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Making router table-any advice?
- Thread starter Rip Topaz
- Start date
A couple of things not mentioned:
• Keep in mind that a router is a circular tool. Don't limit yourself unilaterally.
• Make use of the entire surface by using a free fence that you clamp to the table, rather than using T-track and bolts/knobs
• To help achieve the above, offset the plate/opening 5/8 towards the back, and 5/8 - 3/4 towards the right (infeed) side. This will allow you to reach the middle, and beyond, of larger projects.
• I've personally found a table size of 24" x 40-42" to be ideal
Good luck
• Keep in mind that a router is a circular tool. Don't limit yourself unilaterally.
• Make use of the entire surface by using a free fence that you clamp to the table, rather than using T-track and bolts/knobs
• To help achieve the above, offset the plate/opening 5/8 towards the back, and 5/8 - 3/4 towards the right (infeed) side. This will allow you to reach the middle, and beyond, of larger projects.
• I've personally found a table size of 24" x 40-42" to be ideal
Good luck
You can just crank the router down and leave it, or make a blank plate.
If I was to do it over, or modify my table, I'd add some t rails or channels to offer more flexibility for clamping the fence and jigs.
Now, my fence spans the table and the clamps reach around and under.
If I ever get to really build out a shop, I'd incorporate a router location into a long cross cut, miter saw bench, and be able to drop the plates into a table saw extension table.
Now that you have a space, you can find a deal on a table saw, the heart of any shop.
Do it before your band moves in!
If I was to do it over, or modify my table, I'd add some t rails or channels to offer more flexibility for clamping the fence and jigs.
Now, my fence spans the table and the clamps reach around and under.
If I ever get to really build out a shop, I'd incorporate a router location into a long cross cut, miter saw bench, and be able to drop the plates into a table saw extension table.
Now that you have a space, you can find a deal on a table saw, the heart of any shop.
Do it before your band moves in!
After years and years as a fine cabinetmaker, I respectfully disagree. The table saw is the *last* tool I would invest in. For luthiery and furniture, where most parts are not perfectly square cuts, a well tuned bandsaw will blow any TS out of the water with re:to usefulness. That said I know a lot of guys who cannot function properly if they don't have a table saw. Different strokes and all.
Yeah, I haven't felt limited because of a lack of a table saw. I had one that I was planning on restoring (needed some work to get it running again, but I got it free), but it sat for so long I finally got rid of it.
I've heard so many horror stories of injuries and wood flying across shops, that I haven't been in any hurry to get a working table saw. Honestly, as posted above, using my bandsaw and my router I'm able to do anything I need for building basses.
Some really great advice so far, feel free to keep it coming!!
I've heard so many horror stories of injuries and wood flying across shops, that I haven't been in any hurry to get a working table saw. Honestly, as posted above, using my bandsaw and my router I'm able to do anything I need for building basses.
Some really great advice so far, feel free to keep it coming!!
Rip, think of a router table, or any other tool, for that matter, as a bass. It might be tempting to have 6 knobs, 7 strings, and 36 pickups in it, but at the end of the day, a good ol' P will get the job done. I have had a LOT of hoity toity gizmos in my shop, but I eventually realized a stick and a hole were all I really needed. Wait...what was I talking about?
DIY Folding Woodworking Table with Swapping Tops
How to Build a Folding Workshop Table with 3 Tops: Router Table, Down-Draft Sanding Table, General Work Table «
How to Build a Folding Workshop Table with 3 Tops: Router Table, Down-Draft Sanding Table, General Work Table «
- Aug 15, 2011
- 571
- 171
- Disclosures
- Owner/Luthier:RoseBud Basses & Guitars LLC
Now that's funny right there^^ @ awesome sauce
The router is one of the most versatile tools in the shop. You start with one, therefor it needs to be able to mount in a table and quickly be removed for duties that require... lets say a hands on approach. Most commercial router lifts, (yes they are expensive) offer a quick release among other convenient features. after a while you're probable want a dedicated router for the table. No mater how the router is mounted to a table it should be able to drop lower than the surface so there are no protrusions when you don't want them allowing the table to be used for other things. Everyone has made valid statements so far that I see. drink it in my friend.
BTW, my dedicated table is 24" x 33" that was the foot print I had available, but lately I've wished it was mare like 24" x 40". One more thing, I like to try to keep all my tables and benches on the same plane (height) so a large piece of wood can rest on more than one table/bench top to get the required work done if need be.
The router is one of the most versatile tools in the shop. You start with one, therefor it needs to be able to mount in a table and quickly be removed for duties that require... lets say a hands on approach. Most commercial router lifts, (yes they are expensive) offer a quick release among other convenient features. after a while you're probable want a dedicated router for the table. No mater how the router is mounted to a table it should be able to drop lower than the surface so there are no protrusions when you don't want them allowing the table to be used for other things. Everyone has made valid statements so far that I see. drink it in my friend.
BTW, my dedicated table is 24" x 33" that was the foot print I had available, but lately I've wished it was mare like 24" x 40". One more thing, I like to try to keep all my tables and benches on the same plane (height) so a large piece of wood can rest on more than one table/bench top to get the required work done if need be.
If you can find a copy of Woodwork Magazine #86, April 2004, it contains an article "A Precision Router Table" by Peter Presnell. Build that table. It will do everything you require beautifully.
