Router table top questions?

[Dick Holt]

I was going to make a router table but when Rockler had a sale on a router table top, fence and plate for $129 I couldn't resist. The top is 1 1/8" thick MDF with laminate on both sides. How would you attach the top to the steel stand....wood screws, sheet metal screws, or someother type of screw? I have never had good results when screwing into MDF and don't want to ruin the top. Also, I was surprised when I saw the edges were all raw MDF, no edging. Would you seal the edges with shellac or poly? Thanks for your help.

[Blake Barr]

Shellac or poly works for the edges. As for attaching it pre-drill the hole and use something with deep coarse threads.

[John Lifer]

If it were me I'd drill from top and counter sink screw.

[Carl Beckett]

MDF sucks up shellac and makes a pretty durable finish. And it dries fast. (but isnt water proof.....)

Maybe consider some threaded inserts to attach - these you drill and tap into the tabletop (I glue them in), and then your bolt threads into them. I prefer tapping over the 'self tapping' variety, especially for MDF

[Kevin Presutti]

If it were me I think I would epoxy a threaded insert in the MDF and use a machine bolt. I think the epoxy will "become one" with the MDF. Particle board,mdf, even some plywood if you can't get enough threads on the fat part of the screw it's not a question of "if" but when. IMHO