TREND CRB User manual

INST/CRB v3.0
Combination
Router Base
CRB
Please read these instructions before use.

REF. CRB
Thank you for purchasing this Trend accessory
which should give lasting performance if used in
accordance with these instructions.
The following symbols are used throughout these
instructions.
Denotes risk of personal injury, loss
of life or damage to the tool in case of
non-observance of the instructions.
Refer to the instruction manual of your
power tool.
This unit must not be put into service until it has
been established that the power tool to
be connected to this unit is in compliance with
2006/42/EC (identified by the CE marking on
the power tool).
INTENDED USE
This accessory is a retro fit, quick change, multi-
functional router base for use with routers that will
accept two 8mm diameter rods at centres of 78mm
to 130mm. It is intended to:
nIncrease the overall versatility of the router.
nImprove the quality of finish of every routing pass.
nReduce the possibility of error.
nIncrease stability during routing.
nIncrease the level of precision achieved.
nSave set up time between tasks.
nMaximum cutter diameter for use on offset base
is 40mm. Max.diameter depends on router used.
(Please check router manual specifications).
Features
1. Offset baseplate.
2. Router compass radius 19mm to 224mm.
When measured from outside edge of hole.
3. Adjustable trenching with a clamp guide.
4. Adjustable anti-tilt support.
(Max. 80mm, min. 8mm).
5. Adjustable offset mortising
(Material 50mm to 200mm).
6. Adjustable false panel groove copier.
7. Using the CRB with euro style guide bush
fitting routers with the Varijig and a long
series guide bush.
8. Lateral adjustment 110mm, with 40 micro
adjustment (one revolution equals 1.25mm).
Note: All dimensions shown are based on a T5
router being used with a 6.3mm (1/4”) diameter
cutter.
COMBINATION ROUTER BASE
-1-
ITEMS REQUIRED
nRouter with suitable rod diameters
and centres.
nRouter cutter.
nClamps.
n13mm A/F open ended spanner x 2.
nHand tools.
SAFETY
Please read and understand the safety
points at the end of this instruction as
well as the power tool instructions before
use.
PLEASE KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IN A SAFE PLACE.
The attention of UK users is drawn
to The Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998, and any
subsequent amendments. Users should
also read the HSE/HSC Safe Use of
Woodworking Machinery Approved Code
of Practice and Guidance Document and
any amendments.
Users must be competent in using
woodworking equipment before using our
products.
Ensure working position is comfortable.
Please keep children and visitors away
from tools and work area. All tools will
have a residual, risk, so must therefore
be handled with caution.
Only use tooling that meets EN847-1/2
safety standard and any amendments.

A to F. - Holes for various fittings.
1. Bridge - Secures the guide rods and
baseplate together.
2. Baseplate - Acrylic platform of the CRB.
3. Bridge Pinch-bolt - Secures the offset handle
and anti-tilt leg to the bridge.
4. Micro Adjuster - Attaches to the adjuster rod
and micro adjusts the position of the router.
5A. Adjuster Rod - Attaches to the bridge via the
micro adjuster, slides into the router base.
5B. Fixed Rod - Attaches to the bridge, slots into
the router base rod apertures, can be adjusted
to accommodate various router rod spacings.
6. Guide Rod Locknut - Locks the fixed rod
in position on the bridge.
7. Offset Handle - Fits into bridge to improve
hand position.
8. Anti-tilt Leg - 2 piece leg that fits into bridge
stabilizing the unsupported side of the router.
ITEMS ENCLOSED & DESCRIPTION OF PARTS
9. Pivot Pin - Fits to the underside of the
baseplate, forms the axis point when routing
arcs and circles. Parked in bridge. Supplied
fitted in bridge.
10. Mortise Pillars - Attaches to the underside of
the base. Guides the CRB when mortising.
11. Indexed Rule - Self adhesive for user fitting
12. No.6 x 1/2” Csk Woodscrews - Secures
the user made copy tongue batten to the
baseplate.
13. M5 Csk Screws - Fixes the bridge to the
baseplate, there are four different pairs of
length, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 16mm.
14. M4 x 10mm Csk Screws - Fixes the pivot pin
to the baseplate, fixes the mortise pillars to the
baseplate.
15. Bridge Shims - Adjust the height of the bridge
to accommodate differing router rod heights (2
x 3mm, 3 x 1mm and 1 x 0.5mm). Two shims
are pre-assembled below bridge.
- 2 -
2
4
15
13
12
14
10
8
7
D
1
A
3
C
E
66
E
F
14
9
5A
5B
11
B
A
Not to scale
Parked in
bridge
Screws assembled
to mortise pillar
x2
x2
x1
x1
x1
x1
x5
x8
x6
(Two of the shims are
already fitted below
the bridge).
F

SETTING UP
Fitting the CRB to a Router
Before use please remove protective film from
CRB acrylic base plate.
Due to the large number of different router
models available and their differing base and rod
configurations, the CRB needs to be initially set up
to fit the router.
Loosen the guide rod lock nuts located either side
of the bridge and position the fixed guide rod so
that both guide rods line up with the rod holes in
the router base.
Slide the router gently toward the bridge.
If the router starts to bind on the guide rods,
the router base rod holes are higher than
the CRB guide rods. To match the height
of the guide rods and the router base rod
holes, the bridge shims provided will require
fitting between the bridge and baseplate.
Fitting the Bridge Shims
Five bridge shims are included. The bridge shims
will increase the CRB’s rod height by incremental
Once all the router fence rod knobs have been
tightened, tighten the guide rod locknuts with a
13mm open ended spanner.
Safely invert the router and rest it on its top with
the bridge and rods attached. Rest the baseplate
on the flat of the router base ensuring that it’s
lined up with the bridge. Look between the bridge
and baseplate and check the size of the gap.
Slide the appropriate shims into the gap and
line up the two x M5 tapped holes. Screw the
baseplate onto the bridge.
For 10mm and 12mm router base rod holes.
Lock both router fence rod knobs on the
fixed guide rod and the adjuster rod, this
will ensure that the guide rods are correctly
positioned at the bottom of the router base
rod holes.
Location of the Bridge Shims
Remove the two x M5 screws that secure the
bridge to the baseplate. Put the baseplate aside
then slide the bridge and rods into the router base
rod holes butting the bridge up against the
router base.
645A
5B 1
15
13 13
2
4
1
2
5B
5A
3
6
6
Router
fence rod
Rod located
at bottom of
router base
22
55
- 3 -
Two shims are already supplied
pre-assembled below the bridge.

Fitting the Indexed Rule to the CRB
Included with the CRB is a self adhesive Indexed
rule, when fitted to the CRB baseplate it will allow
the user to see and reposition the router to a
measured distance relative to its original position.
Many routers are manufactured with a cast
indexing line or marking positioned centrally
on the side of the router base. If the router
has no indexing line and you wish to utilize
the indexed rule simply draw a line on the
base using an indelible fine black marker.
With the router fitted to the CRB:
Position the indexed rule to run alongside the
edge of the router base on the fixed rod side so
that a reading can easily be taken from the index
line on the router base to the indexed rule.
When happy with its location ensure that the
baseplate is free of dust and debris, peel off the
indexed rule backing paper and carefully stick in
position.
Index line
The CRB comes with four different lengths
of M5 screw. Select the correct length of M5
screw for the number of shims used when
re-attaching the baseplate.
We suggest that the M5 screws should pass
through the baseplate, shims and at least 3mm into
the bridge.
The CRB is correctly set up when it
comfortably slides on and off the router
base, with the rods remaining parallel to the
baseplate and the router base remaining in
contact with the baseplate at all times.
If you find the rod holes are too high, a spare
bridge shim kit is available (see spares).
13
1
2
15
5
gap
Router fence
rod knob
Router fence
rod knob
- 4 -
Consider working environment before
using tools. Keep proper footing at all
times. Ensure working position
is comfortable.

1. Offset Baseplate
The offset baseplate function is designed to
increase the router-base surface contact area to
the work piece that’s being worked on, improving
stability and reducing the chance of making an
error during a routing pass.
Slide the router onto the CRB’s rods and lock the
router in position using the router fence rod knobs.
Ensure the router is positioned at the far end
from the CRB bridge allowing the router cutter to
sit safely within the baseplate ‘letterbox’. Fit the
offset handle into bridge pinch-bolt hole and lock in
position using the bridge pinch-bolt.
The CRB is now set up and ready for routing.
The handle/bridge end of the CRB should be
centred over the work piece.
Ensure component is clamped securely.
OPERATION
7
1
3
5
2
Cutter
Router fence
rod knob
Index
Line
Bridge
Index
Line
Micro Adjuster
The CRB is fitted with a micro adjuster. The micro
adjuster is designed to provide greater accuracy
when positioning the router cutter prior to use.
Using the micro adjuster to accurately position the
router cutter.
nPlunge the router cutter to a level just above the
surface of the work piece and lock the router
cutter height in that position.
nLoosen the router fence rod knob holding the
fixed guide
rod and keep the router fence rod knob locked on
the adjuster rod.
nRotate the micro adjuster to align the outer edge
of the router cutter precisely with the desired
marking.
Positioning the router cutter using the index
markings on the CRB:
The micro adjuster has an indexed line machined
across its width (in red), similarly a corresponding
index line is located on the bridge either side
of the micro adjuster. When the micro adjuster
is rotated once it will move the router 1.25mm
(50/1000 inch) from its original position. Four
complete rotations will move the router cutter 5mm
(approximately 3/16”) etc.
4
It’s essential to remove the backlash from
the adjuster rod thread when using the
index lines.
Tip: Loosen both router fence rod knob and turn
the micro adjuster in the desired direction so that
both index lines line up. Retighten the router fence
rod knob on the adjuster rod.
The router cutter can now be moved a measured
distance accurately using the micro adjuster.
Should the router cutter need to be adjusted in the
opposite direction repeat the above step to
remove the play. - 5 -
To remove float or backlash on the adjuster
rod and micro adjuster rotate micro adjuster
a quarter to half clockwise turn.
Always isolate router from power supply
before making any adjustments. Before
use ensure all router fence rod knobs are
tightened onto the CRB guide rods.

2. Cutting Small Circles
Radius 19mm to 224mm
Routing out accurate circles that are smaller than
the router base itself is a difficult operation. The CRB
allows circles to be cut out easily from as small as
19mm radius up to 224mm radius.
Use baseplate hole C for circle radius approx.
19mm – 125mm.
Use baseplate hole B for circle radius approx.
115mm – 224mm.
The CRB’s compass pivot pin is stored in a magnetic
recess in the CRB’s bridge.
nFit the pivot pin into the countersunk hole in
the baseplate so that the pivot pin protrudes
downwards from the baseplate.
nMark out the desired dimensions of the circle/arc
on the work piece.
nDrill a 6mm (1/4”) hole at least 6mm (1/4”) deep
in the work piece at the geometric centre of the
desired circle/arc.
nPlace the CRB and router assembly onto the
work piece, ensuring that the pivot pin is located
in the drilled hole.
nSlide the router along the guide rods to align
the router cutter with the marked circle/arc
dimensions and lock the router fence rod knobs
on either side of the router base.
nIf necessary use the micro adjuster to align the
router cutter precisely with the marked circle/arc
dimensions (see micro adjuster section).
Ensure that one router fence rod knob is
secured either side of the router base and the
router depth stop is set appropriately.
Proceed to cut out the circle by rotating the CRB
and router around the pivot pin.
Depending on the work piece material several
shallow routing passes may be preferable.
For difficult or heavy cuts, the pivot pin may be
replaced with a countersunk No.6 woodscrew
secured into the work piece. This No.6 woodscrew
should be a snug fit in the baseplate to avoid
‘chatter’.
Tip: If it’s desirable to avoid a central drilling in
the work piece, use a 6.35mm (1/4”) thick overlay
secured with double-sided adhesive tape or any
similar method - e.g. cramps, screws etc - and drill
a 6mm (1/4”) diameter hole in the overlay; then
rout through the overlay and into the work piece
beneath.
Larger circles are possible with the CRB however
this will require the extension rod kit accessory Ref.
N/COMPASS/AEX (not included).
Maximum Radius 224mm
Hole B
4
2
5
9
B
14 Radius 224mm
Cutter
Maximum Radius 125mm
Hole C
4
2
5
9
14
C
Cutter
Radius 125mm
- 6 -
Minimum Radius 19mm
Hole C
4
2
5
9
14
C
Radius 19mm
Cutter
The pivot pin and screw are parked
in the bridge.

Set the depth of the cutter as usual and rest the
router on the work piece as if to start a routing
pass. Release the bridge pinch-bolt so the anti-tilt
leg drops down and the foot rests on the bench
top. Without moving the router or anti-tilt leg
retighten the bridge pinch-bolt locking the anti-
tilt leg at the height which will then support the
previously unsupported side of the router.
Before completing the routing pass check
that the bench surrounding the work piece is
smooth and even. Complete a couple of dry
runs with the router around the work piece
ensuring that the anti-tilt leg has a clear path
and the router remains stable whilst the pass
is completed.
4. Anti-tilt Support
The CRB’s anti-tilt leg is designed specifically
to aid stability when routing narrow sections of
material. The leg is in two parts so its height if
necessary can be reduced by unscrewing the rods.
Slide the anti-tilt leg into the bridge pinch-bolt
hole from the underside of the baseplate. Lock
it in position with the plastic foot up against the
underside of the baseplate. Slide the router onto
the CRB’s rods and lock the router in position
using the router fence rod knobs. Ensure that the
router is positioned to allow the router cutter to sit
safely within the baseplate ‘letterbox’.
Maximum height = 80mm (3 1/8”)
Minimum height = 8mm (5/16”)
Component
8
31
Cutter
Router fence knob
3. Using the CRB with a
Clamp Guide
Using a clamp guide and router to groove across
the width of a work piece is a useful and common
practice. However considerable time is taken to
accurately set the clamp guide at right angles to
the edge of the board simultaneously ensuring a
precise distance from the desired position of the
rebate. The CRB’s micro adjuster removes the
need to set the distance between clamp guide and
groove.
Ensure the clamp guide is set at right angles to
the board edge and within the range of the routers
movement on the CRB’s rods. Slide the router to
the approximate position of the required rebate and
using the router fence rod knob on the router base
lock the router onto the CRB’s adjuster rod.
Plunge the cutter to the work piece surface (with
the router turned off) and using the micro adjuster
bring the edge of the cutter up to the line denoting
the location of the rebate. Run the bridge end of
the CRB’s baseplate up against the clamp guide
and using an even pressure ensure the router
moves smoothly down the length of the clamp
guide.
If a deep rebate or groove is needed several
lighter cutting passes may result in a better
finish.
If two grooves are needed within 110mm centre
to centre of each other, (using a 1/4” cutter) they
can be routed without moving the clamp guide by
simply sliding the router down the CRB’s rods to
the next location.
2
5B
5A
2
4
Clamp
guide
Router fence
rod knob
- 7 -

Clamp one guide batten on each side of the work
piece, over lapping the ends. This will give a wider
and longer platform to support the router.
Depending on the depth of mortise and material
being used, several cutting passes may be
required in order to achieve the correct depth
safely.
nPlug the router into the power supply.
nTwist the router and CRB in a clock-wise
movement tightening the mortise pillars against
the sides of the work piece.
nSwitch on the router.
nPlunge the router cutter into the work piece and
feed the machine forwards again ensuring that
the mortise pillars are in contact with each side
of the work piece.
nAt the end of the mortise, turn off the router and
release plunge.
nReset the router cutter depth and repeat until
the required mortise depth is achieved.
nSwitch off router.
For material widths 125mm to 200mm, fit the
mortise pillars to the underside of the baseplate
using baseplate holes A and E. Secure pillars
using the two M4 screws provided. Then follow
the same instructions as above.
If the router requires final adjustment plunge
and lock the router so that the cutter tip is
just in contact with work pieces surface and
use the micro adjuster to accurately set the
cutter position.
5. Adjustable Offset Mortising
Providing stability and lateral adjustment when
edge mortising usually involves a separate jig and
set up however the CRB fitted with the mortise
pillars saves time and gives a clean finish.
For material widths between 50mm and 125mm.
If the outer holes on the base are used the
maximum material width is 200mm.
nFit the mortise pillars to the underside of the
baseplate in locations using the two x M4 screws
provided.
nMark out the required mortise dimensions onto
the work piece.
nEnsure the router is unplugged during the set
up phase.
nFit the cutter to the router and refit the router
onto the CRB.
nPlace the CRB onto the section of wood to be
mortised with a mortise pillar on either side
of the work piece. Rotate the CRB clockwise
until both mortise pillars are in contact with and
tightened against the sides of the work piece.
nPosition the router so that the router cutter sits
between the mortise pillars and roughly lines up
with the mortise markings, then fix the router in
position by locking the router fence rod knobs on
the both the fixed guide rod and the adjuster rod.
14
10
14
10
2
F F
410
5A
10
5B
Cutter
410
5A
10
5B
Cutter
Guide battens
Clamps
It’s important to ensure that the mortise
pillars remain in contact with the work
piece sides along the complete length of
the mortise. If the position of the mortise
is at the very end of the work piece then
additional guide battens will need to be fitted
to prevent the mortise pillars literally falling
off the end of the work piece.
- 8 -

7. Using the CRB with the Trend
Varijig and Euro Style Guide
Bush Fitting Routers
The anti-tilt function of the CRB can be used as
an alternative to the anti-tilt shoe included with
the Trend Varijig, for self guided shank mounted
cutters. For routers that can accept Euro style
guide bushes, a longer spigot 40mm diameter
guide bush is required Ref. GB40/B.
The guide bush is fitted into the router guide bush
recess. When routing out smaller rectangles
narrower than 120mm, the increased size of the
baseplate provides sufficient area across the
Varijig frame and the anti-tilt leg is not required.
In certain circumstances the router handle
prevents setting the correct depth of the
anti-tilt leg however, the anti-tilt leg can
be shortened as it’s a two part component,
simply unscrew the top section and use the
remaining shorter section.
A longer spigot guide bush must be used
Ref. GB40/B.
After use, remove the CRB from the router and store
carefully.
3
8
Guide bush
Varijig
Varijig
6. Adjustable False Panel
Groove Copier
To repeat a routing pass a set distance from
another pass or to produce a series of closely
routed grooves or rebates can be efficiently
achieved using the false panel copy tongue
feature. The CRB can be set up easily for this
purpose.
Machine up a small section of copy batten min.
160mm length in timber or a solid plastic i.e. nylon
or polyethylene. The copy batten should copy
the size and profile of the router cutter that is to
produce the groove. Test the finished copy batten
in a sample groove to ensure a snug, but not tight
fit, is achieved.
Using a clamp guide or side fence set up, rout the
first groove on the work piece. Then:
Using three No.6 woodscrews line up the copy
batten with the three countersunk holes located
in the baseplate at the opposite end to the bridge
and screw the copy batten to the underside of the
baseplate.
To avoid splitting the small section copy
batten screw it in position by hand. Do not
use a drill driver.
Fit the CRB to the router. Check that the copy
batten slides into the first groove and moves
smoothly along its length. Set the required
distance between the router cutter and copy
batten by sliding the router along the CRB rods if
necessary using the micro adjuster to finely adjust
it’s position. Then lock the router in place using at
least one router fence rod knob on each side of the
router base.
The second groove can now be routed. In order to
maintain accuracy use a consistent pressure when
holding the router in position during each pass of
the router.
Remove the swarf in the second groove and slot
the copy batten into it to produce the third groove.
Repeat as required.
4
1
5
2
Cutter Copy batten
- 9 -