So, MLCS (among others I’m sure) sells this router table wherein the machinery is mounted horizontally – I’m sure y’all have seen it before. (If not, just head to their homepage and look along the bottom – there’s a link right there).
What I wanna know is, is it worth a look? Any pros/cons on such a setup? I like the notion of increased safety and control, fewer jigs and such and easier setup, but does this rig really provide such? Anyone have experience with this item or a similar one out there?
Jason
Replies
Horizontal tables can be handy for certain situations. I use one for edge beading and sliding dovetails quite often, however, they don't work well for many other cuts. If the bit is below the table, the feed direction is opposite that of a typical router table, not like they show in the picture. Most router tables are easy to make if you have basic woodworking skills. I'll show a picture of mine, again, it has a power feeder on it. There are slots at the fence knobs for up and down adjustments. I think you can see a sample bead cut on the left. It will not replace a vertical table.
I have a home made horizontal router setup. I chose this route because my router doesn't have the horse power to spin the large diameter panel raising bits and I can only afford one general purpose router at present (Dewalt DW 621). I didn't like the idea of using my vertical panel raising bit with the router in the vertical position so I made the horizontal setup, following roughly the home made router table featured in FWW a few years ago. With a sled to keep my fingers way far away from the bit and a flip down guard to cover the bit, I have been reasonably satisfied with the results in panel raising. However, I don't find it to be a good general purpose setup.
Over the long haul I plan to purchase a larger router dedicated for table use and mount it in my table saw. I think that will be the better overall setup for me.
Hope this helps.
There are several books that show how to build a horizontal router table. One of the best uses to trim wood edge banding. You add an extra top with a gap between the fence and table that will clear edge banding. Using either a staight or flush trim bit you can just slide panels across the table to trim edge banding. The bit needs to be the exact same height as the extra top. Quick and easy and no balancing act required. I suggest that you look at Bill Hylton's book "Router Majic" for instructions on building a horizontal router table.
If you want see my post 24034.1
(I have no idea how to get a direct link on this page).
There is a MS VISIO drawing of it's general construction. You can get a VISIO reader from Microsoft in a free download. Probably other places on the net where you can get a free reader.
Not very expensive expensive to build.. Have fun..
Edited 7/19/2005 10:41 am ET by Will George
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