to put it on my lathe, true it, and flame polish it to get it the way it should have been. It was easier than returning it, but I shouldn't have had to do that.

Replaces the black plastic stock piece (that you can't see through) which
has a hole too small for most of my bits.

I can't believe 1) Porter-Cable doesn't ship this as standard equipment!! and 2) that I waited SOOO long to buy the thing.

For the record, at this price I wouldn't take the time to make this by hand.
I have enough challenge making good circles without looking for trouble.