Replies

1. 
   prman | May 10, 2003 03:08pm | #1

   I also have the Beismeyer Fence system. Rather than have the extension table, I built a router table cabinet that serve as my extension. I use the beismeyer fence for the router as well. I built a combination fence/dust collector that slides over the top on the Beismeyer fence.

1. 
   AlanTurner | May 10, 2003 09:32pm | #2

   I was just thinking that building a router table to replace my Unisaw extension table would be a possibility.  Can you post a pix, etc., of yours?  I have had my router in the ext. table for 10 or more years, a heavy (now older) Bosch 1613, I think.  I have posted the setup here.  But, with time, the extension table has sagged a bit; it is no longer terribly flat.  I could get some storage here as well, if I can build it strong, yet light, so that the mobility package still works.  I only move it but rarely.  Have others done this?

2. 
   RANGERP75R | May 10, 2003 10:36pm | #3

   BC

      A cabinet. Acts as a muffler to supress noise. Has storage in the base and you can separate the top half for sawdust to fall into. Even with a vacuum pick-up system, some will drop down.

      They have a heck of an idea of making the extension into a cabinet. Would beef the extention for less sag over time and use what would be wasted space underneath.

   Have fun...

   sarge..jt

3. 
   tufenhundel | May 11, 2003 01:57am | #4

   BC:

   Just my thought on this combo bidness.  I prefer to have all my tools not combined if space allows.  Reason being just pure task efficiency.  If I am on the router table and for some reason need to get back to the saw for a quick cut, I would not have to move the router fence setting that I've just worked so hard to get.

   This is the reason I've stayed away from Euro combo machines.  They're great space savers, but I've never been good enough to set the fence or blade settings to cut that tenon (or whatever) dead-on the first try.

1. 
   besea | May 11, 2003 05:45am | #5

   Tufenhundel,

   Wow, when I spend time laboring over a decision like this it is amazing that the answer is right  in front of me.  You are so right, as it applies to me, in that I will go to great lengths in order not to change some settings that took forever to get right .

   Thanks for pointing out the obvious

   Bill

1. 
   forestgirl | May 11, 2003 06:11am | #6

   BC, I have my router table mounted to the table saw (a contractor's saw) but it pivots down on hinges -- fence, router and all -- so that I don't have to change a thing to get it out of the way for a quick cross-cut on longer material.  Best of both worlds.

   Here it is in the down position:View Imageforestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   Elcoholic | May 12, 2003 11:49pm | #7

   DittoJohn O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

4. 
   JHARDE02 | May 13, 2003 02:43am | #8

   I'm considering the opposite.  Got a full size router cabinet similiar to Norms that works fine, but am considering switching to one in the extension table of my PM-66.  It is very rare that I need to fuss with precise fence settings on my router table. 

   I'm considering doing this to recover the space the router table takes up.  Haven't made up my mind yet, but am toying with the idea.  A dedicated machine is nice, but I honestly don't think I'd miss it too much.  Another option may be a benchtop router table about the size of the Bench Dog.  I really don't use mine very often for tasks that require such a large surface to work on. 

   Regards,

   John 

5. 
   stancalow | May 13, 2003 02:54am | #9

   BC

   You know you will end up with more than one router anyway.  As a hobbyist with limited time to do any woodworking, I'd rather work on projects than make something so laborious as Norm's router table that only another woodworker  will appreciate.   I made my router cabinet out of a pre-asssembled surplus bathroom vanity ($20) and a range cutout from a ktichen installer ($2) for the top.  The cabinet is for storage of  bits and jigs. 

   Stan

1. 
   scooter1 | May 13, 2003 03:44am | #10

   I have an extension table router. Got the Benchdog system, which replaces one of the extension tables. The system uses its own high tech router fence, and you don't use the Besey Fence on the router.

   I love it because it saves space.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

6. 
   TomFerreira | May 13, 2003 04:13am | #11

   Bill,

   I just got done with the NYW router table and reallly like it. I also put a Woodpecker lift in with a PC7518 motor. I personally like the table because of all the storage it offers. Before I built it I was considering a shaper, but this took up too much floor sapce without offering the storage, and I don't currently have any shaper cutters. The Woodpecker lift also allowed me to exchange the router with a PC121 sander for which woodpeckers makes a plate. This drops in the same hole in the top and so I have two machines in one. The fence is excellent being easy to adjust and high for tall pieces. It was also a lot of fun to build. I would recommend this highly. I have attached some pics. I don't have one of the sander yet as I just got this last week. Good luck!

   TDF

   
1. 
   besea | May 14, 2003 01:23pm | #12

   Thanks alot to all who responded, I think I will go ahead and build the table.  Nice work Tom, if you have a chance can you tell me about how many hours you spent building it ?

   Thanks again

   Bill