advice on router table choices

[Lewis DeJoseph]

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a router table and got screwed on my first choice. I just packed it up to send back to amazon:(. So after looking for other options these are what I'm looking at.

1- a wing for my table saw. http://www.grizzly.com/products/Router-Table-Extension/H7507 (http://www.grizzly.com/products/Router-Table-Extension/H7507)

2- making this one from the FW Tools and Shops issue #195 http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/workshop/workshoppdf.aspx?id=29820 (http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/workshop/workshoppdf.aspx?id=29820)

one of these pre made tables

3- http://www.amazon.com/Bench-Dog-40-001-Contractor-Benchtop/dp/B00002242E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1209061098&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Bench-Dog-40-001-Contractor-Benchtop/dp/B00002242E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1209061098&sr=1-2)nce (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00002242E/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)

4- http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1171-Cabinet-Style-Router/dp/B000H14DLY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1209061098&sr=1-8 (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1171-Cabinet-Style-Router/dp/B000H14DLY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1209061098&sr=1-8)

if anyone ownes or has experience with these or has other suggestions i'm open and grateful. I'm trying to keep it under $250. The wing will probally be more than that because I would have to buy the 7' rails to go with it.

As all ways thanks!

Lewis

[Joe Chritz]

All of them have pluses and minuses.

It all really comes down to what you have in your shop and what you like to use.

Personally I use a shaper with a very small prebuilt router table back up. I have also resorted to the "screw it to a sheet of MDF" before when I didn't want to break down a set up.

Building a tablesaw wing is always a good choice since it takes up no space when not in use and can always serve as a second table if you decide to build a dedicated table later.

Ultimately it is just a bit above a flat table. Everything after that makes it nicer to use.

Joe

[Greg Hines, MD]

I remember reading the article in FWW and feeling disappointed. While it looks sturdy, the lack of any onboard storage bothered me. If you are trying to save space or use a common fence, then a saw wing table is for you. But if that is less of a concern, I would build my own. A lot of the prefabricated units are fine, but most are relatively small, or relatively expensive, or both. When you build your own, you can make it the size that is right for what you do, and your fence can do what you want it to do.

Regardless of which way you decide to go, I would put in an external power switch. For $20 you can make it dramatically easier to turn the router off after a cut. You also should have some component of dust collection as well.

Doc

[Joe Von Kaenel]

Lewis,

As Joe stated, if space is a problem then build the one in FWW. If it isn't then Rockler has a lot of nice router tables. I bought their:Rockler's #1 Router Table Package (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=894&filter=Router%20table) and am very satisfied. hope this helps



Joe

[Scott Loven]

Kreg tool has two tables, one bench (http://www.kregtool.com/products/prs/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=92), one stand alone (http://www.kregtool.com/products/prs/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=91). that are worth looking at.
Scott

[Randy Carnley]

I recently bought the ShopFox table. Didn't really have time to build one and this one look sturdy. I am well pleased. It is very heavy and substantial. The top tilts to allow access to the router for changing bits, etc. No complaints at all and the price in Macon GA at Bibb Tool and Cutter was very good. Hope this helps.

[Steve Kolbe]

As I am looking to build my own table, I have decided to base it on this design. Maybe a mix of this and Norm's...


http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16383

I like the offset design a whole bunch. But I also want storage and a cabinet base with wheels too...

[Izzy Camire]

Bill Hylton's Router book (I don't remember the exact name) had the plans for a nice router table. The top tilted up and it had drawers for storage. You may want to take a look at that.

[Michael Stanley]

Take a look at this. I have this top and fence and really like it.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&cat=1,43053&p=43885

[Jerome Hanby]

American Woodworker had one years ago that had a mechanism for raising and lowering the hight. Even without the height adjustment (it was pretty router specific) it looked like a nice table.

Almost identical is the Normy router table, it's practically a standard...

[Art Travers]

look at Woodpeckers ..they probably have the best selection of router tables ..
I have had one for over 8 years and it barely has warped...woodpeck.com

[J. Z. Guest]

Go for the Bench Dog. You won't be disappointed. I never knew Baltic Birch Plywood could be so beautiful.

I love my tabletop Bench Dog.

[Leo Zick]

can someone explain to me the value of a benchtop table?

they seem to be on average 18" high, so on top of a 30" table/stand/saw, they are 4' high. isnt that rather impractical or is eating sawdust fun?

also, the ones ive seen are lighter than the wood they are meant to cut. granted i havent seen many, but i just dont understand the purpose.

it seems that an ideal setup would be a wing of a table saw, esp if you have a saw with a wide/long enough table; or, a combo setup with router station on one end, and connections to attached pocket hole kit onto the other. then you can share a common vac.

ahh, dreams. :)

[Steven Bolton]

Can you remember the American Wood Worker article. I am looking for a device like that.

Thank

Steve Bolton

[Peter Quadarella]

I have the small open bottom Bosch tabletop. I bought it very early on before I was even sure how far I was going to get into woodworking. I built a small cabinet on wheels with one large drawer to mount it to a decent height and make it convenient.

It works, it's nice, but I often wish I had a larger router table. In fact, all of the router tables I see for sale are too small usually. I would love a really large one. That Fine Woodworking one looks like it might be large enough.

[Doug Mason]

This is only my opinion--build it yourself. Look at Pat Warners website and take a look at his table. Throw out all the drawers, gimmicks ect--you don't want that.

[Eddie Watkins]

www.rt1000.com (http://www.rt1000.com)

Here is one I have thought about for a while. I don't have it but it looks like a nice table.

Eddie

[Wayne Cannon]

Make sure that any table has support relatively close to the router, shimmed so the table is flat. Even 1-1/2" MDF, heavy aluminum, and medium-thickness steel will sag from the weight of the router after a while. Avoid the perimeter-frame style of support for your table top, unless it is a small top (e.g., 18"-24" max). I especially like the style of the Sommerfeld Tools cabinet (the Woodhaven and the New Yankee Workshop cabinets are similar); which also helps significantly with dust collection. Sommerfeld's cabinet is for a 27"x48" top, but can be modified.

Sommerfeld (see esp. p13): http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/sommerfelds/instructions_and_plans/routertableinstuctions.pdf
Sommerfeld DVD: http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DVD3
Woodhaven, p 14: http://www.woodhaven.com/pdf/catalog.pdf
NYW: http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?0301

I would recommend a larger table than the benchtop tables, if you have room for it. There are many tasks for which the added support of a 32" or 48" wide table is welcome.

A router in a table saw extension table saves floor space, but a table-saw fence is a compromise for routing, and having a separate router fence (my choice) means you are frequently removing one fence or the other. An elevated bit can also interfere with using the saw, e.g., to trim a routed-edge panel for a better fit.

[Matthew Hills]

I have the Bench Dog contractor's table.

Pros:
- quick way to get going
- good dust extraction
- nice to have fence w/ t track
- pretty good size and well-made cabinet

Cons:
- insert is not well supported all around the edge.

I had problems with the router plate sagging a bit with my makita rf1101 router (this is not a big router--a typical 2 1/2HP combo). The left/right sides are well supported, but not the back, and I was getting a noticeable dip, which is not great for accurate slot-cutting router bits.

Matt

[Matthew Hills]

can someone explain to me the value of a benchtop table?

they seem to be on average 18" high, so on top of a 30" table/stand/saw, they are 4' high. isnt that rather impractical or is eating sawdust fun?

also, the ones ive seen are lighter than the wood they are meant to cut. granted i havent seen many, but i just dont understand the purpose.


The form factor seems fine for my use. I wouldn't use it for routing an 8' 2x4 (that's when I switch to hand-held operation), but the bench dog contractor is a good size for drawer-sized items. The Bench Dog contractor table uses thick plywood, so it is fairly heavy (much heavier than the really small tables I've seen at Lowes or sears)

I often use mine mounted on a workmate station (use quick-clamps to hold it down). I often like a high operation point. The dust-extraction works well, although I also use the bit guard (and eyeguards) to reduce chances of any wood ending up in my eyes.

If the insert was better-supported, I'd be pretty happy.

Matt

[Jim Podsedly]

www.rt1000.com (http://www.rt1000.com)

Here is one I have thought about for a while. I don't have it but it looks like a nice table.

Eddie


Eddie,

That is the one i bought. It has been a great addition to the shop. I use my router quite a bit more with the table.

The table was packaged better than any tool i ever received.

No affiliation with them, just like the product.

Jim

[Grady Cowardin]

www.rt1000.com (http://www.rt1000.com)

Here is one I have thought about for a while. I don't have it but it looks like a nice table.

Eddie

I like that guys Handywork but shipping on his top was as much as I paid for my whole table with insert. Its not the best out there but for the money the Hartville Tool top is not bad. I got mine for about $100 shipped and it includes the insert, miter and t-tracks. I shimmed the tracks with thin cardboard to make everything square in the pre-milled slots.

The insert is not a standard size so those wishing to upgrade to a lift may want to avoid it. I have used it clamped to a table, can't wait to finish my cabinet and use it more often. Fence I made is only 99% square so I may bite the bullet and purchase a metal one from Hartville.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i13/qwikkota/tools2.jpg

[Jerome Hanby]

Looked back at my email and found the PayPal receipt. I bought it for $6.00 from someone in the bay.

AMERICAN WOODWORKER #44 APRIL 1995


Can you remember the American Wood Worker article. I am looking for a device like that.

Thank

Steve Bolton

[Gene E Miller]

Greetings & Salutations,

Has anyone purchased or used this router table from
grizzly.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Router-Table/G0528

Looks like a pretty good one and is one I have been
looking at myself in leiu of building my own.

Gene

[Brian Penning]

I've been very happy with my Lee Valley steel top and stand.
Would buy another one. It's always gets good reviews from any magazine.

[Jim Newman]

I have the Lee Valley/Veritas router top and stand and it works well. Also, after.....15 years.....finally have "Woody's Router Cabinet" from the old Jointech project binder finished, with my jointech cabinetmaker's system on it.....sweet and worth the wait!

Let your needs dictate what to get. In my case, I wanted to be able to build doors for my home, which is why I went for the cabinetmaker's system and a big cabinet, but it has taken time for me. People seem to love their Bench Dog systems, but there are several nice ones out there....most of the fun is in the looking so good luck!

[Lewis DeJoseph]

Hi Doc,

I am thinking about adding a full size shelf or two, thinking that will add storage and help stablize it some. I don't need much storage Just to put the case and router when not in use. I'm thinking that leaving it attached will caues it to sag. I am also thinking about using ply instead of MDF, any thoughts?

Lewis

[Lewis DeJoseph]

Hi Steve,

I am leaning toward building my own and I bought the book last night. He has several good ideas that at the very least I'll apply, thanks.

Lewis

[Joe Jensen]

I'll post my 2 cents. For cabinet making I use a shaper and I would strongly advocate that route over buyiung an expensive router lift. I see people on the internet all the time with over $1000 into their router table setup.

I do have a router table setup, but it's basic. I built a storage cabinet/workbench/outfeed table. I designed it to include a router table. I used phenolic inserts from Woodpeck. Once for the router, and a blank one for when I am not using the router (so it's a good outfeed table). I also built some shrouding under the router to guide airflow from the dust collector. Once more thing, I made a fence that I just clamp to the table top. The fence has a dust collection port on is as well. When I need to adjust the fence a small amount, I just tap it with a hammer :) Here are a couple of pics.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w99/AZEngineer/outfeed1small.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w99/AZEngineer/outfeed2small.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w99/AZEngineer/outfeed3small.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w99/AZEngineer/outfeed4small.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w99/AZEngineer/outfeed5small.jpg

[Lewis DeJoseph]

I want to thank everyone for the help and suggestions. I think I am going to build one and incorperate the Veritas steel top into it, possibly as an insert. I think 30"x48" overall with 2 pices of 3/4" ply covered with white mica and surrounded with birch or maple. Its the fence that I have to give some more thought. I'll try to keep you posted. Once again thanks.

Lewis

[glenn bradley]

Kreg tool has two tables, one bench (http://www.kregtool.com/products/prs/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=92), one stand alone (http://www.kregtool.com/products/prs/product.php?PRODUCT_ID=91). that are worth looking at.
Scott

I think that stand alone will pretty well exceed his $250 budget ;-)

[glenn bradley]

Hard to give a recommendation with such a wide array of table types; extension wing, table top, free standing, that's a pretty wide open field.

The Grizzly doesn't appear to support a plate and would therefore not be one of my choices. If you have room for a free standing, I would do that. A benchtop would be useless to me except for the very smallest of pieces.

I kind of went hybrid with an extension on my stationary TS with a cabinet built underneath like Joe's (but not as nice). One thing I didn't do and the only thing I don't like about the design; I should have had the table hang over the side so i could clamp stuff to the table when necessary.


Part done here but a good side view showing the attachment: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=52557&d=1166223794 It is bolted to the wing.

And here's another shot: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=54205&d=1167872143