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  1. #1
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    Default Would this work as a router table

    Hey all i was wondering if i attached a fence and cut a hole for my router in this desk would it be ok as a router table or is it just not that simple. I can get these at Crazy Clarks or the likes for around $30 and that would mean i could buy a good quality fence and they have a router table with draws for my bits ( the ones we can get have draws, three of them) and something that is stable.

    Just a thought

    Cheers
    Jonesy

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  3. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by jonesy007 View Post
    Hey all i was wondering if i attached a fence and cut a hole for my router in this desk would it be ok as a router table or is it just not that simple. I can get these at Crazy Clarks or the likes for around $30 and that would mean i could buy a good quality fence and they have a router table with draws for my bits ( the ones we can get have draws, three of them) and something that is stable.

    Just a thought

    Cheers
    Jonesy
    I would expect that with a heavy spinny vibratey thing underneath it that top would flex a lot - especially with a large hole cut in it for the insert. Could be wrong but I doubt I'd be game to try it. I suppose that for $30 you could try it and then didtch it if it doesn't work. You'd want to get in insert, but that could shift with you to a better table if it doesn't work.

    Peter
    The other day I described to my daughter how to find something in the garage by saying "It's right near my big saw". A few minutes later she came back to ask: "Do you mean the black one, the green one, or the blue one?".

  4. #3
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    Default

    You'd probably also find that it's just veneered particleboard, then you also have to consider the thickness of the top and how much an insert needs.

    I wouldn't touch it either, but no harm in asking.
    I make things, I just take a long time.

    www.brandhouse.net.au

  5. #4
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    Yeah just thought i would throw it out there. What if you screwed a thicker top on it

    jonesy

  6. #5
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    I reckon it'll be veneered particle board.
    But, I have a couple of router tables using that stuff, and masonite.
    I use these 'cos they work, but I'm not advocating this as the best table.
    My go is:
    I don't use an insert
    I cut a hole in the top with plenty of clearance to fit the router.
    I add the masonite top...glued /screwed/whatever....and drill and countersink the mounting holes using the router base as a template...into the masonite. Flex???.....you bet!!
    The next thing I do is, using accessory attachment points in the router base (usually 6mm thread) I attach Zenith Mending Plates or similar ....like flat bar with appropriate holes....to the router.......and attach the plates to the underside of the table using threaded inserts and short bolts.
    Result..no flex....cheap......works.
    Camera not working.......otherwise I'd show pics.
    Hope it makes sense..........and its not a must do.....just what I do.

  7. #6
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    Aside from the fact, as stated above, that it's far too flimsy, the other obvious drawback is that it's far too low for comfort.

    Ray.

  8. #7
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    What they said. But also, by the time it's strengthened or reinforced, there'd be very little of the bit extending above the table. Bit extensions not advised.

    Joe
    Of course truth is stranger than fiction.
    Fiction has to make sense. - Mark Twain

  9. #8
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    This is what I was jibbering about in my previous post.
    Time to get new camera batteries.

  10. #9
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    thanks guys just thought i would toss it out there and see whether or not it would work so i see now it is plausible but with some work to stop the flex.

    cheers
    jonesy

  11. #10
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    Why aren't router table tops made from steel? That would stop the thing from flexing!

  12. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by haggismuncher View Post
    Why aren't router table tops made from steel? That would stop the thing from flexing!
    some are - look in my signature

  13. #12
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    i use an old laminated kitchen bench its a lot thicker than the desk though but you could always get a bit of old bench and screw it to the desktop

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by petersemple View Post
    I would expect that with a heavy spinny vibratey thing underneath it that top would flex a lot - especially with a large hole cut in it for the insert. Could be wrong but I doubt I'd be game to try it. I suppose that for $30 you could try it and then didtch it if it doesn't work. You'd want to get in insert, but that could shift with you to a better table if it doesn't work.

    Peter
    I have an old desk, so I've been thinking about this too.

    Maybe a couple of lengths of angle iron bolted under the top,, with heads inset out of the way on the top, and angle iron out of the way, but not too far from the router.

    What do others think?

    I note Ray's concern about I may be able to lengthen the legs.

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