Stand alone router table vs. TS extension router table

[Don Jeansonne]

Your responses seem to be on target with many others. It seems that floor space really dicates which way to go. All other issues can be dealt with.
Thanks!

[Jonathan Spool]

I have both, and only use the stand alone for second step work when I need it. The steel router extension on the tablesaw gives me a much larger, true surface, than the stand alone, and I can use a 36" sled on it and still have support for the long boards when cutting dadoes with the router. Also, my LS fence is mounted on phenolic which attaches to the table via two mag switches. I just put it against my beis, lock it down, and the get the beis out of the way. I can also flip the LS around when I want to use it on the saw side. I plan to put a dust box in soon. I'm real happy with the setup as I have more versatility than I've had before, but I'm not ready to get rid of the stand alone router table just yet!

[Chip Lindley]

I believe its WHAT YOU MAKE WITH IT, rather than WHAT IT'S MADE ON, that counts in woodworking. Many here obsess over just "the right" tool, rather than learning how to produce STUFF that will endure with what they have available!

This stand-alone router table was *state-of-the-art* wayy back in the '70s! Built-in chip collection, and *Green* before it's time, recycling that steel drum!!

[Stephen Edwards]

I believe its WHAT YOU MAKE WITH IT, rather than WHAT IT'S MADE ON, that counts in woodworking. Many here obsess over just "the right" tool, rather than learning how to produce STUFF that will endure with what they have available!

This stand-alone router table was *state-of-the-art* wayy back in the '70s! Built-in chip collection, and *Green* before it's time, recycling that steel drum!!

Amen, you've hit the nail on the head! It's amazing how a person can make do with what they have.

[Darl Bundren]

I believe its WHAT YOU MAKE WITH IT, rather than WHAT IT'S MADE ON, that counts in woodworking. Many here obsess over just "the right" tool, rather than learning how to produce STUFF that will endure with what they have available!

This stand-alone router table was *state-of-the-art* wayy back in the '70s! Built-in chip collection, and *Green* before it's time, recycling that steel drum!!

And I'll bet the drum provided juuuust the right harmonics to create a truly remarkable racket!

[John Gregory]

I had to make room for a drum sander. So last spring I moved my router to my table saw wing. It is rarely in the way, and with the Woodpecker dust collector box the dust collection is great. I love the set up I have now.
Here is a link to the old post
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=79000

[Don Jeansonne]

Sorry if I hit a nerve with you. Thanks for your input.

[Shawn Buonarosa]

I like having a stand alone router table, this way all my routing equipment/tooling is in one spot.
And you can build the table to suit your own needs, and customize it any way you like.
Also I like to have a specialized router fence, with built in dust collection, split fence, safety guard ,etc. You have to put an auxillary fence on the TS if you need a split fence, then take it off when you need the TS again, just added steps I don't need.
Plus.....router tables are fun to build and they look cool!

[Don Jeansonne]

Thanks for all these great and relative comments. It is great to have such a source of knowledge and people willing to share.
I am going with the stand alone table and make it usable as an outfeed table for my TS. Later I may still make a TS extension.

Thanks again.

[Ed Peters]

My stand alone gets most of the activity except the pattern work. That is usually done at the tablesaw. My tablesaw happens to live enclosed in a 6' deep (infeed to outfeed) x 8' wide outfeed island so larger patterns are more easily accomodated.

Ed

[Ron Bontz]

I have both a table saw extension (MDF) and a free standing. If I need to cut a few dados deep from the front edge I use the extension and saw fence. Otherwise I almost exclusively use the free standing. That being said I may have to get rid of that free standing router table. My Shaper has been beating up on it lately, laughing at it and calling it names for not being as tuff. Darn Bullies. Some tools just can't get along.

[Don Jeansonne]

Ron
How did you attach the MDF top to your TS rails? Did you put recesses to accomodate the nuts from the bolts? Do you have leveling srews, etc.?
Any pictures?

Thanks
Don