Thread: Making a router table

I got the top from:
http://www.woodworksupplies.com.au/

I also got the phenolic mounting plate from them as well. (Pre drill for my triton router)

I haven't used any other tops or plates so I can't compare but it seems to work really well to me and I am very happy with it. It saved me heaps of time too so I can get down to making the things I'm really interested in rather than learning new things like lamination that I'm not really interested in that much.

I was looking to get the kit for the triton router (the one that has the above table adjuster stick thing) but Triton have gone out of business so I'm not sure where to get it. It seems pretty easy to adjust the router from under the table anyway and when I'm doing fine adjustments I have to get down to table level anyway so it's easier to adjust the height from below the table rather than above. I think I'll just keep it the way it is.

I should have mentioned that the the base is all glued (and gets its strength from that) and the few screws were just to add extra support where it was difficult for me to clamp properly.

Originally Posted by JACM

Well, I finally finished it and have got around to putting the pictures up here. I finished the base around christmas and ended up buying a commercially produced top because it wasn't very expensive. I'm glad I did because it works extemely well and it would have taken me ages to make it as good as the bought top. My router is very happy in this table and I'm now getting down to using it. Already made a few things and learnt heaps about using routers safely.

I hope others find the pictures useful.

David, thanks heaps for the posting me Richard's design.

Hi JACM,

Like the table, Any chance of the design and dimensions?

Colin.

Well done guys with all of the advice given.
I have been thinking of making one myself and find the ideas useful.
One alternative for the mounting of the table where workshop space is limited, like in my workshop, is the have the table top of choice made with a block at one end that can be dropped into an engineers vice mounted on your workbench.
On the other end you have a removeable leg, (or hinged) that sits on the floor, cut so as to have the benchtop level.
In this way the whole router table sits out over your normal walkspace.
When not in use it can be easily hung on the wall or otherwise put out of the way.

It is essential that the table is made of durable material, for the weight of the router will distort the top over time, making it inaccurate. Laminate on both the top AND bottom is required to stop the table absorbing moisture. Two layers of material, say ply or MDF can be used, so that an opening in the lower and thicker of the two layers can be made to accept the router. You can also cut a circle in the top layer of laminate to allow you to screw the router up, with countersunk screws, (you may need longer screws than are now in the router base), then you can cut round slip in pieces of laminate with various size centre holes for the various cutters to fill in where you have cut the original circle in the laminate.

Hope this makes sense, it did when I was writing it, but now not so sure. But I do know it works...

Regards from Don.

Originally Posted by DonB

Well done guys with all of the advice given.
I have been thinking of making one myself and find the ideas useful.
One alternative for the mounting of the table where workshop space is limited, like in my workshop, is the have the table top of choice made with a block at one end that can be dropped into an engineers vice mounted on your workbench.
.

1. Hinge off wall, legs on the other side. The whole thing folds up and hangs off the wall.

2. Attach one side to bench - hinges, dogs to fit holes in bench top. The other side supported by folding legs.

3. Multipurpose cabinet. Alternative tops for any of
3a Router
3b Compound Mitre Saw
3c Grinder
3d Drill
3e Workspace.

I don't suppose for a moment that you'd use it for that many things. Space inside cabinet could store some of the equipment that's used on the top. Tops not in use might hang at the side, maybe over the equipment that goes on top of it.

Look in kitchen for basic cabinet designs, adapt size to suit.

Originally Posted by chippy 71

Hi JACM,

Like the table, Any chance of the design and dimensions?

Colin.

Colin
Have you got a copy of the design yet. If not send me a PM with email address and I would be happy to send you same.
Regards
David

Originally Posted by JACM

Well, I finally finished it and have got around to putting the pictures up here. I finished the base around Christmas and ended up buying a commercially produced top because it wasn't very expensive. I'm glad I did because it works extemely well and it would have taken me ages to make it as good as the bought top. My router is very happy in this table and I'm now getting down to using it. Already made a few things and learnt heaps about using routers safely.

I hope others find the pictures useful.

David, thanks heaps for the posting me Richard's design.

James
That table looks fantastic. Like the way you beefed up the base inside to take longer screws for the wheels. They look like good quality ones. I think I picked my wheels up at one of those junk tents outside at home show for about $5 each. Still turning and haven't fallen to bits yet. That looks like a good table top also. Did it come with mitre channels fitted or did you put them in yourself. Like the Woodpecker fence they sell but can't justify the price with what I use mine for. Homemade fence on mine does the job until I can win Lotto
Congratulations on a great job - you took me back to when I made mine but didn't take the time for pics. Thanks for sharing.
Regards
David

Yep, good advice for small projects.
Most of my main use for the router table ,is for box making.
So I am talking about the Gifkin router table circa 2006, a very simple and easy to make table. I have adapted it without his base, for attaching to my engineers vyce. Got this advice from one of the guys in my club. Another reason to belong. (And it is so cheap to make)
Detailed plans for this can be obtained at gifkin.com or similar, so google this and you cant go wrong.

Happy shavings, Don

JACM
I don't know where you got the idea that Triton had gone out of business but I was just on there web site and they are still going strong check out www.triton.com.au

Originally Posted by zugg

JACM
I don't know where you got the idea that Triton had gone out of business but I was just on there web site and they are still going strong check out www.triton.com.au

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news - http://business.theage.com.au/busine...1201-6ocj.html There are a large number of threads covering this topic and resultant fallout in the Triton/GMC forum.

Gooz

Originally Posted by zugg

JACM
I don't know where you got the idea that Triton had gone out of business but I was just on there web site and they are still going strong check out www.triton.com.au

Zugg
Explore this forum. See what Eagle's been saying since about mid Dec 2008. He worked for GMC/Triton untill recently.

Try calling the number(s) on the Triton website, and ask for your nearest supplier.

I'm planning to build one .... (next after finishing my workbench )
Learn a lot of thing from this thread, thx.

I only have a small shop so don't reallly have room for another separate table. Ended up going with the Carbatech router table extension http://www.carbatec.com.au/machinery...able-extension - very happy with th results to date.