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Just about a year ago, I learned to use the WoodRat. There was a
sizeable learning curve, but once that was past, I really enjoyed using this device. [click here to go to that review.]
When the manufacturer informed me that they would be coming out with the
"Little Rat", and that it would be less expensive and easier to use, I said
"please put my name on one."
And now I have it and will spend some time over the next couple of months
learning how it works and then making some fun projects with it.
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In my last place, I had
mounted it near the garage opening (above). This helped when we had the heat wave.
In my new shop, I am mounting the wall plate on the heavy duty doors I made.
If you recall, I placed a diagonal brace as part of the door structure. This came in real
handy with mounting this. I am bolting the wall plate to the door diagonal and side
member. It is rock solid.
While it is cold now, when spring arrives, it will be real nice to swing the
doors open and be working in the open.
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The
adapter plate is similar to the one for the WoodRat. The plans call for at least 2
1/4" thickness. I learned from before that more is advisable. I added a few boards so
that now it is 3 1/2" thick. The extra thickness is necessary for the larger base
plate of the Hitachi M12V and so that the Plunge Bar can be used — it was hitting the
wall in the earlier configuration.
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I check to see
that the unit is level, and I press down to see that it will have enough strength when
holding the router. It does.
You can also see that I have hooked up a dust collection port. As with the
earlier installation, I am using the PorterCable vacuum since it has the capability of
turning on and off every time the router is used. It has plenty of suction power for this
use.
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I am using clear packing
tape to close up both ends of the extrusion. That section is part of the chamber for the
dust chute. Taping it close will give me enough vacuum flow at the bit location.
The tape is a temporary fix. I will eventually make a thin wood piece that
will stop the air at both ends. It is useful to be able to access this chamber section in
case you drop a bit or have a clog in the main chute.
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I test the vacuum with a
handful of sawdust. It works fine.
Note that the LittleRat uses a small yellow insert tray. This helps guide the
sawdust into the dust exhaust. It fits exactly into slight slots and is a simple, but
effective improvement over the prior system.
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The next step is to test the carriage slide movement. The slide moves to the
left when you rotate the control clockwise. The Instructions suggest that you visualize
the direction of the crank at its forward arc — it swings to the left there and is
the same direction that the carriage moves.
I ran it back and forth the entire length and the tension is perfect. There
are instructions on how to wind and adjust the cable system, but I have never had to do
it. The device comes from the factory ready to go.
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I
have fastened the pad of the clamp in place and am spraying some adhesive on a scrap of
120 grit sandpaper.
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I position it carefully on
the clamp pad. Once pressed down, I trim the excess with a razor blade. This sandpaper
really helps hold workpieces fast.
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I slide the backup plate into
position. This will be used to fill the hole when the unit is used as a "router
table." It prevents the workpiece from dipping into the opening. On the original
unit, a block of wood was used. This is a custom molding that slides into grooves and is
held in place.
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Per the instructions, I am
spraying some lubricant onto the carriage slide.
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I have slid the clamping
bracket into the track on the carriage and have attached the pressure pad.
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