Replies

1. 
   woodk2 | Oct 11, 2005 04:44am | #1

   Weelis-With all due respect, may I ask what your current router table does not do that you need it to do?  Commercial router tables seem to offer so little that a woodworker could not build himself in a weekend. 

1. 
   weelis | Oct 11, 2005 04:55am | #2

   I need to remove the router to change bits;has no T Tracks for miter or clampdown from fence;height adjustment is by hand and not mechanical;dust capture only fair.  Useable, but if the right table  came along, might be tempted to spring for it. Thanx.

1. 
   woodk2 | Oct 11, 2005 06:07am | #3

   Weelis, not trying to keep at you on this one....but:

   Bit changes-are you aware of the bent wrenches offerred by Sommerfield and Woodpeckers?  Believe they offer them for almost all routers.  They are about $15 I believe.  They let you make bit changes above the table, no sweat. 

   T Track-easy to add to any home router table. 

   Dust collection-lots of great options for your home router table for little/no cost.  My example-I boxed up the back of the bit area on my fence...found a 2 1/2 to 4" DC transition piece to stick in the box and that is where my DC is connected.  Probably also need to consider DC underneath someday.

   If you do go down the path of a commercial router table, I almost always see the Bench Dog Family and the Veritas RT's at the top of many lists. 

   Good luck.  I won't wear out my welcome with any more posts as I think I might be pushing my luck.  

    

1. 
   weelis | Oct 11, 2005 11:34pm | #6

   Thanks four input.  I'm trying to make really good to excellent!  Probably will just hang in there with what I have.  Thanks again.

1. 
   papa | Oct 12, 2005 03:10am | #7

   Check out David Marks' integral router table on the side of his tablesaw. Lets him use his tablesaw fence, miter fences, sliding cutoff table etc. http://www.djmarks.com. Also catch him on "Wood Works" on DIY.

2. 
   forestgirl | Oct 11, 2005 07:27am | #4

   "If cost were not a factor"  Probably the CMT outfit, outrageously expensive but quite good from what I hear.  Personally, I don't see any need for miter tracks in a router table.  I have the Veritas table top from Lee Valley (solid steel, 3/16" thick).  Have yet to buy their fence, but am hoping by Christmas.  Combined with the mating sled, there's no need for a miter track.  Only thing it won't help you with is the height adjustment.  I'd probably get either the $89 job (can't remember the name) that fits plunge routers or buy a router with built-in above-the-table adjustment and drill the small hole needed in the Veritas.

   The Veritas has a universal mounting system that enables you to put any router in the table without having to make or buy a base plate.  I can change bits in my Freud router simply by raising the bit up to get it close to the underneath of the table.  Don't even have one of those fancy bent wrenches.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   Midnight | Oct 11, 2005 10:10pm | #5

   If you're talking "ultimate" router table here.... have a look at Norm's table; its only weak point is lack of micrometer adjustment in the fence...
   Fence aside, it's a good solid table, fine working height, good support for the router with tons of built in bit and tool storage...

   As for the fence, replace it with Pat Warner's design... the two combined would make a kick-azz combination...

   Mike Wallace

   Stay safe....Have fun

4. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 12, 2005 07:51pm | #8

   Try this link...

   May give you some ideas.. http://www.patwarner.com/router_table.html

   I have several router tables.. Shoved in a corner and drag out for a project.. Like you.. someday I MAY? combine what I like about each one and combine it all into one.. geee where to start...

   All my tables except one do NOT have a router lift... Never thought I needed one.. Until I got one! NICE...

   If I had the money and wanted a factory made table (which I do not) I would get a full blown JessEm.. I have use one a friend has.. Wonderful tool! But I would have to moorage my heart and lungs pay for it..

   EDIT:: moorage?? Ain't English great! I bet ya all knew what I meant anyway!

   
   

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   Edited 10/12/2005 12:53 pm by WillGeorge