Thread: Router Table Digital Readout

That's a pretty cool idea. I'm just building my router table now so I might try something similar.

Very well done, that should make height adjustment less of a guessing game

Those Aldi calipers are a good buy, they're the ones with the big digits as well.

Got a few myself for various projects on the (metal) lathe and mill/drill.

Hadn't thought about the router table, might have to go back to whether they have any left.

Thanks for sharing.

Great idea Zelk.

Thanks guys,
there is no reason why the idea cannot be used on thicknessers or the ripping fence on a saw, one would have to mount the caliper so that it could be removed or disengaged when not required. Ultimately, it would be for finer adjustments.

In the case of the router table, if the tip of a straight router bit is flush with the table top and the caliper is zeroed, then subsequent adjustments may be done accurately first go.
Not sure what happens to the readings when the calipers switches off automatically after a period of disuse, I am guessing that it does this, hopefully, it has a memory.
Zelk

I like it very simple. I have a cheap plastic one, that keeps memory when it turns off, so hopefully that one will.
Have you tested its accuracy?

A quick idea to make your depth adjustment easier. Replace the nuts on the end of the threaded rod with a Nyloc nut. It should hold and won't need a locking nut. You could then put a long tube spanner over it so that the other end is clear of the router body. (Cruch the end slightly before forcing it over the nut) I made a similar mod HERE

Originally Posted by bpj1968

I like it very simple. I have a cheap plastic one, that keeps memory when it turns off, so hopefully that one will.
Have you tested its accuracy?

A quick idea to make your depth adjustment easier. Replace the nuts on the end of the threaded rod with a Nyloc nut. It should hold and won't need a locking nut. You could then put a long tube spanner over it so that the other end is clear of the router body. (Cruch the end slightly before forcing it over the nut) I made a similar mod HERE

Thanks Brian, the real testing is yet to come.

Once adjustments are made the plunge break lever goes on. In the case where I have to make further adjustments, I need to make sure the adjusting nut is where I last left it, before undoing the plunge break. If the adjusting nut always work loose from vibration, then it would make sense to use a Nyloc nut, but I think then the problem is that it slow things down when I have to fully undo it to change router bits.
Zelk

I also bought one of those digital calipers but, as for checking the bit height, I prefer the "direct reading" because I have to "zero" the caliper when the bit height is exactly at the table level...

On the first pic, you can see my modified caliper to check the bit (and saw blade) height (the mod can be done also on digital caliper).

On the second pic, you can see my "router lift"...

And, thank you Brian

Regards
niki
Attachment 117160Attachment 117161

Originally Posted by niki

I also bought one of those digital calipers but, as for checking the bit height, I prefer the "direct reading" because I have to "zero" the caliper when the bit height is exactly at the table level...

On the first pic, you can see my modified caliper to check the bit (and saw blade) height (the mod can be done also on digital caliper).

On the second pic, you can see my "router lift"...

And, thank you Brian

Regards
niki
Attachment 117160Attachment 117161

I agree with you Niki, the direct method would be used for the initial bit setup. After a test run, any subsequent finer adjustments would be done using the digital caliper. Keep in mind that I have to lift the table to make the adjustments. As mentioned before the hinged table set up is simple and ergonomic, allowing quick and easy access to router bits, bit height adjustment and the plunge locking lever, with no need for any router lifting devices. I am considering removing one or both of the plunge guide springs.

Zelk

Did you have any trouble drilling the tips of the calipers?

Originally Posted by glock40sw

Did you have any trouble drilling the tips of the calipers?

Yep, it was difficult. Even though I used a new drill bit and drill press, the bit was skating around for a while, before managing to start the hole. The second hole was even more difficult. The bit had to be resharpened on the grinder several times, I must admit my sharpening skills are not the best. During the drilling, I used coolant which got into the caliper electronics sending it crazy. Once dry, it was working again, thank god.

Zelk