I need to cut some 1/32" grooves (wouldn't call them dadoes) for stringing on legs of a federal style piece. This involves curves at the top and bottoms, and I was seeking a radius cutter shown in an article, which I never found. I have the Dremel plunge base for the rotary tool, but it is a disappointment, being too flimsy and creating much angst in use. In researching, I looked into the Stewmac plunge base for the Dremel, and the Veritas device. I decided on the Veritas for several reasons; one being bang for buck - the Veritas set includes accessories to enable many more functions, for about the same price as the basic Stewmac base and edge guide - $199.
The set includes: Plunge base Fence and center kit Precision adjuster 6" extension rods 12" extension rods.
The base is very sturdy aluminum with zero sloppiness. The fence attaches to the base with very nice knurled screws (all the screws are nicely knurled; I like that). Once attached, the screws visible facing you in the photo on the lower piece can be removed and replaced with a pair with half-round heads (visible in the box) for following an outside curve on a template. There is a 1/4" pin for a center for circle routing, as well as a sharp pin. The aluminum disc is a pivot that can be attached to the workpiece with double face tape when the surface cannot be subjected to damage. All these fit into a hole in the triangular adapter shown in the box.
I have only played with it for a few minutes and see lots of possibilities. It will reduce my anxiety when routing for stringing, where the process comes late in the build and a slip would be disastrous. This is one of those instances where a new tool is like Christmas for a 6 year old.
