Recommend a good router table?

[Eric_C]

I have the Rigid Plunge Router that just came on the market but some of the things I want to do will require a table.

I already have a Craftsman 2 1/4 horse fixed base router.

Looking for a REASONABLE table. One that lets me change things from up on top. The fixed based router will never leave this table and always be attached.

I looked at tables and searched here but no luck in finding a good solid answer.

Also I've read a few people mention this table saw:

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...ceffdfgidglm.0

I can get one off of Craigslist for 299 in good condition, I'll assume its a good deal or would be I better off with the portable version at $314 reconditioned w/ warranty:

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...ceffdfgidglm.0

Is the portable as "good" as the fixed? I'd prefer a portable but if there is a big disparity in how well they work I'd make room for the fixed.

Thanks

[LunarD]

Eric,

Sorry, but I couldn't get your links to work.

MLCS has some good routers tables, and they have free shipping:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/orderstatus/html/smarthtml/pages/routabl2.html

You can also consider making your own. There really isn't that much to them. I've made a basic one before, and it was really easy. Here is a little fancier one that I found:

http://users.goldengate.net/~kbrady/kbradyrouter.pdf

John

"I have a hammer! I can put things together! I can knock things apart! I can alter my environment at will and make an incredible din all the while! Ah, it's great to be male!"

[ThomasW]

Do you want a table top router table or a free-standing one?

[Eric_C]

I'd prefer a free standing unit.

[---k---]

I'm intrigued by the router tables that are an extension to your table saw. Here is the MLCS version,
http://mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_.../routabl4.html

but I've seen similar ones at a few other places like grizzle and woodcraft. Haven't seen one in person or used one, but it seems like a good idea for those space challenged ones.

Anyone have any thoughts on these?

[ThomasW]

I'm going to put this link in the thread for people to see the amazing router stuff these guys make...

http://www.woodpeck.com/

[Ecir38]

Awesome link thanks.

BR

[Brandon B]

I have the woodpecker table with their plungelift and LS positioning system with my Bosch 1619 in it. It is definitely EVERYTHING you would ever need in a router table, but it does not really fit into the reasonable price category. All their products are really good though, Recommend them highly.

BB

[Hank]

I built this router table from Jointech's plans:

http://www.jointech.com/routerstation.htm

I have their router fence and incremental positioning fixture and router table top. I have my big Freud router attached to a lift mechanism. Couldn't recommend Jointech products too much - they're great. :T

[JonMarsh]

I have a small Freud table with a Woodpeck QL350 9"X12" and variable speed Bosch router- it's a sweet setup, very fast to change configurations due to the quicklift function, very nice setup precision with the crank lift micro-fine adjustability. Quite recommended, though perhaps not budget- the value proposition is there.

[basementjack]

I've used a table top router table, and it was a bit of a pain - not really big enough to stay put when you're pushing wood into the routerbit. On the other hand, I don't use it often so the space savings is worth it. I just have to take some extra time and clamp it to my workmate before I start- also lets me take the thing out on the driveway - where the dust is easily cleaned my mother nature.

[Eric_C]

I like the extension one they sell.

I could not find it but do you know if you can later add the base if you want it dedicated?

[JoshK]

I have a table saw extention one for my Rigid TS made of cast iron. I really like it. I forget the brand, but I got it on Amazon, so if you searched there you'd see it as one of the rec'd ones.

[JonP]

Rockler has several varieties, free standing, table top, and table saw extension.
A fair range of basic to fancy (and pricey) router platforms, too.

I have, but am ashamed to admit I haven't put it on yet, one of the table saw extension models, with the basic Rockler platform. Wish I could tell you about it from a user standpoint. They are cheaper than an equivalent floorstanding model, for obvious reasons.

I leaned that way, since space is at a premium in my crowded garage... this way I would be folding two tools into a single space.

Dang... busted myself... now I have to put that thing up and use it!! :roll: