Flattening a workbench top

[swifty]

In my just received e-letter from fine woodworking, the have a link to a methods of work article on flattening a workbench top. http://www.finewoodworking.com/Workshop/WorkshopArticle.aspx?id=3338.
My question is: I have the festool router and the rails. I think I should be able to use these instead of the jig used in the article to flatten a workbench top. Any comments, ideas, or suggestions.

Edited by Shane Holland to fix error in link.

 

[mavrick1903]

I'd say the rails flex too much to use ONLY a rail. you should be able to come up with a jig that incorporates the rail, you'll still need the runners down the sides of the bench though, for your sled to ride on.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Swifty, I fixed your link, the period on the end was messing it up.

Here's the routing slide which is made specifically for this type of task.  Seems I remember seeing a photo of someone using the router slide to level huge slabs of timber for desk tops.

 

[tbellemare]

There was a post about using the routing slide to flatten slabs and I think it was the guy with the foil hat, I can't remember his name.

Tom

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Ah, here we go. Doing a search on the forum for "routing slide" will yield additional reviews and projects using it.

But, this is the one I remembered.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/flattening-a-slab-table-top-with-the-festool-router-sled/

 

[tbellemare]

That's the one I was thinking of, Shane.

Tom

 

[grobin]

With the guide stop you might be OK.  But I agree that you need some reference that is perfectly level and flat for the rail and its support to ride on.