Router table - Build or buy?

[Dazm]

Hi All,

I'm getting back into woodwork after a few years and I need a router table. I'm making boxes with dovetail and finger joints and also some round over work.

I was going to buy the Kreg Precision router table and stand but after looking around there seems to be SOOOO many options, home built with insert plate, Incra fence systems etc. I'm now unsure which is the best way to go so thought I'd throw it over to you all for advice.

Should a I buy a router table? if so what brands/models do you recommend?

OR

Should I build a router table? and if so, what insert and fence system is best?

I have a large Makita and large Hitachi router so one of these will end up in the table.

Cheers all.

Thanks in advance

Daz.

[lesmeyer]

Daz, I recently built my own and with all the plywood, switch, top, plate and Incra fence it cost more than what the kreg complete system would cost. I am very happy with what I have and it has superior dust collection below compared to the kreg. It also has drawers and space for router bits that is not part of the Kreg system. I do however think that the Kreg system is good value for money. There are other more elaborate system for a lot more dollars.
Les

[double.d]

I built one as well but could not get the top to stay straight and therefore had problems getting the router plate to sit flush etc etc etc. I have ordered a Kreg bench top unit which I will take the top from and mount it on the base I made. I would have to agree with Les and I think if any appliance needs to be perfectly set its the router and table.

[Thylacene]

I looked at the pre-made tables and decided to build my own, a 38mm top with laminate on both sides with an alloy plate. The top is mounted on a torsion box made from non-structural form ply and hasn't moved in the two years. I used a Bench Standard plate and fence. My reasoning for building over buying was 1) premade tables have terrible dust collection and I hate sweeping/vacuuming my shed floor, and 2) the pre-made tables were a bit on the small side. I realised the benefits of having a larger table this weekend just gone, when I edge trimmed a 1.4m x 400mm x 38mm thick slab using a template and long flush trim bit. The extra table size (while it has a larger footprint and takes space) allowed me to keep the slab level and to work from the "long corner" meaning that I was not supporting a lot of weight to keep the slab level.

I scored a height adjustable ex-govvie desk with some damage that i was able to cut the top down to suit for $40 at the recyclers, shortened the frame, and then built a torsion box with a sliding door on the front and dust collection from the bottom, with a hose from the side that mounts to the fitting at the back of the fence. Fence and plate aside it cost me $88 to build, from memory I think I paid $40 for the plate (which was a blank) and $150 for the fence.

[aldav]

:2tsup: for the build your own. The top of mine is an offcut of kitchen bench top, 600 x 900 - $20. Base is modified using scrap steel from a steel table base - $5, and includes a 3 drawer cabinet - $5. Mounting plate was cut from a scrap of 8mm aluminium plate. The only thing that really cost anything was the Incra Ultra Lite, I'd love a Wonder Fence to go with it though. :roll:

[Pauls321]

Hi Dazm, For what its worth, my opinion is make your own. This is the link to the one I made in 2013. I love it. So simple, two adjustable fences, sorry, make that 3 adjustable fences, I recently made another fence to accommodate the Gifkin slot cutter, there is no way you could use a slot cutter without a fence to protect it, (and your fingers).

http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=148499

Paul

[Dazm]

Looks good.

What do you think of the Gifkin jig? I'm looking at getting one of these.



Hi Dazm, For what its worth, my opinion is make your own. This is the link to the one I made in 2013. I love it. So simple, two adjustable fences, sorry, make that 3 adjustable fences, I recently made another fence to accommodate the Gifkin slot cutter, there is no way you could use a slot cutter without a fence to protect it, (and your fingers).

http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=148499

Paul

[Pauls321]

hi again Dazm, I am totally happy with the Gifkin jig. I would have lost count of the number of boxes I have now made with it. And all in a period of about 3 and a half years. I put that post up in February 2012, so that would be about right. I was a bit lucky as the Gifkin business was bought out by a chap named Col, who lives in Coffs Harbour, only 40kms from me. He gave me a good two hour demonstration of it the day I went up there. Very nice chap he is. When I first bought it from Col I only had my old triton router table and my 30 plus year old Makita router. I had to do something and looking at Col's setup there that day, which is pretty much the same as the original Gifkin router table design, which I think the plans are still on his site, that was my preferred choice. To make one. The Triton router I described in that link is perfect for that table. No more standing on my head like the old days, taking skin of my knuckles trying to regulate the height with two spanners on my old triton/Makita set up.

I think I have been back to Col's place about four times now to buy little bits and pieces. Very helpful bloke.

Paul

[Dazm]

Awesome, thanks Paul.

Yes I think I need to invest in one.

[Christos]

I would suggest making your own.

For me it was a case of purchasing a Triton router table and mounting that on a friends MK3 stand. It has been in this combination for over 8 years. No dust collection so I have clean up after each use.

Currently I do not use the router very often so not in a rush to mount this in a purposed built one. I will in the future as most items(router bit, tools) for the router are spread around the shed at three locations.