Router bushing for my new dewalt 611 with plung

[Timothy Small]

I hate to ask such remedial questions but I just ordered a dewalt dw611pk. I thought that (I have never had a new router before) all new routers came with a bushing, but after some reasherch I have learned that I'm on my own. I have big plans a want a bushing or two. For templates, sign making and maybe inlay. So how do I know what bushing to order I see a lot of talk about PC Bushings (brass) and that they are universal. Anyway any info would be helpful, oh and dados are also something I want to do.
Tim

[Troy]

Howdy Tim.

I use both Dewalt and  Bosch standard routers, and the Kempston 99000 10 piece bushing set works fine with them. And according to a question posed on Amazon about the set, they should work fine on the compact router too. Here's the link: Response Involving the 611 Router.

On the topic of dados, you'll really only need a straight router bit for that procedure. So no bushing should be necessary.

Hope that helps, and good luck.

[Timothy Small]

Thanks for the reply!

[michael evans]

Hi tim ,the brass bushings seem too last longer.

[michael evans]

By the way tim Christmas is coming ,how about a set of bushings or router bits on the Christmas list .My lot always get me tools that I am after, go steady. 

[Ken Darga]

Tim,

Congrats on obtaining a router.

You’ll love it.  It’s a very useful tool for wood working.

 

Peruse your router manual, as to what bushings and sizes are suitable for your machine.

 

Some router bases features a hole, that features a rabbet to facilitate a router bushing.

The rabbet allows the bushing shoulder to rest into the recess and a locking nut in placed on the threads to secure the bushing in place.  Insure the nut is tight.

 

Several router bushings and kits are available on today’s market, available from various wood working tool suppliers.

 

I’d suggest obtaining a bushing kit that contains several bushings, to accommodate various router bit diameters.  Personally, I prefer the router bushings, offered by Rockler.   The bushing kit contains several sizes.  If you get into sign making, get the recommended bushing to facilitate the router bit being used.

Long extrusions on the bushings, can be machined down to accommodate the template thickness.

 

Brass is a softer material to other metals, and is preferred by many---less likely to damage the router bits cutting edges.

Practice making cuts on scrap material before proceeding to the finished product.

[Ken Darga]

Compared to what material(s) ?

michael evans said:

Hi tim ,the brass bushings seem too last longer.

[Ken Darga]

Tim,

The plunge base has provisions for attaching a router bushing.

Dewalt offers a round base, for the fixed base router, that also has the provision for a router bushing.

This brass bushing set, offered by Rockler, will fit the Dewalt 611 bases.

Presently $30---normally $42.

Get it while supplies last.

[Ken Darga]

This dust collector adaptor is a very useful accessory.

It fits your plunge base.

It'll capture better than 80% of the dust.

[michael evans]

Ken Darga said:

Plastic ones I have used they are rubbish ken.
Compared to what material(s) ?

michael evans said:

Hi tim ,the brass bushings seem too last longer.

[Timothy Small]

Guys thanks, I plan on getting the brass bushing set. Good tip on the owners manual, I should have looked there first. I have had a router and used one in the past to make dado's, many years ago. Since I started woodworking again, I have not used it really at all. I'll also get the dust collector and the fence. As well as a good set of router bits. I started making a poor mans router table this week with 2'x3' sheet of 3/4 MDF. That will be a big help as well. I'm really looking forward to adding a extra touch to my projects with the router.

[Ken Darga]

Tim,

I'd suggest obtaining this ''centering cone", DNP617.

It's necessary to insure the router bit is centered in the base and bushings.

[Ken Darga]

Hi Tim,

I find that this Rockler Universal Router Base, #31186, is much more useful than the edge guide offered by DeWalt.  The insert accommodates guide bushings.