If you’ve had the chance to pick up the Melbourne Tool Company Large Router Plane, you might have noticed a few extra holes in the sole. In this article I’m going to explain why they’re there, and when you might use them.
Aren’t they just for the Fence?
Well yes! If you are creating a rebate along the edge of your board, a fence is a great way to guide the router in a straight line. Each MTC Large Router comes with the fence included in the box, and it uses these holes to securely mount to the sole.
Simply decide which side you want the fence, and attach the mounting bracket using the screws provided keeping the front screw loose. Slide the fence rod into the hole, and adjust the fence to your desired position and tighten the front screw. This screw clamps down on the fence rod, providing a very secure mount that is also very low profile (so it won’t snag on your vice or anything else on your workbench).
What about curves?
The Fence itself can be flipped on the rod, providing two points of contact rather than a straight line.
So that’s it then? The holes are just for the fence?
No! Another great use for those holes is to attach a timber ‘sole plate’ to your Router. You might do this if you are working on a light-coloured timber and you’re worried about marking the surface. It’s also a great solution if you need to span a large gap, for example if you’re cleaning the cheek of a large tenon. You can even use an M5 T-Nut to attach one handle of the router directly to the timber for extra control.
Whether you’re using the fence for crisp, straight rebates or adding a custom timber sole for delicate or oversized work, those extra holes in the MTC Large Router Plane open up a world of versatility. They’re a reminder that good tools are more than single-purpose—they invite experimentation, adaptation, and a bit of clever thinking at the bench.