Author Topic: Turn your DeWalt trim router into a 32mm hole boring machine! (Read 2044 times)

TSO_Products · « **on:** April 14, 2023, 12:23 AM »

Utilize your DeWalt trim router with Festool's LR 32 System using our new adapter kit! Festool’s LR 32 Hole Drilling System is one of the best ways to efficiently build cabinets using the standardized European frameless 32mm system, particularly when boring shelf pin holes in casework. Originally designed to utilize Festool OF 1400 or OF 1010 routers, this Adapter Kit makes it possible to use Festool’s LR 32 system with DeWalt’s popular compact routers (DCW600 or DCW611 with DNP612 plunge base).

More than Just Boring Holes: Grooves, Dados & Rabbets, Too
Along with the adapter baseplate, this kit includes the TSO "Pivot Block." This block features an integrated magnet and attaches underneath the guide plate lever to keep the pin temporarily raised such that it will not engage the holes in the guide rail. This essentially transforms the LR 32 Guide Plate into a Guide Stop (minus the micro-adjust), allowing for continuous routing of grooves, dados and rabbets perfectly parallel to the guide rail.

Learn more about the LR 32 Guide Plate Adapter Kit for DeWalt Compact Routers.

Here's a few of our other popular products:

JUST RELEASED! MFT Aligned Upgrade Kit
Restore confidence in your MFT/3's accuracy with the MFT Aligned Upgrade Kit, which replaces Festool's stock plastic mounting brackets located on both the front and back guide rail supports with precision CNC-machined aluminum brackets. These new brackets are much more rigid and—because we're able to hold much tighter tolerances in aluminum—they also provide a more precise and uniform fit. The result is much stronger guide rail supports less prone to deflection and less likely to move out of square during normal operation.

TPG Parallel Guide System
Upgrade from the tape-measure-and-marking routine to a best-in-class system that will increase the speed, accuracy and quality of your parallel rip-cuts.

GRS-16 Guide Rail Squares
Our patented designs are born square through precision CNC machining and an innovative self-aligning latch mechanism. Simply slide the square onto your guide rail and lock it into place. Five seconds to square!

Padded Storage Bags for Precision Tools
Whether in the shop or on the job site, a little insurance for your fine tools is always a good move. Check our our new padded storage bags for guide rails up to 55" in length, parallel guides, and precision triangles.

GRE-13 Guide Rail Extension
Provide more support at both ends of your plunge cuts with this 13.7-inch (346 mm) guide rail extension, which conveniently fits in a Systainer. Connectors included!

Packard · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2023, 09:31 AM »

If I am reading this correctly, since I have a DeWalt compact router, a plunge base, and a drilled Festool track, I would still have to spend another (approximately) 700.00 to get into this system.

Is that correct?

MikeGE · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2023, 09:58 AM »

Quote from: Packard on April 14, 2023, 09:31 AM

If I am reading this correctly, since I have a DeWalt compact router, a plunge base, and a drilled Festool track, I would still have to spend another (approximately) 700.00 to get into this system.

Is that correct?

If you don't already have the LR-32 kit, then tack on that additional expense to take advantage of the DeWalt adapter.

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2023, 09:58 AM »

Quote from: Packard on April 14, 2023, 09:31 AM

If I am reading this correctly, since I have a DeWalt compact router, a plunge base, and a drilled Festool track, I would still have to spend another (approximately) 700.00 to get into this system.

Is that correct?

Just another $299.

squall_line · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2023, 10:06 AM »

That blue block to lift and hold the pin and turn the LR32 kit into a rail guide is a pretty neat trick, honestly.

rmhinden · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2023, 11:27 AM »

Quote from: Packard on April 14, 2023, 09:31 AM

If I am reading this correctly, since I have a DeWalt compact router, a plunge base, and a drilled Festool track, I would still have to spend another (approximately) 700.00 to get into this system.

The TSO Dewalt adapter is $39.99. To use it you would need to have the Festool 584100 LR32 system, sells for $595 in the US.

Seems to me that the market this product is someone who either already has the LR32 system and wants to use the DeWalt trim router, or wants to get into the system without buying a Festool router (OF 1010 or OF1400).

Bob

box185 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 14, 2023, 11:44 AM »

Maybe this is another option?

https://fctools.co.uk/product/fc32-for-festool-and-bosch-rails/

woodferret · « **Reply #7 on:** April 14, 2023, 11:56 AM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on April 14, 2023, 09:58 AM

Just another $299.

Even less. One only really needs the plate and centering mandrel. The parallel arms and end blocks are more useful for repeating on multiple panels. Of the two, the end blocks would probably be purchased first before the arms.

I have a simple MDF jig and just use layout lines for most of the work. Once you have it setup, any standard parallel guide can get you situated for repeat work.

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #8 on:** April 14, 2023, 12:35 PM »

I have the original Bob D. 3D printed version, already had the rails and main LR32 plate & Dewalt plunge router, made up my own positioning setup so I didn't need anything new.

For me the primary attraction was (1) not needing the 1010 or 1400 and (2) cordless. Whatever other nits there are to pick with the system, the locating pin paddle thing is slick, you can really get into a rhythm. Just my

RMW

Cheese · « **Reply #9 on:** April 14, 2023, 12:43 PM »

Quote from: woodferret on April 14, 2023, 11:56 AM

Even less. One only really needs the plate and centering mandrel. The parallel arms and end blocks are more useful for repeating on multiple panels. Of the two, the end blocks would probably be purchased first before the arms.

So then we're down to $155.

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/494340---fp-lr-32

TSO_Products · « **Reply #10 on:** April 14, 2023, 12:55 PM »

This new TSO product is aimed at the large customer base already owning the FESTOOL LR 32 Set.
This group of woodworkers has shown interest in adapting Compact Routers of different brands for use with the LR-32 guide rails.

Long known to owners of FESTOOL LR 32 Sets, router use is a great way to place and drill shelf pin- and hinge plate holes for case work in addition drawer-slide mounting holes. TSO’s included PiVOT BLOCK simplifies routing of back panel Dados without the need for a table saw dado blade Set-up.

TSO developed this CNC machined polycarbonate Adapter Kit for FESTOOL LR 32 owners to use the DeWALT Compact Router for LR 32 hole drilling and dado operations.

At the same time last year fellow woodworker Bob D. developed a line of 3D-printed LR 32 guide rail adapters for sale by him online. This led to discussions with Bob last year about joining up with TSO as a product development engineer specializing on router applications. As some of you know, Bob D. regrettably passed away just as we were ready to finalize our working relationship. Quite a shock and loss.

This new TSO accessory is an invitation for customers to share suggestions and interest with us. We are poised to finalize similar adapters for use with MAKITA and BOSCH compact plunge routers.

And for those of you just thinking about getting an LR 32 System, consider this a little encouragement

Hans

tsmi243 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 14, 2023, 12:58 PM »

That LR32 skid plate for $155 is reaaaally nice, if you wax the slides and grease the pin a little.

For the router- the hole in the plate is 40mm. So, if you can get a 40mm bushing on your router.....

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #12 on:** April 14, 2023, 01:48 PM »

My disappointment is that using any of these bases requires removal of the stock base and attaching the adapter with screws from below, then centering the adapter onto the LR32 plate. Logical but not ideal as now the plunge base is captive to the LR32.

Someday I hope to come up with an adapter that I can attach the plunge base to from above, which remains centered on the LR32 plate. Something with a shallow pocket on top for the plunge base & a couple of clamps to secure it. I was tettering on just buying another plunge base but it felt wasteful and, more importantly, I'm out of storage space for new stuff.

I think the TSO product is a great option to have and priced right for the target market.

RMW

TSO_Products · « **Reply #13 on:** April 14, 2023, 09:25 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 01:48 PM

My disappointment is that using any of these bases requires removal of the stock base and attaching the adapter with screws from below, then centering the adapter onto the LR32 plate. Logical but not ideal as now the plunge base is captive to the LR32.

I think the TSO product is a great option to have and priced right for the target market.

RMW

@Richard/RMW – thank you for your comment -your idea is already designed and built into the TSO LR 32 Guide Plate Adapter: the Plunge Base is in fact NOT captive to the LR 32!

Our Adapter plate is machined from flat ¼” thick Polycarbonate sheet which gets located (permanently, at your option) on the Plunge Base. In effect replaces and functions in lieu of the original Base Plate. **As a result, you can detach the Plunge Base/ Router assembly with its new TSO Base plate attached and use it as a regular plunge router independent of the LR 32 Guide Plate.

Just spin off the two StarKnobs connecting the FESTOOL Guide Plate Assembly and you have a handheld plunge router ready for pattern routing or whatever function you need.

It really couldn’t get simpler!
Hans

PS: **we need to make that clear in our customer facing description!

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #14 on:** April 14, 2023, 10:05 PM »

Hans, I'm open to learning more. I'd need to work with it but having the "wings" that the star knobs fit thru outboard of the plunge base seems to me bound to cause some problems using the tool for common tasks eventually.

I may be overthinking things.

RMW

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #15 on:** April 14, 2023, 10:42 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 10:05 PM

Hans, I'm open to learning more. I'd need to work with it but having the "wings" that the star knobs fit thru outboard of the plunge base seems to me bound to cause some problems using the tool for common tasks eventually.

I may be overthinking things.

RMW

I've got an arsenal of trim routers permanently setup for different tasks, and on most I replace the base with a larger one. I can't think of anytime I've used a trimmer where a bigger base wasn't an advantage, or at least was not a pediment.

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #16 on:** April 14, 2023, 10:45 PM »

Quote from: luvmytoolz on April 14, 2023, 10:42 PM

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 10:05 PM
Hans, I'm open to learning more. I'd need to work with it but having the "wings" that the star knobs fit thru outboard of the plunge base seems to me bound to cause some problems using the tool for common tasks eventually.

I may be overthinking things.

RMW

I've got an arsenal of trim routers permanently setup for different tasks, and on most I replace the base with a larger one. I can't think of anytime I've used a trimmer where a bigger base wasn't an advantage, or at least was not a pediment.

It's not a bigger base but the wings jutting out.

RMW

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #17 on:** April 14, 2023, 10:56 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 10:45 PM

Quote from: luvmytoolz on April 14, 2023, 10:42 PM
Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 10:05 PM
Hans, I'm open to learning more. I'd need to work with it but having the "wings" that the star knobs fit thru outboard of the plunge base seems to me bound to cause some problems using the tool for common tasks eventually.

I may be overthinking things.

RMW

I've got an arsenal of trim routers permanently setup for different tasks, and on most I replace the base with a larger one. I can't think of anytime I've used a trimmer where a bigger base wasn't an advantage, or at least was not a pediment.

It's not a bigger base but the wings jutting out.

RMW

Same result, no?

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2023, 07:36 AM »

Quote from: luvmytoolz on April 14, 2023, 10:56 PM

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 10:45 PM
Quote from: luvmytoolz on April 14, 2023, 10:42 PM
Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 14, 2023, 10:05 PM
Hans, I'm open to learning more. I'd need to work with it but having the "wings" that the star knobs fit thru outboard of the plunge base seems to me bound to cause some problems using the tool for common tasks eventually.

I may be overthinking things.

RMW

I've got an arsenal of trim routers permanently setup for different tasks, and on most I replace the base with a larger one. I can't think of anytime I've used a trimmer where a bigger base wasn't an advantage, or at least was not a pediment.

It's not a bigger base but the wings jutting out.

RMW

Same result, no?

For use against a straight edge, maybe maybe not. I just don't want to have a daily use router with the wing things sticking out, hence I'd want to remove the adapter when not in use on the LR32. Not the setup I want.

RMW

rvieceli · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2023, 10:50 AM »

Richard I see two solutions for your dilemma.

Buy another plunge base and dedicate it to the lr32

I think though you might actually like the base plate in use.

Turn your DeWalt trim router into a 32mm hole boring machine!

That one edge looks straight. If you are worried about running along a straight edge that will keep the router even straighter and no rotating to throw off your spacing unless your base plate is PERFECTLY centered

Ron

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #20 on:** April 15, 2023, 05:40 PM »

It's not really an issue Ron, I ended up investing more brain cells into the comment than intended. I was just saying I'd prefer a solution that didn't require replacing the stock base plate. Wasn't intending to hijack the announcement thread, TSO'S product will be a great option for folks to have.

I already have Bob's plate and it serves the same purpose. Someday I may Shaper up a replacement that checks my boxes.

FWIW the darned plunge bases are 80 bucks, for that I can afford to disassemble/assemble things a few times.

Thanks.

RMW

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #21 on:** April 15, 2023, 07:04 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 15, 2023, 05:40 PM

It's not really an issue Ron, I ended up investing more brain cells into the comment than intended. I was just saying I'd prefer a solution that didn't require replacing the stock base plate. Wasn't intending to hijack the announcement thread, TSO'S product will be a great option for folks to have.

I already have Bob's plate and it serves the same purpose. Someday I may Shaper up a replacement that checks my boxes.

FWIW the darned plunge bases are 80 bucks, for that I can afford to disassemble/assemble things a few times.

Thanks.

RMW

A pair of pins for registration and a few pair of button magnets should do it.

tsmi243 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 15, 2023, 08:16 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on April 15, 2023, 05:40 PM

I was just saying I'd prefer a solution that didn't require replacing the stock base plate.

Does the stock base plate take bushings? Even if they're not the whole 40mm, if you can make a concentric ring spacer to make up the difference, then location is done. Clamping without modifying the base plate could be as simple as making two of these to go on the LR32 studs-

slavi.yordanov · « **Reply #23 on:** April 16, 2023, 01:45 AM »

At last someone came up with this solution. Waiting for the Makita version!