Guide · Insert plates
Predrilled vs blank insert plates
When a predrilled router plate is the right buy, when a blank plate makes sense, and what Kreg and INCRA say about screws, center points and unlisted routers.
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Picks that fit
- Kreg PRS4036 Precision Router Table Insert Plate, predrilled for Porter-Cable and BoschCheck price on Amazon
- Kreg PRS4038 Precision Router Table Insert Plate, undrilledCheck price on Amazon
- Woodpeckers AITRITON cast aluminum router mounting plate for TritonCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
Buy a predrilled plate if the plate maker lists your router. A blank plate suits routers no predrilled plate lists, but you drill it yourself following the plate maker's instructions, which we do not reproduce. Check the maker's rules for blank plates before you buy one for an unlisted router.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
Predrilled plates
A predrilled plate comes with holes for the router bases its maker lists. Kreg's PRS4036 is predrilled for the Bosch 1617 and Porter-Cable 690 and 890 series, and the PRS4034 for the Triton TRA001 and MOF001.[1]
Predrilled does not always mean a perfect match. INCRA notes its predrilled MagnaLOCK plates may have more holes than a given router needs, and the included mounting screws may not match every compatible router.[2] INCRA also says user drilling may be needed for access to above-table height adjusters.[2]
Kreg includes router-base mounting screws only with its predrilled plates.[1]
Blank plates
A blank plate has no router holes. Kreg's PRS4038 is not drilled but has molded center points for two mounting patterns.[1] Pattern 1 covers three-hole bases such as the Bosch 1617/1618, DeWalt 616/618 and Porter-Cable 690/890; Pattern 2 covers four-hole bases such as the Porter-Cable 7518 and Milwaukee 5625-20.[1] Kreg's manual sends routers outside both patterns to its sub-base steps.[1]
INCRA says its undrilled MagnaLOCK plate accommodates unlisted routers whose mounting fasteners sit fully outside a 2-1/16 in (53 mm) radius from the collet centerline.[2] INCRA also notes that router handles protruding more than 1/2 in beyond the plate edge may need removal to pass through the table opening.[2] Those are INCRA's rules for INCRA's plate; check your own plate maker's.
Plates with a centering aid or template
JessEm's Rout-R-Plate is a solid phenolic plate with a 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in outline.[3] JessEm lists a router centering bushing among its contents.[3] JessEm's 03003 routing template is listed for the Rout-R-Plate and JessEm's lifts.[4] The template is for the table opening, not the router holes.
A plate with no published router list
POWERTEC's 71850 plate is 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in, 3/8 in thick stamped aluminum, with reducer rings, leveling screws and a starting pin.[5] We could not read a clear router-fit list from POWERTEC's page, so we publish none. Ask POWERTEC whether it fits your router.
Which to buy
| Your situation | Plate type |
|---|---|
| Your router is on a predrilled plate's list | Predrilled for that pattern |
| Your router is on Kreg's Pattern 1 or 2 list | Kreg PRS4036/PRS4034 if listed, else the PRS4038 with center points |
| Your router is on no list | A blank plate, after checking the maker's rules (such as INCRA's 53 mm radius) |
| You are unsure | Ask the plate maker before buying |
Drilling an aluminum or phenolic plate is not something we give steps for. Follow the plate maker's instructions. If you are not sure the holes will clear the bit opening and the ring, ask the maker first.
Plates for listed and unlisted routers
Picks that fit3 products
Choose the Kreg PRS4036 (predrilled) for a Porter-Cable 690/890 or Bosch 1617, the Woodpeckers AITRITON variant (predrilled) for the Triton routers Woodpeckers lists, or the Kreg PRS4038 (undrilled, Pattern 1 and 2 center points) for other routers on Kreg's lists.
More on choosing
On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
Predrilled for Porter-Cable 690/890 and Bosch 1617
Kreg PRS4036 Precision Router Table Insert Plate, predrilled for Porter-Cable and Bosch
Undrilled, with two marked patterns
Drilled for Triton routers
Woodpeckers AITRITON cast aluminum router mounting plate for Triton
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Questions
Should I buy a predrilled or blank plate?
Predrilled, if the plate maker lists your router. A blank plate is for routers no predrilled plate lists, and you drill it following the maker's instructions.
My router is not listed: can I use a blank plate?
Possibly. INCRA says its undrilled plate suits unlisted routers whose fasteners sit fully outside a 2-1/16 in (53 mm) radius from the collet centerline; that is INCRA's rule, so check with your plate maker.[2]
Do predrilled plates come with screws?
Kreg includes router mounting screws only with its predrilled plates. INCRA says its included screws may not match every compatible router.[1][2]
Does the POWERTEC 71850 fit my router?
We could not read a clear router list from POWERTEC's page, so ask POWERTEC. Its stated outline is 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in, 3/8 in thick.[5]