Thread: shop built router table

I am half way through constructing a purpose built router table and spent many hours researching this forum and the net to finalise a design. I can offer the following advice based on this that may help:

• Read through all posts on "ultimate router table" (it was something to that effect) it should give you some inspiration.
• Sliding tracks are the go for adjusting the fence either "sailor track" from aluminium supplier, "mitre track" from Carbatec, aluminium 25x25x3 square tube from aluminium supplier slotted at 10mm or simply rout 2 slots through the table each around 150mm long.
• Table needs to be "very" flat or you are going to have difficulty maintaining consistent profiles. To maintain a flat table after cutting out the section to install the router plate it needs to be very solid.
• Yes, with a well set up router table you can edge joint boards but you will need to be able to adjust the fence offset as on a plane (infeed/outfeed)
• May consider hinging top or part of to access the router adjustments so you dont have to undo router plate fasteners. I am using a car gas strut, snap down case clips and piano hinge.
• Make some provision for dust collection even if its only a tray underneath the router.
• You could make a saw insert to suit the same table but make sure it is very well secured in the table, the fence is perfectly parallel to the blade and preferable some form of guarding over the blade.

It certainly can be dangerous but so are most power tools if used by someone inexperienced but the bottom line here is that if you are not completely familiar with how the "off the shelf" machinery functions and the saftey features they have you should should enlist some help or have a re-think. The construction techniques for this type of "shop built" machinery will are the key to your saftey, accuracy of work and satisfaction.

Cheers,

Mike

thanks mike, I'll check it out and probably leave the saw for another time.

Hi Forunna,

Go to your local library and borrow a book called the The New Router Handbook.

Have a read and then probably go and buy it anyway. It will answer pretty much any question you have ever thought about Routers, fences etc. Everything else you will need will be about execution such as where can I buy Mitre Slot Aluminium etc. That you can get from this forum.

Here is a link to the book.

The New Router Handbook

Oh, I almost forgot here is mine.
Prototype Router Table

Hi Craig
I have built a really good router table from plans out of vol 17 Australian Woodsmith back issues are available 0298174955
regards Col

Greg, fathers day coming up, that looks like the go. and your pics are very informative, Ive bookmarked your site. Ive been trying to think of a subject for a new site(I like making sites and am learning as I go) so maybe I can do My Shed Site.
Col, Ive been going to the local library and scanning through old mags, I'll hunt that one out, thanks.
It feels good to be on the trail of a new project.

Just an observation here gentlemen,but in making up your fences for your router tables have you taken into consideration the possible need for dust/chip extraction?
The obvious need to keep your table clear of chips and dust as well as your concerns for your health must be at the forethought of any router table.
My thoughts only!
Cheers

Yes John,

I have taken into account dust extraction on many of my Fences. I use both below the table dust extraction through the router dust port and above the table through the fence.

I have built a number of fences for different uses. Low Straight fence for standard edge moulding, a split adjustable fence for edge jointing, a high fence etc.

Most of my fences now include some level of dust extraction. However, as I am still only using a mini cyclone with standard Vac tubing the efficiency is variable. Each Fence is getting gradually modified with better dust extraction as the experience and funding increases.

Greg,

You might get some ideas from my table. Pic's and some details can be found here http://members.optusnet.com.au/waynedavy/. Go to 'Workshop' then click on Router table.

A lot of the ideas for my table came from this site
http://home.pacbell.net/jdismuk/

(check out his cyclone as well)

Cheers,

Cheers Greg, I didn't mean to imply that you hadn't given it any thought but it is something so easily overlooked when viewing the router table requirements.

Cheers