Thread: Best dust extraction system for a router table

It depends on the set-up and what You are doing on the table.
If You're working with templates, replicating chair legs for example, the fence won't be on the table.
If You're working with an Incra set-up, and are cutting finger joints, dovetails, the fence moves away with each cut. The fence extraction therefore becomes useless, and the under table extraction kicks in.

The fence extraction is the best, but only when the fence is next to the bit

To me, it is simply what is the simplest, and which works best.

I have had 2 router table setups:

Under table ext., and one fence extraction. I do a full mix of general routing tasks.

With u-t, I always had a significant proportion of dust and chips which did not get collected. With Fence, I have a very few operations where I have a lot, and all the rest I have none.

Even when doing the majority of the operations above, I keep the fence up close, for safety, and still get the benefit.

With the exception of routing closed recesses, and concave template work, this works for me.

Simple decision.

Having both fence and under table set up it the best option, everything is covered.
There are times when the fence extraction simply won't be effective, or not even on the table.
Under the table extraction always remains there unobtrusive, if the fence extraction isn't effective, or not on the table.