Replies

1. 
   [email protected] | Mar 09, 2012 06:52pm | #1

   Not sure.

   They are all pretty close to the same for features and stability.  So, I'd just look for the least expensive one with the features I'd want.   

   Key things I'd look for are: the availability of a good template; and, the availability of plane fixed plates I can attach the fixed base for a router to. 

   I haven't bought any of the fancy bases yet.  I have a Porter Cable 890 with the fixed base that can be adjusted from above the table, (which I've found to be more than adequate), and five or six other plates with 690 bases on them that I keep dedicated router and bit combinations in during projects.  The matched bits sets for cutting rails and stiles, and other profiling bits get mounted up and left adjusted until I am done just in case I screw up and need to redo something. 

2. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 10, 2012 01:54pm | #2

   Router-table base choices

   I'm not sure which base Matt used, but there are lots of choices. Which base (or, lift) might be best suited to your use depends on several factors, including:

   1. your choice of router (some thought should go into this),

   2. the maximum diameter of bits you'll eventually use (this also affects router choice, of course), Some plates are limited in terms of the size of the insert.

   3. whether you (really) want a lift, rather than just a base plate, and

   4. whether you will want to use guide bushings with the set-up (sounds nifty, but opinions vary on actual utility and safety).

   My first router table used a 2 1/4hp router, an older PC model, as that was what I had. Worked OK, but I eventually found it limiting. I then bought a Rockler table top with a plane base plate, using the same router. Again, it worked OK, but I got tired of lifting the plate and the router (which had gotten much heavier as I aged) out of the table to make adjustments.

   When I built my current RT, I decided to go with a PC 7518 and a BenchDog Pro lift. Life is now good.  ;-)

   View Image

1. 
   wayne_roy | Mar 11, 2012 07:19am | #3

   Thanks for the feedback

   Thanks for both responses.  I am in the process of finishing the Matt Kenney project.  Actually it's a hybrid of the Kenney table and the Norm Abrams table.  I am going to put a Kreg baseplate it in to start.  Through research I found out that the base plate and lift Matt used is likely by Incra.  I currently have a PC 690 router I was going to use in the table.  Any thoughts on the need to upgrade to a 2 or 3hp router?

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 11, 2012 11:09am | #4

   2 vs. 3 hp

   The hp choice is mostly a matter of the maximum size of bit you are likely to use. The larger bits (e.g. for raised panels, etc.) will prefer the 3+hp unit. If you can, I'd go for the larger router, and dedicate it to the table. Note, too that the large bits require a slower speed, so you'll want one that you can drop to around 10,000 rpm.

1. 
   wayne_roy | Mar 11, 2012 03:22pm | #5

   Thanks again!

   That's great advice.  Thanks very much.  I'm going to be doing some raised panel doors so I think I'll go to a 3hp machine.