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This is my first post so I hope I don't mess this up! I am going to build a new saddle slot mounting rig to upgrade my current dremel based setup. I will most likely build a fairly simple jig as I usually only cut a few saddle slots a year. I would like to buy a trim router that has good visibility of the bit during the job.... some routers/bases seem almost impossible to view the cut. I noticed a few have an open on one side "horseshoe" shaped base that looks like it would have better visibility. I would love to hear any advise and/or photos of fairly simple saddle slotting setups - hoping to knock this out in the next few days.

Thanks - love this site as well as Frets.com!

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First  Welcome!

I've been using this small router from MLCS. Not for guitar building, but some small inlay work.  (https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pa... ) It wouldn't take much to replace the sole plate on the fixed base with a clear acrylic one.

Another route would be to make this adapter that uses a Dremel. You use a counter sunk head bolt through the bottom plate and some wing nuts with washers to support the top bar that the Dremel mounts in.

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Thanks for the info Allan - looks like a strong contender. Appreciate you sending along the base templates as well! 

I'm liking my Dewalt 611 router. It has an led mounted under it so you can see what you're doing.

Thanks Mark! I love the idea of an LED - will definitely look into the Dewalt. Does the base allow for decent visibility in general?

No problem with seeing your work. Pics on this page show your view  https://www.dewalt.com/en-us/products/power-tools/routers-planers-a...

This looks great! One other question if you don't mind.... it says in the description: "Adjustment ring enables controlled bit depth changes to within 1/64".

I'm assuming the stock height adjustment on its own would be good enough for cutting saddle slots without buying an additional plunge base or the like?

Thanks - Joey

It's infinitely adjustable. You also have a micro adjustment ring for routing incremented depths. It adds the step-stop function to a fixed router like you have on a plunge style. This guy does a good job showing it but doesn't explain very clearly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFDiGkE_Gik

Thanks a bunch Mark - the video cleared things up for me nicely.

I'll be shopping for a laminate trimmer soon, so this is an interesting thread to follow.  I've sorta' given-up on Dremels for anything but the loosest of work since the overall "slop" factor seems too high... and maybe higher with the latest versions,

I have been lucky enough to for several years cutting good saddles with a dremel setup, but my latest saddle slot came out looking like a dovetail! Should have enough room to clean it up with a new rig...

My Dremels are in a drawer, sometimes used for simple tasks, since I bought two Dremel size Proxxon instead. Much better quality.

I've heard good things about the Proxxon - I need to check that out as well. Thanks Roger! 

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