Straight Edge Guide for Hitachi Router (woodworking)?
Question:I recently bought a Hitachi KM12VC Router Kit which includes the fixed base and plunge base. Excellent router, but I cannot find the straight edge guide that attaches to this thing. I have called and emailed everywhere and I'm not having any luck at all. The edge guide part number is 323-342...Any suggestions?
Thanks
Answers:
What I do is simply plunge the router into one end of the line you intend to cut, and make a fine pencil line on one edge of the base. Then plunge it into the other end of the line and turn off the router. With the router bit still in the hole, lay a simple straightedge from the router's base to the penciled mark and clamp it down on both ends. Then route away. The straightedge can be just about anything -a plywood scrap, hardwood, iron or aluminum extrusion, or a yardstick. Just eyeball it first, to make sure it's not warped or bowed, and it'll work as well as any high-priced factory-recommended accessory. Be sure the router's base stays in contact with your straightedge during the entire cut. Letting it wander away is a common beginner mistake. Depending on the wood and grain, it may pull from one side to the other.
It seems the part number is wrong, but you might try this site.
http://www.partstore.com/search/model/hi...
Lowe's are Hitachi dealers, maybe they can help. www.Hitachi.com is a good website also where you can get the names of local parts suppliers.
I really don't have advise for you on where to get the part that you're looking for. In lieu of the guide which has limited capabilities you might consider making your own straight edge. The factory edge of plywood is generally very straight. But any straight piece of scrape lumber will sever as a straight edge. The straight edge can be clamped or held in place with screws or nails. If your route came with a collar, it can be installed on the base. When making the cut the collar would ride along the straight edge. If you do not have a collar, then just let the base ride along the straight edge. Both methods above will require the straight edge to be offset from the cut line. The best way to determine this distance is the perform a test cut. This will allow you to get an accurate measurement. Best of luck.
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