Thread: Dilemma with regards router / table. I am such a newbie :-)

Any help/suggestion?

A Triton RTA router table insert will cost you about $550. Building your own from a Kreg inset plate (about $99) and a bench off cut/sink piece from a kitchen builder is the cheaper option plus you learn some skills during the build. You can also use ply or MDF but you need to use two layers to stop the unit warping.
i bought a Bunnies 600mm cupboard unit and used a double form ply top with a Kreg plate. Made some drawers and shelves and cost about $350 with wheels.

I found the router table here (Triton Precision Router Table RTA300 | eBay)

Is it a good price?

Compared to Carbatecs price, yes. Actual further checks seems to show this is a fairly standard price rather than the Carbatec one I sourced my price from. Also yours is free delivery

Originally Posted by Lappa

Compared to Carbatecs price, yes. Actual further checks seems to show this is a fairly standard price rather than the Carbatec one I sourced my price from. Also yours is free delivery

Yeah,I don't get Carbatec most of the time ).
I guess that considering I have already the stand, that table is pretty good at the price

Don't know why Carbatec is so much dearer, Timberbits price is $349 for the table.

Triton RTA300 Precision Router Table

You would still need the stand as well, unless you already have the Triton Workcentre.

Lappa's suggestion of building your own router table using a insert plate is a good one.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Don't know why Carbatec is so much dearer, Timberbits price is $349 for the table.

Triton RTA300 Precision Router Table

You would still need the stand as well, unless you already have the Triton Workcentre.

Lappa's suggestion of building your own router table using a insert plate is a good one.

I already have the work center 2000

I have the RTA300. I don't like it, but it is my first router table and I'd have had no idea what I like/prefer or what features I'd want on one I build myself without having it to play with and it was second-hand.

It's entirely possible some of the precision issues I have with it are due to it being second hand and not looked after by previous owner but I know lots of people have issues with their RTA300.

I've no plans to replace my RTA300, I've just found ways to clean up inaccurate cuts for example I now have a Stanley #71 style router plane for cleaning up grooves and dadoes and I do more hand-held than on the table.

So guys, if I go down the path of building my own table top, what are the insert plates suggested and what thickness and material for the table top.

Either an aluminium one or a phenolic one. I don't recommend the cheaper thermoplastic ones that places like Carbatec sell as they will inevitably sag.

For the top I used a 35mm thick benchtop material that was laminated on both sides.

If you click on the link in my signature you can see how I went about making my router table.

Hey Vannip, you can go a couple ways here. Absolute basic is a sheet of 19mm ply with a hole in it or a Rolls Royce setup with router lift and Incra fences and lots in between.
I'd suggest something like those on this page. There are a lot of basic and complex designs you can use.
Also if you know of a cabinetmaker nearby you you could ask if they have any old bench tops they have removed when upgrading someones kitchen. Sometimes you can get enough material to use for a top so you dont have to laminate material to get a good thick top.
Best of luck, Cheers,
Ian

Awesome advise guys, this forum really rocks. Thanks for sharing. I watched many videos on how to drop the insert plate and I will give it a go.
Now on to choosing which insert plate to purchase.

I have the ozito and I put into Perspex. Fairly easy but I need to tweak it a bit but it does the job

Just an idea. My top is also changeable so I can swap it with my circular saw converted table saw which I dropped into marine ply

You're missing a screw into your router base there Is the perspex just sitting there or have you glued it into the recess in the MDF?

Good on you for having a go at DIY router table but that one concerns me just a little bit.