Router table "on the cheap"

[Stevenski]

For my next shop project I want to have a router table set into my worktop. For the time being I want to keep it low key and relatively low cost.

I have found a good router lift on Banggood together with a Katsu type corded router. The price and (assumed) quality work for me.
However my problem is that the chuck/collet on the router is 1/4" (6,35mm) and all my router bits are 6mm (majority) and (some) 8mm

I have no idea what kind of collets these Makita clones use or if there are 6mm aftermarket collets available.
Can anyone help with shared knowledge / experience?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Packard]

I mounted my first router onto a 3’ x 4’ x 3/4” sheet if plywood.I used the router to thin out a section in the middle to fit the router base.

I removed the baseplate and used it as a pattern to drill for the mounting holes.

Set the sheet on 2 saw horses.

Made a variety of fences, the simplest being a piece of 3/4” x 4” hardwood, which I mounted using two c-clamps.

I used it mainly on my driveway. Easy access to the router for bit changes, but I was 20 then and everything was easy.

Easily made in one afternoon, I kept it for several years. Stored easy too. As I recall, I saw one like it in Popular Mechanics magazine.

For field work, nice. For a starter router table, fine. I don’t remember too many of the details, but it worked fine.

 

[derekcohen]

For my next shop project I want to have a router table set into my worktop. For the time being I want to keep it low key and relatively low cost.

I have found a good router lift on Banggood together with a Katsu type corded router. The price and (assumed) quality work for me.
However my problem is that the chuck/collet on the router is 1/4" (6,35mm) and all my router bits are 6mm (majority) and (some) 8mm

I have no idea what kind of collets these Makita clones use or if there are 6mm aftermarket collets available.
Can anyone help with shared knowledge / experience?

Thanks in advance!

I have both the Katsu and a Makita original trim routers. They use the same collets. The Makita 8mm collet is my preferred choice as it offers about three times the stiffness of the 1/4" shaft. I also have a Chinese router lift for the Katsu. The Katsu is used in the router table at the end of a MFT. (I have a large 1/2" router table in my slider).















Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[P_K]

Makita collet chuck 6 mm

Collet for Makita Oberfräsen. More about Oberfräsen and accessories on sautershop or call us, we will be happy to advise you.

www.sautershop.com

Should fit.

 

[Stevenski]

I have both the Katsu and a Makita original trim routers. They use the same collets. The Makita 8mm collet is my preferred choice as it offers about three times the stiffness of the 1/4" shaft. I also have a Chinese router lift for the Katsu. The Katsu is used in the router table at the end of a MFT. (I have a large 1/2" router table in my slider).


Regards from Perth

Derek

Thank you, Derek - very useful info!

 

[Stevenski]

Makita collet chuck 6 mm

Collet for Makita Oberfräsen. More about Oberfräsen and accessories on sautershop or call us, we will be happy to advise you.

www.sautershop.com

Should fit.

Thank you!