Craftisian

Carey Mitchell

71 posts and 11 followers
in about 1 year
1
8
Power Tools

Review - Veritas Plunge Base Set for Rotary Tool

596
8
I've never done a product review, so here goes. 

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.











Carey Mitchell

8 Replies

Eric - the "Loft" replied about 1 year ago
Nice write up, thanks for sharing. New tools are always like Christmas.

Main Street to the Mountains

Pottz replied about 1 year ago
i have the stew mac base that ive used a few times now and really like for being precision made. not sure if id need the accessories this one has. i agree the dremel is cheaply made. but hey, mine has a led light so you can see better 😁 thanks for the review carey. martin is supposed to be creating a review forum ? he was very active when we all came on but has been very quiet lately ?

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

LIttleBlackDuck replied about 1 year ago

Thanks for taking the effort to post the "review". 

Dremel make a fair rotary and there is a great selection of bits out there, but they absolutely suck with their accessories.
Not knowing better, I'm a shameful owner of some of their "cheap rubbish" (in my opinion),

There's more dust on them than the original packaging (including the styrofoam)... should have kept the styrofoam instead.  My fault for not posting a negative review many years ago... mea culpa.

Unfortunately this review will probably get lost amongst the Forum threads in the future.
Probably just me, but I could never get the search filter giving me anything I was really looking for, either here or the new LJ format.

If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD

Petey replied about 1 year ago
Carey,

Thanks for the review.  I have to look into this.


Petey

Carey Mitchell replied 12 months ago
OK, a followup.  A problem.  The precision adjuster slides onto the extension rails and the center screw threads into the metal casting that holds the fence.  This screw must be captive to work.  Mine would only work in one dorection; moreover, it fell apart.  Close inspection showed that the very small locking ring that fits into a groove is missing. 

A couple of emails with Lee Valley, and a couple of locking rings are en route via Fed Ex.  Quick solution on their part. 

Here's their photo, which I should have used.

 
 


Carey Mitchell

Carey Mitchell replied 12 months ago
 OK, a followup.  A problem.  The precision adjuster slides onto the extension rails and the center screw threads into the metal casting that holds the fence.  This screw must be captive to work.  Mine would only work in one dorection; moreover, it fell apart.  Close inspection showed that the very small locking ring that fits into a groove is missing.  

A couple of emails with Lee Valley, and a couple of locking rings are en route via Fed Ex.  Quick solution on their part.  

Here's their photo, which I should have used. 

Carey Mitchell

Petey replied 12 months ago
Carey,  thanks for the follow up.  This item is now on my list to buy.


Petey

GeorgeWest replied 12 months ago
Nice write up. I think this will be going into the wish VAT. Used to be a list, got too big so it went VAT sized. :-)

Another option, and I can only attest personally for the base for a Bosch Colt that I have is the MicroFence system. They start as a basic base with perks, and add extras until you had to sell your home to pay for them, and or got enough accessories. Now he makes them for a variety of Dremel like handsets.

Linky