Router Table Top Recommendation

[Mike Pond]

Looking for recommendations on router table tops for building my own table. I like the Veritas, but it seems a bit $. Anything of similar quality, but lower $.

I just took delivery of a Ridgid R4511 TS (this morning!), and am thinking of building the router table to the same height, possibly as an attachment.

In case it matters, I have the Hitachi KM12VC router.

[Robert Chapman]

If you want to spend the money for the best go with a cast iron router table that you can attach to your TS if that will fit your shop.

[glenn bradley]

Picking the top first is a bit backwards. Bear in mind that your choice in top will restrict your choice in fence and plate/lift options. I would determine your plate/lift and fence preference and then see what tops will work. A phenolic or MDF top can be easily modified to fit the plate of your choice as long as it is the same size or larger than the provided opening. Cast iron and steel tops are not so easy to change.

In my case the Bench Dog cast iron extension wing is what I thought I wanted. Their plate opening is pretty specific and their lift would not fit the Milwaukee 5625 that I wanted to run. I just used an inexpensive Rockler top (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=116927&d=1240946204) as the laminated MDF was easy to machine out for the Woodpecker lift I am using. Their fence, though a bit unsophisticated, is very usable, easily modified or enhanced and has served me well for some years.

[Mike Pond]

Newbie here. I meant plate, not top.

[glenn bradley]

Newbie here. I meant plate, not top.

Wow. Did I blather on and provide no help or what?

As to plates; with a few exceptions I believe you will get a resounding "aluminum" over other recommendations. As to which aluminum, now your top (and I mean top ;)) comes into play. If your top will support it (meaning the rabbet won't be too deep based on your top thickness) the Woodpecke (http://www.woodpeck.com/aluminsert.html)r 3/8" thick aluminum plates are very nice; downside = cost and their inserts can't really be shop made. If your top is 1" or less and is MDF I would try for a 1/4" plate like the Rockler (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21299&filter=router%20plate); downside = no plungers for a tight fit but, I ran them for years and never had a problem; hidden benefit = make your own inserts out of 1/8" hardboard.

P.s. Some Rockler stores like the one in Ontario still have some of their old style plates at a discount. But really, a plate is something you should NOT scrimp on. How many times are you gonna buy one anyway :D.

[Mike Pond]

Thanks. Even in blathering there's learnin' to be had ;)