Last week I had a conversation about using a plunge router on small elements. Everyone offered great advice, from building jigs to making a router table.
I decided to make a cheap, overhanging router table.
Collage - Router table.jpg
My router is a cheap Lidl 'Parkside' model - it works well, but they cut some corners so it presented a few problems. I ended up over-engineering the whole thing, but that was half the fun!
Problem 1: No continuous operation. You need to depress the thumb button and hold the trigger.
My solution: A zip-tie on the trigger and an on-off switch power adapter (not pictured here).
Problem 2: Weird baseplate bolts. The inner diameter is tapered, but the threads are not, making it impossible to buy longer bolts without re-threading the holes.
My solution: Secure the router using through-rods instead. The project would have been so much simpler with standard bolts! I was a little worried about sideways movement from the vibration, so I glued some wood blocks (not in the image). I guess I could have routed out the shape of the baseplate, but I wanted to avoid dust. Anyway, it's rock solid now.
Problem 3: No raising mechanism.
My solution: It's a plunge router, so I just manually push it up and lock it. Takes a few tries to get it exact, but that doesn't bother me.
Problem 4: No dust collection.
My solution: I'm working on it! Maybe a vacuum port on the back of the fence.
I know this isn't some beautiful project, but it will open up a lot of new projects for me. I also enjoyed it because it required some deep thinking. Maybe it's helpful for other people with no router table yet.
Questions and comments welcome!