Router Table and Fence Options?

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Hi All, I'm going to remake my fence which is the Rockler with the sliding split fence. I'm going to make a higher one and not of MDF like the original. My question is: Go with a split fence or use a solid board with a hole? How about dust collection? Do you need both cabinet and fence collection for it to work? I'm also remaking my router cabinet so any pics or your fences/cabinets much appreciated. Thanks Alan in Md.

p.s. Here is the fence I have now as shown on Matt Meiser's great looking set up.

[Donnie Raines]

I made a split fence and loved it....was easier to "custom" fit for the size of the bit being used.

I used a below the table dust collection....not sure how to describe it. It was "winged" as Iwent but was very effective.

[Mike Scoggins]

Alan,

You need dust collection for the router bit hole and the fence, but you can get both via through-the-table connections, i.e., you don't need a hose connection above the table that's always getting in the way.

I've attached a link to a web page showing Dizzy's router table that has several photos showing the set-up very well. (I don't know him personally, but he posted on another forum a couple of years ago where I ran across his idea).

http://home.pacbell.net/jdismuk/routertable.html (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19169&page=2&pp=15)

I used his idea in my router table, and the results are great; I love it! I've attached a link to another thread below to show my set-up with the through-the-table dust collection idea incorporated. See posts #19, 20 and 21 in the thread for pictures.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19169&page=2&pp=15

Mike

[Dave Falkenstein]

When I had the Rockler table and fence, and needed a taller fence, I made one from maple and used a split fence. A split fence has the advantage of being useable on different bit diameters. It worked quite well. As for router cabinets, the best plan I found when looking was the Jointech plan. See it at:

http://www.jointech.com/routerstation.htm

[JayStPeter]

I would choose a split fence for bit clearance adjustment. Even better would be something that allows zero clearance on the infeed side. Either way, closing up that gap makes it much easier on small parts.

Jay

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Alan,

You need dust collection for the router bit hole and the fence, but you can get both via through-the-table connections, i.e., you don't need a hose connection above the table that's always getting in the way.

I've attached a link to a web page showing Dizzy's router table that has several photos showing the set-up very well. (I don't know him personally, but he posted on another forum a couple of years ago where I ran across his idea).

http://home.pacbell.net/jdismuk/routertable.html (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19169&page=2&pp=15)

I used his idea in my router table, and the results are great; I love it! I've attached a link to another thread below to show my set-up with the through-the-table dust collection idea incorporated. See posts #19, 20 and 21 in the thread for pictures.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=19169&page=2&pp=15

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the link; I remember seeing that now. It's a great idea and one I'll adopt for mine if at all possible. What a smart way to have dust collection at the fence and under the table! Thanks again for reminding me.

Alan

[Don Baer]

Alan;
Here is an article about a router table and fence that might give you some ideas.

http://www.patwarner.com/router_table.html

[Alan Tolchinsky]

I was actually thinking of using maple for the fence and split it will be. I was thinking of using a solid fence with replaceable inserts for a zero clearance idea. I did this on a finger joint jig I just made. You just make a dado 1/4" deep and use masonite as the replaceable insert. I thought that was a great idea with the finger joint plan I used. Thanks again for all the help. Alan in Md.

Jay: It must be beautiful in Southern Md. this time of year. Hope you're enjoying the weather.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Alan;
Here is an article about a router table and fence that might give you some ideas.

http://www.patwarner.com/router_table.html


Thanks Don. That is some setup Pat Warner has. I've been to his site before but I appreciate the reminder.