AWFS Tool News: Rockler Releases Router Table for Trim Routers
Jul 20, 2011
Rockler downsizes the traditional router table for today's popular trim routers.
According to the Rockler guys at the AWFS show, when they saw the latest trim routers beefing up their motors, they saw an opportunity to make a similarly compact and affordable router table. Their new “Trim Router Table” is designed to work with the new generation of powerful compact routers, like the combo kits from DeWalt and Porter-Cable, which FWW editors praised in FWW #219.
What’s really cool about this inexpensive little table setup is the insert plate. Of course, it is drilled for all the common trim routers and drops into the router table, where levelers make it perfectly flush. But the round clear insert plate also makes a perfect base for handheld routing, so it can stay attached at all times. Then whenever you need to do some table routing, you just drop the router into the table and off you go.
JUST LIKE THE BIG BOYS
Rockler’s trim router table incorporates small leveling screws that can raise or lower the base plate. click to enlarge
I’ve found that 90% of my table routing is relatively light, from molding or rounding edges to cutting light joinery, like sliding dovetails. For all of those tasks, this space-saving table would be just the thing. It is a bit small for large workpieces, as is the fence, but it is designed to be simply clamped to edge of a workbench, and stowed away afterward, making it perfect for tight shops. It’s $59 price tag and quick setup make it an easy way to get into table-routing for the first time.
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Rockler downsizes the traditional router table for today's popular trim routers.
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The router table's insert plate doubles as the base plate of your router.
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Although it doesn't come with clamps, it's simple to attach this small table to a workbench or other work surface.
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Comments
Not on their website yet.
I have the new dewalt plunge and fixed small router. This looks fun. I'll probably give it a try
What is the point of having an "enlarge" feature on an image when what appears is exactly the same size as the original?
Why not?, Makes a lot of sense
I wouldn't have given this product such a good rating. It may be for "light" routing, but the forces generated from the user would be close to the same.
Two things I am concerned about.
1) How much downward force can it really take until the table deflects and becomes objectionable to the user? The deflection is amplified with every connection or spring joint. These would be the table's screw connection to the hardowwd strip and the clamps to the work table. Clamping the router table directly to the work table would dramatically increase the system stiffness and not affect performance.
2) How much force can the screws handle until they break from bending forces or strip out of the hardwood strip (operator downward force)? There isn't a real good ratio if you look at the pivot point and the forces that would be normally applied. (7/10 to 1 ratio?, like a crowbar effect).
It may have very good router features, but I question the overall durability of the structure. If the manufacturer did his job with a DVP&R (design verification plan & report), they should be able to tell you or publish the operation parameters of the equipment. I rarely see this in the general woodworking industry so we must all review products with our own critical eye.
Tony: Indeed that would be pointless. That's why the photo enlarges from 200 pixels in width to 430 pixels in width.
-E
I would like to see more on the Australian table saw
Ed Marx
...............and to think that owning a trim or small router was all about how easy they are to maneuver with one hand. I really see no point of purchasing this product if you already own a full-sized table. A large router can take any cutter that a trim router takes. The only buyer I can see, is a model maker or anyone else that only does minature work.
I also don't see the need for a table for using a trim router. Like it has been said, the large router in a table will do the same things a trim router in a table will do. It is ludicrous to think, but if a woodworker only owned a trim router then the table would be beneficial otherwise the table would be a waste of money and space if one already has a router table in their shop.
I bought it - I like it. I keep a trim router on the job site
at all times. w/ this set up on a garbage can I'm ready to
go. For built-ins it can't be beat.
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