Need advice on router table top

[Eowyn]

I am making a router table (with insert) (1200 x 600). I have a 35mm kitchen benchtop that is flat but the laminated surface is rough and the other side is chipboard. And I have 17mm formply, which is slippery but not flat.

I was hoping to attach the formply to the bare side of the 35mm benchtop, but I'm not whether to try glue (which type?) or to put screws through from underneath (what spacing ?)

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

[snowyskiesau]

I've just been researching this myself!
In a previous thread of mine (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=197638&p=1889402#post1889402), it was suggested to use a melamine glue such as Titebond sell. I've sent email to Titebond asking about this.
A few posts over on the sawmillcreek.org forum suggest that an epoxy would be best.
Another glue that's mentioned as being effective on phenolic is resorcinol glue which seems to have limited availability here. The only site I've seen mention of it is http://nightingalesupply.com.au/urea_resorcinol.html. It'sa two part glue and the minimum they sell is 5kg + hardener.

I'm rebuilding a table saw and I'm looking at formply as the extension table top. It's only 17mm so would need laminating to another sheet - at least 12mm.

[ian]

I'm rebuilding a table saw and I'm looking at formply as the extension table top. It's only 17mm so would need laminating to another sheet - at least 12mm.Hi Geoff

You should be able to attach the formply to a frame -- think table -- or use it to face a torsion box to get the "flat enough" surface a tablesaw extension needs

[snowyskiesau]

Hi Geoff

You should be able to attach the formply to a frame -- think table -- or use it to face a torsion box to get the "flat enough" surface a tablesaw extension needs

Already working on the cabinet for the saw http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=191900&p=1888306#post1888306).

[Little Boxes]

Hi all,

On my homemade Router Table, I used 2 x pieces of 17mm Formply screwed together from underneath. Table size is 1200 x 700 x 34mm.

I find that the top is quite smooth to use but I'm continually having problems with trying to keep the top flat. I have screwed a timber frame to the underside of the top using Pocket Screws, as well as shimming between the frame & top with brass shim where necessary.

The top hinges on the Router Table cabinet. I have a Triton TRA 001 router fitted under the table by removing a circle of formply from the bottom sheet so that the router is only attached to the top sheet of formply.

I posted the question of gluing the 2 sheets of formply together sometime ago, but the general opinion was that it would be unsuccessful with the shiny phenolic surfaces.
I am of the opinion now that just by screwing the 2 sheets together is not enough to keep a rigid & flat surface. A better option would probably be to GLUE 2 sheets of Marine Ply (more expensive & much better quality ) together.

This is an option I'm currently considering.


Regards,

Alan

[snowyskiesau]

While I'm still considering the formply option for the table saw cabinet I'm planning, the router table top I built consists of 2 layers of MDF, 25mm and 18mm glued together and then laminex/formica applied to both side. Its flat and level as well I can measure it. ( I really must finish THAT project off)