Hi everyone. After a 13 years break, want to get back to woodworking.
I have a Bench Dog router lift with a porter cable as well as the Incra Fence system. I want to either build or buy a table or build it into my Powermatic 66 to save space. I did not find any router tabletops that are compatible with the Benchdog lift I have. So my options are:
Build a new table with a custom top using the benchdog lift I have? (Stand alone table or build into my table saw)
Buy a router table (KREG, Incra, or some other brand) with a new lift and upgrade the whole setup.
What are my options? Is there a good plan you would recommend?
Thank you. I attached my current setup that needs to be replaced.
Replies
Buy a top with an opening smaller than your BD lift and route the opening to fit. This is what I did on my last revision. Take care to use a router bit that matches the radius of the corners on your lift's plate.
My recommendation is to choose your lift, choose your fence and then make or choose your top to match that. I would always advise making the cabinet since we all use things differently and want different things close at hand.
My router table started out as a tablesaw extension. I eventually built a cabinet for the top and then upgraded the top. The whole rig can be free standing but, I bolt it to the table saw and enjoy the larger working surface for both.
I would build one. Cover both sides with laminate and adequate router support braces will do the trick.
I would build it ,sounds like you kinda have an idea of what you want. Sketch it out what you would like to have. My last one I built I made a cabinet style with drawers ,also made a set of outfeed tables that fold down when I don't need them works, great on long boards
Buy the hardware... you seem to have the good stuff; build the cabinet...
I have the Incra system - and have abused it, accurately, for 20 years; and I built a cabinet to support the hardware. Personally, I would buy the Incra top.. or a top that directly supports your router mechanism.
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