In Tools

We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.

We may receive commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.

Tool: CRB7 MKIII

Manufacturer: M.Power

Price: $83

A router base can be nothing more than just that; a base. Or, as in the case of the CRB7 MKIII kit from M.Power, it can be outfitted to help your router perform a multitude of other functions.

The CRB7 router base has been around a while, but the MKIII kit has a couple important additions; two different size guide rods to fit more routers, and the ability to cut larger circles. With the launch of the new accessories, I thought it’d be a good time to sort of re-introduce the CRB7 for those who don’t know the versatility it can add to your router. On its own, the CRB7 is a solid, well-built accessory. It attaches to your router via two rods that go in the slots where you’d attach a stock edge guide.

The most obvious benefits of the CRB7 are its large surface area, and that it’s offset. A large base increases stability when you’re routing an edge. The offset amplifies that stability by putting about 2/3 of the base on your work surface, as opposed to just under 1/2, as is the case with a centered base. For routing on the edge of a narrow workpiece, where the base size doesn’t count, use the adjustable anti-tilt leg to provide stability.

With the MKIII kit, you’ll be able to rout perfect circles with a diameter as small as 3/4″ to as large as 50″. Using the micro-adjust wheel, you can precisely dial right up to a line to adjust circle size.

This micro-adjust feature is also great for use with any clamp-on style edge guide for routing dadoes. A short edge guide that fastens to the base is also available. Using a shop-made guide attached to the base’s underside, routing a series of parallel dadoes is a snap, as the guide slides in the previous dado. Dadoes can be offset from the stock’s edge by up to 7-1/2″.

Using a set of posts attached to the base’s underside, you can cut either centered or offset mortises. With the MKIII edge-trim kit, you’re also set up for precise flush-trimming of edge banding or plugs.

Bottom line, this is a whole pile of jigs in one relatively affordable package. I’d like to see, however, a kit including all of the available accessories.


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