Rousseau 3509 9-Inch x 12-Inch x 3/8-Inch Deluxe Router Base Plate

• Rousseau 3509-T Installation Template for Deluxe Router Base Plate Model 3509 and Router Lift LS Models 3002, 3003, 3004
• INCRA Build-It Knobs, 1/4-20 x 1 1/2" Bolts, Washers (Set of 8)
• Incra TTRACKREG36 36-Inch T-Track Regular
• MLCS 8377 Router Bit Set with Carbide tipped, 1/2-Inch Shank, 15-Piece
• Milescraft 1407 D/TFeatherBoard Dual or Tandem FeatherBoards for Router Tables and Table or Band Saws

I did this and it worked fine.I don't have a drill press. This little trick worked perfectly. I hope that helps. Next I carefully marked my spots to drill with an awl. I am very pleased with my purchase.To see how my router table top looks thus far, feel free to check out my blog. I realized that I could use the reflection of the shiny surface to make sure that the mirror image of my drill bit was perfectly straight. I have just installed the plate.

I was concerned with accuracy, and after I had my Bosch router securely connected using my Shop Fox template and a centering cone. I only gave it a slight tap and it left a perfect dot for me to start my drill. I am very new to woodworking and every new adventure intimidates me a little. (I am not done yet). The instructions were very helpful. The instructions said I should use a small drill bit first, to avoid chip out. There is a picture of the top with the plate in it.(.).

I was very concerned with getting a straight hole using my hand held drill.

BTW - I emailed Rosseau for a replacement a week ago and have not had any reply. The router plate seems to be pretty decent and the install & setup was easy enough without the additional cost of the optional install template/kit. But I'm most umhappy with the insert rings. The next router plate I purchase will not be from Rosseau - I will probably go with one of Rockler's models. Even after sanding them around the edges as recommended, they are still difficult to pop in and out, and now I've cracked the innermost insert ring trying to take it out.

The insert is as advertised but there is no sense paying for the name when the same product (without the bubble) can be had at Harbot Freight for 1/2 the cost. It works, it is well made, the inserts require a dead-blow hammer to remove and I will not purchase another. I use it but in the future I will opt for the aluminum insert +$ or the generic version -$. The install was easy once I tossed the instructions.

If you can get a plate pre-drilled for your router I'd go that route, getting the holes drilled just right was a little tricky.

Works as described but I am still unsure if I like the convex shape to the top of this plate or if I would prefer a perfectly flat plate.