Need a top quality router table

[Sparktrician]

I think that when I buy a router table, it will be the Benchdog Pro Cabinet with the Promax RT cast iron top, the Woodpeckers PRLv2 Lift (the model for Benchdog tops), and the Milwaukee router motor with the remote on/off and speed controls as someone previously posted.  The Jessem tables are pretty impressive, too, as are the Incra accessories, but I suspect that the Benchdog cast iron top is the least likely to warp due to the weight of the lift and router motor combined.  I may choose to add the Incra fence at some point.  My current setup includes the Benchdog contractor table on a Workmate base with the Bosch 1617EVS motor in a permanently attached base. 

[smile]

 

[junk731]

Peter, when I originally thought about router table tops I looked at the cast iron offerings but went with the phenolic Jessem. Never have to worry about rusting and cast iron can have as much problem as any other material with warping if not mounted properly. I've had my 3 1/2 HP Milwaukee mounted and in place with a Masterlift for 3+ years with no sign of warpage. My latest update is going to Felder F700Z Shaper with the ability to mount a router spindle, to me this opens up more avenues for production and allows me to use my current tooling as a benefit. Probably not in your budget, they do come in 220V single phase, but worth a consideration like Darcy said never the less.

John

 

[tiralie]

I've long considered this router setup, but one thing concerns me. It doesn't allow for those few times you might want to use it as a powerful handheld router.

While you can take the router in and out of the lift, I wouldn't advise it. It really is not designed for easy removal.

Can you buy shell/casing for this Milwaukee router to turn it into a hand held? And, if you can buy it, would it make more sense to just buy a complete unit and then add the variable speed control afterwards?  And finally, does Jessem sell the variable speed controller as a separate unit?

You can buy the base to turn the Milwaukee into a handheld router. It is listed as a separate part. As for the variable speed control I am not sure Milwaukee makes the model with the separate variable control anymore. Mine came as a package from Jessem.
Milwaukee does sell a variable speed 3.5hp router with an integrated variable speed control. I looked on Atlas's site and they don't sell the configuration I bought anymore.
Tim

 

[semenza]

I know the woodpeckers fence can be adjusted to have an offset fence on the out feed.  Does the Incra fence have this capability?

Thanks

To add a bit to what Corwin said.  Both the outfeed and infeed are adjustable on the Incra Wonder Fence. It uses a sliding wedge  set up that is infinetly adjustable. It has a scale on it and is easy to use. The other reason to get the Wonder Fence  as opposed to the standard  Incra fence is that it is a split fence and the standard is not. The split allows for bigger  diameter bits in the fence opening. The standard  fence is one piece and has  a 1" opening. If you by the Wonder Fence package , the standard comes with it because that is what the Wonder fence attaches too. So you get get both.

Seth

 

[peter halle]

I have been reading this thread constantly and then going to websites.  I am kinda in the overload mode.  All the suggestions have been great.  The Wonderfence does have the standoff for taller pieces which is very appealing.

Going to the shop to go ponder, play, and photograph a couple of things.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Peter

 

[semenza]

Thanks Guys!

Any issues with keeping a 7518 or other heavy router installed and warpage?  Mounting plate and insert rings not being flat with the tables or mounting plate?  The reason I ask is that I have always had issues like these with other lesser expensive (cheap) tables.  My current table (portable table) has the nasty habit of lowering the mounting plate while the table is in use.  That is not fun.

Peter

I have not had this problem with the PRL, not that I have noticed anyway.  I havn't checked but it hasn't shown up in my usage.  The 7518 has been continuously mounted for several years and many temperature fluctuations. The PRL plate is thick  solid aluminum.  I am using the now discontinued aluminum rings as opposed to the current ABS rings. I don't know how the ABS ones perform.  As far as the table surface itself goes ... well that depends on the table.  Can't help there since mine is home built.

Seth

 

[lambeater]

Peter I have the Kreg table with a PRL-2 lift in it and the 7518 mounted underneath. The table does come with extra support bars underneath to eliminate sagging which seem to work. I do seem to get some fine vibration thru table but has no effect on cutting. Mounted up a Jessem/ wixey digital readout but removed it again. Found that the vibration seems to affect the transducer and cause numbers to increment upwards. (increase). Just went back to measuring bit height.
thx
Lambeater

 

[fifo28]

Have you checked out woodpeckers?

I have been looking into tables for a while now myself.  I have not settled on a table, but I am definitely eyeballing the woodpeckers super fence.

http://www.woodpeck.com/superfence.html

To me the table itself is useless without a quality fence and lift.  I am using a porter cable 690 series router which has a feature that allows it to be adjusted from above the table without the need of an additional lift. 

I have the Super Fence and I am not too crazy about it.  The set-up time is long (at least for me).  The fence allows all sorts of adjustments like the faces parallel to beach other, perpendicular to the table and outfeed offset.  The problem is that when you just want to make a simple cut you need to make all of these adjustments and then as you tighten the fence down they all move and you need to fine tune.  Set-up is usually 20 minutes or more.  I Am thinking of going back to the Bench Dog fence which I had in the past and it did everything I wanted.  BTW I love Woodpecker products and have the PRL lift and it works great.  My router table is homemade under the right wing of my TS.  I supported it well underneath the PRL as it is heavy especially with the PC 7518.  Without support I believe the top would sag.

 

[Steve R]

Peter,

As much as you post here, it better have WiFi built in [poke]

Cheers,
Steve

 

[peter halle]

Peter,

As much as you post here, it better have WiFi built in [poke]

Cheers,
Steve

My iPad gets great 3G reception in the shop.  No need for a router table with WIFI.  [poke]

Peter

 

[Steve R]

Peter,

As much as you post here, it better have WiFi built in [poke]

Cheers,
Steve

My iPad gets great 3G reception in the shop.  No need for a router table with WIFI.   [poke]

Peter

ROTFLMAO..... I knew it! 

Okay can you control all of your tools from you iPad..... or is there not an app for Festool yet????

Cheers,
Steve

 

[lambeater]

Peter,

As much as you post here, it better have WiFi built in [poke]

Cheers,
Steve

My iPad gets great 3G reception in the shop.  No need for a router table with WIFI.   [poke]

Peter

ROTFLMAO..... I knew it! 

Okay can you control all of your tools from you iPad..... or is there not an app for Festool yet????

Cheers,
Steve

Hey Guys I have wifi and bluetooth in my shop to feed my Onkyo amp and my Internet radio!!!! ;D ;D Just wait till I build my automated systainer selector [eek]
Lambeater.

 

[billg71]

I love the Incra setup! I have the TS/LS combo on a homemade saw cabinet/router table and the Wonderfence. Works great!

Incra videos Scroll down to the bottom of the page and check out the router system demos.

Have fun!

Bill

 

[spikfot]

Have you checked out woodpeckers?

I have been looking into tables for a while now myself.  I have not settled on a table, but I am definitely eyeballing the woodpeckers super fence.

http://www.woodpeck.com/superfence.html

To me the table itself is useless without a quality fence and lift.  I am using a porter cable 690 series router which has a feature that allows it to be adjusted from above the table without the need of an additional lift. 

I have the Super Fence and I am not too crazy about it.  The set-up time is long (at least for me).  The fence allows all sorts of adjustments like the faces parallel to beach other, perpendicular to the table and outfeed offset.  The problem is that when you just want to make a simple cut you need to make all of these adjustments and then as you tighten the fence down they all move and you need to fine tune.  Set-up is usually 20 minutes or more.  I Am thinking of going back to the Bench Dog fence which I had in the past and it did everything I wanted.  BTW I love Woodpecker products and have the PRL lift and it works great.  My router table is homemade under the right wing of my TS.  I supported it well underneath the PRL as it is heavy especially with the PC 7518.  Without support I believe the top would sag.

     

That's the first neg comment I've read about the LS "Super Fence"  Personally, I love mine- and set up time is the price paid for all it's capabilities.  I do not mean to be sarcastic, but if it's taking you 20 minutes, it's probably not the tool's fault.

 

[RONWEN]

There are a lot of great choices for tables, fences, lifts and motors -- it's fun comparing but also easy to get "overload" in making the decisions.
I just wanted something basic so I bought a Kreg table & fence, PRL-V2 lift and a Milwaukee 3-1/2 hp motor (I highly recommend the 5625-20).  I have since built a cabinet of drawers into the Kreg frame for holding bits, wrenches, collets, etc.  Even though it's a basic table system it has all of the accuracy & power I've needed.

For joinery probably the Incra fences give the best precision.

Whatever setup you end up with you'll use it so much you'll wonder why you waited so long.  [wink]

 

[joraft]

Any issues with keeping a 7518 or other heavy router installed and warpage?  Mounting plate and insert rings not being flat with the tables or mounting plate?  

Peter, I have the Bench Dog lift (and cast iron table) and I can tell you that it is heavy duty and very precisely machined, no problem with unwanted movement or anything being out of flat. It is designed specifically for the PC 7518, and the fit is perfect. Of course other routers can be adapted.

For a fence I chose a Incra LS Positioner because of their reputation for precise adjustment. A reputation that is well earned I have found.

 

 

[peter halle]

I would like to thank all those posters for their input.  It has helped.

A member here read my post and offered a great deal on a setup.  I can't take advantage of his fabulous offer at the current time, so I have encouraged him to post hi system in the classifieds.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Chris,

That is exactly the way that I am leaning right now.

I am going to look at a router lift system on Saturday.

Peter

 

[tiralie]

This is what I built several years ago. It is a large, tall table. I built it that way so I could keep all of my routers, bits & accessories in one place.

Nice setup Chris.
Tim

 

[RONWEN]

That is a first class router table Chris!  It appears you've covered all the bases for needed features.

I see a couple of prismatic shaped pieces of ply on the floor leaning against the table -- what do you use those for?