Thread: Router table and router for beginner

I've got a woodpecker plate with a router table top from professional woodwork supplies.

Have a look here. http://www.woodworksupplies.com.au/router-lifts-plates

No affiliation or anything. The gifkin website also has some plans for a router table too that is meant to be pretty good. Also think about adjustment. How to adjust the router from above he table.

Trav

Originally Posted by rtyuiop

Hi folks,

I am considering adding a router table and router to the workshop - are there any respectably priced options out there worth the trouble? To be honest, routers scare me, so am keen to pretty much only use it in a table!

Danny,
If you are new to routing you may like to consider an alternative method of using a router rather than leaving it in the table mode as IMHO routers set up in the table mode is Not the safest method of using the router. Just as a matter of interest it also restricts the number of projects that can be achieved with the use of the router

No doubt there are certain processes that should be completed in the table mode therefore purchase a router that can be used in both modes.

Just as a matter of interest the router can be set up in an alternative position [overhead] to complete a number of processes much quicker than setting it up in the table, and your fingers are kept clear of the cutter also the various depth stages are more easily adjusted.

You may have seen this quote in a prominent routing forum 'More than 90% of all routing processes can be achieved with the router in the table mode'


Note; I frequently use the router and I cannot recall the last time I had I set it up in the table. If you search you tube you will see a number of videos I have submitted showing a great number of projects that should not be done in the table mode www.Routingwithtomodonnell or TemplateTom

Template Tom

From research so far it seems like the options are either build a table, buy a cheap unit and then spend a fair amount of money and time trying to fix it, or spend way more than I would like on a Incra setup!

Leading options so far are a MSR-2 or 3 from Timbecon:

http://www.timbecon.com.au/products/...ies-451_0.aspx

or a Kreg from carbatec:

http://www.carbatec.com.au/kreg-prec...r-table_c20829

Any other options I've missed? Any thoughts on a good router to sit permanently under a table - keep it simple and find a Triton, for instance?

Thanks,

Danny

Template Tom

Thanks Trav and Tom! All good advice, all noted. I might keep an eye on the second hand market for a bit and hope something comes up.