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All-Purpose Router Table
Question
Forum Responses
From contributor M: The current issue of Popular Woodworking has a bang-together router setup that clamps to a workbench, and looks to be a good, lightweight setup for the jobsite, too. Hope this helps! From contributor E: I would make one for the shop that is heavy enough to be accurate with the vibrations. As for the field, I would go with the Porter Cable router stand. It has worked well for me in the past. From contributor G: There are some worthwhile suggestions in the previous replies. If you don't use a router table yet, do a bit of research, as you might be able to save some money. Before buying anything, take a router class from your local woodworking club - you'll discover what router table features are important to you there. I initially looked at purchasing the whole setup, but opted instead to buy pieces and assemble my own from various components. To buy or build? Your call. Lots of table kits are available. You might find the router section of the Rockler and Woodcraft catalogs useful for router table ideas. The table. Use melamine clad MDF, 1.25 thick about 24" X 30" or so. It helps if it is banded. A nice feature is to route a T-trac guide. Seal all of the exposed MDF with polyurethane or Watco oil. Several coats. Even the routed opening for the router plate and the T-trac. Table top size is directly related to what kinds of work the router table will see. The choice of material you make the top from vary widely. I've mentioned MDF. Phenolic is another option. If your shop is tight on space, you might consider having one of your table saw's extension wings machined to accept a router plate. The router plate/lift. If you can afford it, go with a router lift. There are two or three that are very good. I use a JessEm Master Lift with a PorterCable Speedmatic 7518 router. Bench Dog is another decent lift. Most of the router plate and lift manufacturers have templates available so that you can cut the router plate opening. The fence. I use a Freud micro-adjustable fence as my sub-fence. Yep, as the subfence. I removed the Freud-supplied aluminum fence plates, and had larger ones machined for me (longer, higher, and thicker, tapped and threaded). I replaced the Freud-supplied split fence with one of my own design containing T-tracs on both fence surfaces. One that mates to the aluminum sub-fence, the other which can hold various jigs (hold-down, feather board, etc.). The stand. Buy one or make one. You want one with some heft so the table will stay put. The MLCS catalog has a decent one, though a bit pricey. This is where your tastes come into play. You may want to put your own cabinet under the table top to house your router gear. Kill switch. Get one and use it. Pay careful attention to the ergonomics of where it should be mounted. It may just save a fingertip. Rousseau has a decent one. A caveat here. Please do your own research and homework. I mention a couple of brands herein. I use them, I like these specific products, I find them to be very high quality, and I am really picky and tough. Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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