Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

[r-carpenter]

I thought I'd share a quick mod for a Jasper circle jig and Festool mid size router. I've had Jasper for a long time and just didn't want to spend $400 on a Festool circle jig. Granted, it's not just a circle jig but everything else jig yet I got other things I want to spend $ on.
So, here we go. On the close inspection, there are 2 threaded holes on the base plate. I went to HD got M5,M6,M7. M6 worked.
Holes are not spaced symmetrically and there are no corresponding holes on the Jasper. Ok, No problem. Centering 1/4" pin and a caliper let's you figure out distance pretty quickly. So 2 radius and straight line through the center allows to locate centers for the new holes on Jasper.

[r-carpenter]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

Starting the hole with 5/16" brad-point bit. Just marking the center. Then going in with 5/8" Forstner bit to counter bore for the bolt head. After the counter bore 5/16" brad-point is back in and the hole is drilled through.

[r-carpenter]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

Now, 5/16 is larger then m6. The reason I like the jig to have a bit of a play is to be able to adjust for metric size drivers. Actually, even with Porter Cable router, I've opened up the holes to have a 1/32.

[DoubleTap]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

You only posted this to show off the fact that you have a Festool router :rolleyes:

[r-carpenter]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

ok, let's try it out. 14, 3/16 diameter. Looks pretty good. I like this router dust collect. Yep, this is how clean it is. Onsrud spiral down cutting solid carbide bit.

[raiderone]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

Good work/idea. I wished that Jasper would have pre-drilled holes for the Festool or have a downloadable template at their website so that Festool owners could accurately drill their own (perhaps even using one of the existing holes). I attempted to do what you did on the smaller Jasper, but with the other screw holes and messed it up. Never thought to use the other pre-tapped holes.

So, using just two screws to hold the Jasper is enough?

[r-carpenter]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

You only posted this to show off the fact that you have a Festool router :rolleyes:

No, I am just proud to be able to go around German engineering. Hey man, they left 2 holes unfilled. :D

[r-carpenter]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

Good work/idea. I wished that Jasper would have pre-drilled holes for the Festool or have a downloadable template at their website so that Festool owners could accurately drill their own (perhaps even using one of the existing holes). I attempted to do what you did on the smaller Jasper, but with the other screw holes and messed it up. Never thought to use the other pre-tapped holes.

So, using just two screws to hold the Jasper is enough?

I drilled both holes for this one and did the smaller jig as well.
2 screws hold it fine. One time I dropped the router with the jig attached on the table and it went off center. Re-centered it with 1/4 pin.

[Face]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

You only posted this to show off the fact that you have a Festool router :rolleyes:

He's not the only one here with a Festool router. :rolleyes:

FYI, I use the router buddy Festool adapter with the Jasper jig and Woodpecker's base widener. The only disadvantage is that you lose a little cutting depth due to the thicker base.

[johnastockman]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

I drilled both holes for this one and did the smaller jig as well.
2 screws hold it fine. One time I dropped the router with the jig attached on the table and it went off center. Re-centered it with 1/4 pin.

Very nice. I have an old Ryobi 160 fixed-base router and there's only two screws for mounting and it stays put, solid. That looks like a nice dust collection method, does it work well? Might be time to upgrade my router...

John A.

[mgrabow]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

He's not the only one here with a Festool router. :rolleyes:

FYI, I use the router buddy Festool adapter with the Jasper jig and Woodpecker's base widener. The only disadvantage is that you lose a little cutting depth due to the thicker base.

You see Mike, I knew you were a "sleeper" woodworker...(not sure if thats a word, kind of refering to a sleeper car... plain on the outsideand lots under the hood). Telling us that your big black laquer speakers were your first pair...

I'll make you a deal, when you need a jointer or a planer you can come buy and bring your festool and jig to cut my circles...

[Face]

Re: Festool router and Jasper Jig. Happy marriage

Sounds like a plan.