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Router Table

  • 27-01-2013 9:43am
    #1
    jimfinoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭


    Hi All
    Has any of you guys built a router table? I am looking to do the same and would like some advice, pictures and or plans.
    What wood should I use to the table top?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    slpower01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 277 ✭✭slpower01


    It really depends what you want.... there are 100's of plans out there on google, I personally use a modified powercraft (aldi) one.
    For me it works because its small and light, I dont have the sidewings on it... I added a bottom to it and fixed on a solid front to the fence. Also underneath for height adjustment I added an old car jack that allows you to adjust the height of the router fairly accurately.
    If the rain ever stops ill upload a picture but I know this setup isnt for everyone.


  • #3
    woodturner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 879 ✭✭✭woodturner


    Been thinking of building one also. I was going to try and get and use compact laminate for the top. Very heavy stuff and stays flat even in our damp environment. It can be drilled and tapped so i reckon it would be perfect for a router table. I like the cabinets they make for the router tables in the U.S. All the bits, spanners and such are right there at the machine so no need to go rooting for them elsewhere.


  • #4
    jimfinoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭jimfinoc


    I found this one on line and I'm going to have a go at it. I picked up an ond 3' x 2' kitchen worktop for the top.
    This is the link http://americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/pages/american-woodworker-router-table.aspx
    Also A great place to shop online is http://www.axminster.co.uk/ They only charged me £5 postage to Ireland for a new router and bits.


  • #5
    slpower01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 277 ✭✭slpower01


    jimfinoc wrote: »
    I found this one on line and I'm going to have a go at it. I picked up an ond 3' x 2' kitchen worktop for the top.
    This is the link http://americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/pages/american-woodworker-router-table.aspx
    Also A great place to shop online is http://www.axminster.co.uk/ They only charged me £5 postage to Ireland for a new router and bits.

    That seems like a pretty nice design , might have to do something similar myself when I get a permanent shop. With a powerful enough router it almost removes the needs for a spindle moulder.


  • #6
    jimfinoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭jimfinoc


    Any idea whare I might get the alloy T Piece that the fence runs along??


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  • #7
    slpower01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 277 ✭✭slpower01


    http://www.axminster.co.uk/ujk-technology-universal-t-track-prod889077/

    axminster seem to have a new brand UJK which have a lot of nice new stuff.


  • #8
    recipio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,804 ✭✭✭recipio


    It can get complicated and expensive. If you only want a 1/4" router then the cheap all-in-one tables are worth considering. However I'm guessing you want a 1/2" router setup so I'd consider an aluminium insert plate set into a piece of kitchen worktop or two pieces of blockboard. Avoid MDF as it will sag.The other factor is whether you need a one or two piece fence. The one- pieces are most favoured as they are rigid but need shimming out of the outfeed fence if full thickness cuts are made eg a bullnose profile.
    Axminster sell all the add-ons including a cast iron two piece fence at about £130. Have alook also at www.rockler.com who have some nice router table gear.


  • #9
    jimfinoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭jimfinoc


    As I was saying. I have an old kitchen worktop for a table top. When I am cutting the channels for the alloy T pieces will the formica or plastic top chip? Am I right to say put cellotape on the cut or what would you guys say?
    Thanks for the replies.


  • #10
    recipio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,804 ✭✭✭recipio


    jimfinoc wrote: »
    As I was saying. I have an old kitchen worktop for a table top. When I am cutting the channels for the alloy T pieces will the formica or plastic top chip? Am I right to say put cellotape on the cut or what would you guys say?
    Thanks for the replies.

    Firstly, put a straight edge/steel ruler across the worktop. If it has a 'dip' in it then its useless as a router table top.The laminate is very brittle - it will chip even with a sharp router cutter.
    A double layer of blockboard is an alternative unless you want to buy a proper phenolic resin table -but that defeats the purpose !
    Every millimeter of plunge depth is valuable with a table mounted router so an insert plate is essential - I bought an Aluminium plate from www.axminster.co.uk for £34 but be prepared to drill your own holes to mount the router.


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