Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Jan 18, 2010 02:47pm | #1

   My first router table was a piece of ply wood with a hole in it for the bit. The base was screwed underneath. That was 33 years ago. I now have a better piece of ply wood on a 2x4 stand. It works great - the price is right.

   SA

   SA

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 18, 2010 06:57pm | #2

   The basics of the various commercially-made router tables are the same - flat surface augmented by a fence of some sort. The features include:

   • removable plate (materials vary) to which router is mounted, versus
   • metal table, with router mounted directly
   • center insert rings through which bit extends (convenience of changing varies)
   • miter slot for miter gauge or horizontal featherboards
   • T-track in fence for vertical featherboards or other accessories
   • split fence for a range of bit sizes
   • machined aluminum fence angle support for improved long-term precision
   • variations in fence position adjustments
   • variations in materials for table, and
   • through-table access for router or lift adjustments

   There are pros and cons for most of the feature variations, not the least of which is the choice of router and its size and weight. Large diameter bits (e.g. panel raisers) pretty much demand 3 1/4hp variable-speed routers, mounted to more robust plates (or, a steel table).

3. 
   bones | Jan 18, 2010 09:29pm | #3

   I built the table from new yankee. Norms plans are detailed and It's held up for years now and next to my TS, it gets the most action in the shop. I added casters and used an Incra LS120 fence instead of the one in the plans. My wife made the front door a lot nicer, and I have the PC7518 in it.

   http://s855.photobucket.com/albums/ab118/bonesbr549/Shop%20projects/?action=view&current=routertable.jpg

1. 
   Westchester | Jan 19, 2010 08:01am | #4

   The router table is just average - however the door is a master piece. Cover that stained glass with a grill so you can't run into that extraordinary glass work,

   SA

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 19, 2010 10:34am | #6

   It's quite possible that you
   It's quite possible that you have the coolest router table door on the planet, Bones. Kudos to Mrs. Bones on her work.

4. 
   noviceneil | Jan 19, 2010 10:34am | #5

   I bought a Benchdog table several years ago which has served me well but if I had to do it over again I think I would try mounting my router under the extension table of my tablesaw, thereby saving some shop space and allowing me to use the tablesaw fence which is pretty darn accurate.

   Neil

5. 
   Routerman | Jan 19, 2010 01:12pm | #7

   Some tips on an ordinary router table:

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   http://patwarner.com/router_table.html