Thread: My first Router Table

I am thinking of doing something similar so that I can get going with my first router table.
Do you regret only have a hole in the top?

I'm thinking I might do that and find out the hard way why an insert is favoured.

Originally Posted by DaveVman

I am thinking of doing something similar so that I can get going with my first router table.
Do you regret only have a hole in the top?

I'm thinking I might do that and find out the hard way why an insert is favoured.

After the last few days of routing out the area for tiles to drop into on the out door table I am making no regrets at all. I inverted the router table and sliding it over the boards took the depth in three steps to 10mm deep. I had two guide boards clamped either side of the table to give something to run the top along.


Not sure what you mean "Hole in the top"??? The hole goes right through and has a recess for a future zero plate.

I'm sorry I didn't notice the recess.
I am thinking of simply creating the top out of form ply. Then cutting a hole approx 50mm diameter for the router bit to stick up through. It is a Triton router so I would also cut another hole for the height winder. Then screw the router under the table top.

So basically just a board with a hole in the middle, on a box.

I imagine that there is an important reason people use inserts, so I am trying to find out if I am making a rod for my own back by starting without one.

Table looks great and obviously works as it should.

Just an observation, should the table and router be left set up on your stands for any period of time, I think you might find it starting to sag slightly, especially should the weather turn humid. As a suggestion, I would add a piece of aluminium angle, minimum 3mm thick to the front and back. These can be fitted with recessed bolts through the top and cut to a length which would allow you to reference the stands so that the top returns to the same place each time it is needed.

Just a thought.

Bob this was a quick table to get the job done even the back edge is rough cut (not true straight). Its only mounted on these stands again to get the job done. plan is to make the table hinged on one side fitted to a larger top and perm frame. It served its purpose.

Originally Posted by DaveVman

I'm sorry I didn't notice the recess.
I am thinking of simply creating the top out of form ply. Then cutting a hole approx 50mm diameter for the router bit to stick up through. It is a Triton router so I would also cut another hole for the height winder. Then screw the router under the table top.

So basically just a board with a hole in the middle, on a box.

I imagine that there is an important reason people use inserts, so I am trying to find out if I am making a rod for my own back by starting without one.

The router has a rebate to sit into the ply which gives greater depth of cut on the top side a recess formed for a zero plate to sit into not made yet. Router is secured using the screws which hold the base plate on which was removed agai to allow greater depth of cut.

The fence I used an old SCMS fence and attached the ply.

I think using CD form ply it will unless well sealed move far to much.

I'd prefer to have used 35mm+ MDF or a kitchen type bench top still that swells when moisture hits it over time.

Edited to add

Here's the better build photos of the router table top