I am new to woodworking, and in the last 6 months or so I have been reading as much as I can about different tools, and mainly the jigs that can be made that makes that tool much more efficient. The problem that I am having is finding the article about converting the space to the right of my table saw into a router table while still being able to utilize the table saw fence. I have found many pictures of what I want to do but would really like to get a little more detailed approach to this project. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Dustin
Replies
This could be a good start
Dustin,
Take a look at the picture from this website and it could be a good start. If you need more info, you can get the plan for $5.95. If you're a member of FWW.com you may also find good ideas under the Workshop tag.
http://www.plansnow.com/dn3061.html
Quote "Save valuable space in your shop by adding a router table to your table saw! Unique woodworking plan shows you how to build a MDF router table that attaches permanently to the outside edge of your table saw.
We've also included plans for an easy-to-build router fence that attaches to your table saw's rip fence—with replaceable inserts, dust collection capabilities, and even router bit storage. This woodworking project plan appeared in Woodsmith magazine No. 103."
Best,
Serge
Table Saw Attachment
I bought an after-market table saw fence for my 10" saw. The fence came with instructions on making a table to the right of the saw. The front and back rails for the fence (which are attached to the table saw ) extend to the right of the saw by about 36" or more. A table is built within the front and back rails and to the extreme right I cut the opening for the router. The saw fence can be extended to the right and I often utilize the fence for router work. The after market fence I bought was a General.
re router/ts combination
you might want to check with your saw mfgr, as some of them have cast iron table extensions that have rectangular inserts for routers. I think cost was 100-120 bucks,
Check it out..
Eric
Recommended book
I would recomend that you read Bill Hylton's book, "Woodworking with the Router", he gives quite a bit of information on how to design a router table. That will give you a lot better idea on how to modify a comercial extension table, or build your own, that will work well.
Most of the extension tables are made of MDF, with a melamine surface. Better commercial ones have a formica or similar laminate surface. I made mine out of 3/4 plywood, with a double layer plywood where I wanted to insert the router, and a formica surface. There are several stiffening ribs underneath to keep things flat.
I then bought a commercially produced router plate, (mine is a woodhaven), and the matching template, to cut the hole in my table top. When the router isn't extended above the table your fence should just pass over the top of the insert. I made a blank insert, that drops into the hole when I have the router out, but most of the commercial sources of plates have blank ones if you want to spend the money, and save a bit of time.
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