Router Table Extension Plans and Plate

[tom holton]

I am expecting my new Steel City 3HP w/ 50" rails within the next month and due to the size of my shop and some other logistics, I decided to go the router table extension route.

I am looking for ANY photos, plans, ideas for this. I plan on using a add on fence to the Saws fence unless someone can tell me why thats a bad idea.

Thus far, my I like DM's setup with a 3" torsion box, laminate top, etc. I would like some other ideas/lessions learned.

Also, whats the "BEST VALUE" router plate insert you all are using? Not a lift, that's out of my budget.
Thanks
Tom

[Wayne Cannon]

While I've been very happy with a 1-1/8" MDF top (1" MDF plus 1/16" laminate top and bottom) on a stand-alone NYW-like cabinet, I recently added a 27"x48" Sommerfeld aluminum table mounted as a table-saw extension. It's currently mounted using Sommerfeld's simple top-only option (i.e., his aluminum top atop a framed plywood sub-base, p4 in the PDF file). I'm currently modifying their nice router cabinet design (p8 in the PDF file) for use in the table-saw extension (e.g., clearing the table saw's front fence rail and taking advantage of the extra depth under the rail). It's a nice basic plan which could also easily be resized for a more typical 27"x32" top in any material.

Unlike most extension-table router installations, Sommerfeld's aluminum top is designed to be used from the front of the saw instead of the end of the table, not sharing a fence with the saw.

http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/sommerfelds/instructions_and_plans/routertableinstuctions.pdf

[Wayne Cannon]

Woodhaven has been my supplier of choice for all manner or router accessories, including router insert plates. Their inserts are the easiest (simple O-ring-based snap-in design) and most flush of any I've used. They have plate levelers, tops, and a myriad of other accessories for DIY router systems.

Plates (online): http://woodhaven.com/Category.asp?Id=182
Full Catalog (pdf): http://www.woodhaven.com/pdf/catalog.pdf

[Joe Scharle]

I've 2 other RTs but the TS ext is invaluable if just for the 'table' area.
I replaced the plastic inserts with aluminum from MLCS (sale!). I haven't had a situation where my TS fence would work better for me than the shorter, taller split RT fence.

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/data/194/TS_RT_0011.JPG

[Mike Goetzke]

see your pm from me