Router Table Precision Edge Jointer

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by rudy4444, Aug 3, 2017.

  1. rudy4444

    rudy4444

    Mar 13, 2012
    Central Illinois
    I just threw together a quick n' easy jig to convert a router table to a precision edge jointer. There are tons of these jigs out there, but if my methodology helps anyone then it's a good thing.

    v1jcAmJ.jpg

    Here's the Youtube video showing the details; it'll take you a full minute and a half to watch!

     
  2. Thanks for sharing Rudy!

    I'm planning on making a jointing router fence as well. Yours looks quite effective.
    The one I was going to make had adjustable left and right sides, but I'm beginning to think about doing one like yours.
     
  3. Rôckhewer

    Rôckhewer Commercial User

    Feb 28, 2015
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Owner/Builder- RockHewer Custom Guitars LLC
    Wow. That IS quick... and easy!
    Nice :thumbsup:
     
  4. Hey Rudy,

    Wondering if you could snap a picture of the Adjustment knob section? Does that bolt get threaded thru the router table? Seems like so as I don't see a clamp on that end.

    Thanks a bunch!
     
  5. Teacher

    Teacher

    May 3, 2012
    Nice work! I love this idea.
     
  6. rudy4444

    rudy4444

    Mar 13, 2012
    Central Illinois
    Here's the working end; it should be easy to understand. The wood beam has a long curve cut with a band saw on the side towards the aluminum channel. The knob attaches to a piece of 3/8" all thread which threads into a 3/8" tee nut anchored in the wood block inserted inside the channel. Tightening the adjustment straightens the aluminum channel. The channel had a slight concave bow so I made the adjustment to counter that. If it would have had a convex bow I would have anchored both ends and put the adjustment in the center of the beam.

    atbF34v.jpg
     
    chinjazz likes this.
  7. Thanks for the extra detail :)

    Very nice jig!!!
     
  8. rudy4444

    rudy4444

    Mar 13, 2012
    Central Illinois
    You're entirely welcome. That should clear up any of the fine details of making the jig. I wanted something that could be added with a short setup time for the limited amount of edge jointing I do in the shop.
     
    chinjazz likes this.
  9. This has nowhere near the same level of precision, but I bought a used router table last night. I thought for $75 I was getting just the table, the seller delivered it to my house (score) and when it got here I saw it included the router. I turned it on just to know the router works and nothing more, so I don't know how well this will work, but it has a jointer fence built in (pushed way out here to show it):
    20170810_061250_zpsfy1zxwvj.jpg

    I'll try using it, but I normally just use the cut off my dad's table saw, remarkably flat cuts from that thing.
     
    chinjazz likes this.
  10. Cool! I'm interested in hearing how it performs. What brand/make is it?
     
  11. It's a Craftsman. Certainly not a high end unit, but the base is all metal, the fence is some kind of composite. The person I bought it from bought it used as well, so I don't know how old it is or if they still make it
    20170809_184949_zpsyheci6py.jpg
     
    chinjazz likes this.
  12. Cool. I've seen ones like it listed locally on LetGo, Craigslist, etc.. Hope that fence works nice for jointing :)
     
  13. Teacher

    Teacher

    May 3, 2012
    Ha! You should see the...THING...I've been using! It makes yours look like a Rolls Royce by comparison. :D

    (I'm going to build a router table extension on to my table saw to replace the...THING.)
     
    Beej and chinjazz like this.
  14. I'm interested in seeing the THING :)
     
  15. Teacher

    Teacher

    May 3, 2012
    Your wish is my command!

    I got it with an old Craftsman router that I still use and like quite a bit. Never planned on using the table at all, but I have. It's obviously a bit of a pain to set up, but once it IS set up, it works just fine. Still, a good full sized table with above-plate height adjustment and a proper fence will be worlds better.
     

    Attached Files:

    Beej likes this.
  16. Looks pretty solid to me! Thanks :)
     
  17. Teacher

    Teacher

    May 3, 2012
    It's a table-top model. It really is stable when clamped down well, but size and convenience are not it's strong suit. But as I said, it can get the job done just fine.