Thread: router table build question

Hi. I too have had to custom build some components in my workshop. I have had a lot of success in sealing MDF with canauba wax. You just rub it in and let it dry and maybe apply 3-4 coats. I have used it on both my custom table saw and router table top. It hardens nicely and is very slick. I haven't needed to yet but you can then reapply wax to it should it deteriorate or it gets scratched etc. Mine is 18+ months old with heaps of use and it is still fine. I also use it on my fences. As far as the track goes it needs to sit flush with the table top. I used Incra track like this here. Without measuring it I'd say it is approx 10-12mm thick and that is how deep you need to rout the groove for it to fit. You would basically have to use whatever depth the track you end up buying is as your answer. Also, I wouldn't worry about having MDF cut to size. Bunnings will do it for free and usually within minutes if you get there when they are not too busy.

Hope that helps.

As you only want a small table ask your local cabinet maker for a kitchen workbench offcut, like the bit that gets cut out for fitting a sink.

I make a fair amount of boxes and this is all I seem to need, have done pieces of furniture with the same set up.

Cheers


Steve

I think you should try and make it as large as you can, at least 900*600. I made mine by laminating 2 sheets if 18mm MDF to this size. Considering (some) Bunnings sell it already cut to this size (900*600), it shouldn't be too hard to glue 2 sheets together. Of course if your scratching for room.....size does matter!!!!

From memory, i'm sure i coated mine with Scandinavian oil (5-6 coats, rubbing off excess immediately). Whatever it was, after 6 years of use, it's still holding up very well.

As far as tracking is concerned, Incra t-track (from PWS) is 12.5mm deep and Kreg mini-track (from Carba-tec) is 9mm deep, both are 18.7mm wide. At the time i used the Incra variety for the fence and also Incra for the mitre slot (13mm deep by 28mm wide), hence the use of a 36mm top.

Steven.

No need to laminate. I just bought a 2400 x 1200 x 32mm MDF from Mr Ply for about $70 lovely flat and smooth made a great bench.

Originally Posted by woodwormer

I have purchased an insert plate to mount my router. Its the triton tr001 (i think that's the model number its the 1000 watt model and i cant be bothered to go to the shed and check).

thanks for your advice guys.

Hey just wanting to clear up what you asked, So you have purchased an insert plate for your Triton TRA001? What router insert plate did you get for your home made router table?

Was it an Incra or Phenolic Router Mounting Plate from woodpeckers? Just curious for my own build at the moment

cheers,
Nathan

Sorry for the slow reply
I purchased the 35 dollar router table insert plate from carbatec. Its probably not the best around but it seem to be up to the task. I havn't made any further progress on my table at the minute, the t track i ordered has been delayed. The place i ordered it from got there order in but it hadn't been anodised correctly so they will ship it in a couple of weeks when the next order comes in. The main problem that it has left me with is i am now thinking of trying to use the table for a bench saw as well by interchanging the router plate with an upside down circular saw in another plate (my old man works in sheet metal fabrication and has a wonderful ability that whenever i need a bracket or mount made up one will magic its way into his bag that fits the specs perfectly) i hate having time on my hands to think up new schemes.