Thread: GMC 1500 + Jack works

After my frustrating effort trying to run my Ryobi router under a Carbatech cast iron table, I went against most advice I read on the forums about GMC 1500s, I bought one for $70 new on ebay - because that was the only way I could justify a second router. I figured I'd toss it my son's way if it was no good. Happily, it sits in the table clamps far better and much more easily than the Ryobi, and was very quiet and vibration free when I tested it running some basic bits this morning.

To get a good half inch extra depth I cut off the "rubbers" on the plunger shafts, and, heeding advice about bottoming out, it looks as though I will be able to run most of my bits without an extension. Yay.

Finally, because it's also quite a heavy machine (cf the Ryobi) I was heading for a hernia raising it. My only practical/affordable solution was always going to have to be a spare small car jack. Taking cautions on board, I bodgied up a soft timber rig that cups the handles of the router, so there's no pressure at all on the machine's casing. The side pieces are deep enough to accommodate the whole router, and joined by a crossbar to take the jack's "lift". I drilled a cup into the centre of the crossbar to hold the jack "knob" (??). A sawed off broom handle works well as a comfortable lever. The jack sits perfectly on top of a milk crate (wonderful things!) and it all works very well, and seems sensitive enough for pretty fine adjustments. FWIW here's a diagram of the basics, though it's pretty self-explanatory.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for the ideas that brought this contraption to life!

Hoods

PS Don't drop cast iron table tops on your arm ...