Router Table Recommendations

WelshWood · Dec 7, 2015

Hi guys,

I'm buying more and more gear for my workshop recently, and I am currently on the lookout for a decent router table..

Nothing too pricey as I've just bought the DF500, (which may I add; Is a game changer!!)

Can anyone give any recommendations? I'm UK Based if that helps!

Many thanks,

~WW

Birdhunter · Dec 7, 2015

I bought a package consisting of a top with a drop in insert, Porter Cable motor, fence, and a lift that fit the PC motor. I built the rest of the table. You could build the top yourself as long as it accommodates a drop-in insert to which you mount the router lift. If you have a plunge router, you can avoid buying a lift.

So, a dead flat stable table and a solid easily adjustable fence are the critical elements.

Routers throw off a lot of debris so plan for high volume dust removal.

Kev · Dec 7, 2015

[member=11196]Peter Parfitt[/member] did a really good review of a router table that he sourced in the UK. Pretty useful as I recall.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tool-reviews/ujk-professional-router-table-video-review/msg268780/#msg268780

Try not to scrimp too much as a out of square, flimsy or hard to adjust router table will drive you nutty!

grbmds · Dec 7, 2015

Making most of the table is absolutely possible. However, the most important thing is that the table is as flat as possible with no dips. I minuscule crown in the center can be acceptable but should be avoided also as it must be only a few thousandths of an inch to be acceptable. The part of any router table system I have ever used that I didn't make was, in fact, the table for just that reason. The next important part is an insert that is flat and adjustable to get it flush with the table surface.

I limped along with a Rockler top and insert for an old Makita router for years and did just fine. Recently I decided to upgrade to a completely new and more accurate set up from Incra. It made such a difference in the results from my router table I couldn't believe it. It's not a complete game changer like the Domino, but it was very close to that for me.

Just be sure that your table and insert are flat or you won't get good results.

squawkin · Dec 7, 2015

Don't even think of the CMS. I have the GE and its awful to set up. I spent hours yesterday trying to make some drawers, I finally gave up. I regret buying it. I'm looking to upgrade to a Kreg. I love festool but, this thing is terrible. Just my opinion.

Roseland · Dec 7, 2015

I bought one from Rutlands, and the top was OK but the fence wasn't straight. I've since made a new base, a new fence and replaced the insert with an Axminster one. The only thing that's unusual about mine is that I have two full extension drawer runners underneath the top that come around the back and keep the fence always parallel with the mitre slot.

If you're after ideas, Pat Warner has some good ones: http://www.patwarner.com/router_table.html

Incidentally, although I love Festool routers for handheld use, I think the Triton routers are better in a table.

Andrew

Stone Message · Dec 7, 2015

I went to Peter Sefton's Woodworkers Worshop 10 days ago and saw some of the new offering from Incra and Jessem. I particularly like the Jessem Mast R Lift Excell II router lift and suggest that anyone consider it when doing their market research.

http://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/epages/eshop814530.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop814530/Products/JES_JE02202

Good luck.

Peter

squawkin · Dec 7, 2015

Do you have some pics of your set up? Thanks for the info.

andreasg · Dec 7, 2015

I have checked, and checked, and checked some more

Have seen Peter Parfitt´s excellent video a long time ago. And being in europe, and needing a 240volt router had my going in that direction in my mind for a while. But have seen motor-only options for 240volt now. And will most surely end up with a full Incra set. Just seems so extremely accurate and convinient, Even the dustextraction seems very good. They need to get themselves an european dealer that ships throughout europe

ear3 · Dec 7, 2015

One additional point in case youre looking for a powerful table mounted router to go along with the table -- If you get a Triton router, you won't have any need for an expensive router lift. Triton gives you above the table adjustment and bit changing capabilities. And most companies have versions of their insert plates that are predrilled for the Triton.

monstrol · Dec 7, 2015

Edward A Reno III said:
One additional point in case youre looking for a powerful table mounted router to go along with the table -- If you get a Triton router, you won't have any need for an expensive router lift. Triton gives you above the table adjustment and bit changing capabilities. And most companies have versions of their insert plates that are predrilled for the Triton.

you may have to drill a hole in the insert for the triton handle that does the raising and lowering, hope that makes sense

grbmds · Dec 7, 2015

I agree with Peter on Incra. I bought an entire Incra combo last year about this time and included the Master Lift II they sold at that time, as well as a Porter Cable 7518 router motor. I have never used anything as accurate and as easily setup to do dovetails on drawers or just regular edge and dado routing. Their positioner in combination with the lift provide high level accuracy horizontally as well as for setting the depth. All depends on what you plan to use it for and how much you want to spend. However, I felt the results were worth it and was sorry I didn't go that router years ago.

Lewis Carpentry · Dec 7, 2015

I went incra table, top, and fence. PC router. Incra lift.

chrisrosenb · Dec 7, 2015

I built my own router table.

andreasg · Dec 8, 2015

[member=1903]JD2720[/member] Great job! I would easily put that nice piece of furniture in my livingroom... hehe. What materials is used for drawers and top?

chrisrosenb · Dec 8, 2015

andreasg said:
[member=1903]JD2720[/member] Great job! I would easily put that nice piece of furniture in my livingroom... hehe. What materials is used for drawers and top?

Thank you.
The door & drawers are yellow poplar. The top is two layers of 3/4" MDF.

andreasg · Dec 9, 2015

JD2720 said:
andreasg said:

[member=1903]JD2720[/member] Great job! I would easily put that nice piece of furniture in my livingroom... hehe. What materials is used for drawers and top?

Click to expand...

Thank you.
The door & drawers are yellow poplar. The top is two layers of 3/4" MDF.

[member=1903]JD2720[/member] The top look great to. But from the MDF I find around here in shops I would be concerned about it beeing 100% flat. Amateur-question: Does gluing up 2 sheets (on a floor that is 100% flat with weight on top) solve this concern?

Also, the design of the table, is it your, or from some drawings that could be found/bought? Seems like that same size as a top that Incra sells?

chrisrosenb · Dec 9, 2015

andreasg said:
JD2720 said:

andreasg said:

[member=1903]JD2720[/member] Great job! I would easily put that nice piece of furniture in my livingroom... hehe. What materials is used for drawers and top?

Click to expand...

Thank you.
The door & drawers are yellow poplar. The top is two layers of 3/4" MDF.

Click to expand...

[member=1903]JD2720[/member] The top look great to. But from the MDF I find around here in shops I would be concerned about it beeing 100% flat. Amateur-question: Does gluing up 2 sheets (on a floor that is 100% flat with weight on top) solve this concern?

Also, the design of the table, is it your, or from some drawings that could be found/bought? Seems like that same size as a top that Incra sells?

I designed the cabinet to be able to fit all of my routers & attachments in one place. The cabinet is 30 1/2" deep X 46" wide X 36" tall. From the floor to the top of the top is 41 1/2". The drawers are 29" deep. The top measures 36" X 49" and is very flat. The MDF top has a lot of support under it. I designed the cabinet with partitions on each side of the router opening. The top is also screwed down to the partitions. If the router table sits on a floor that is not flat, one caster will be off of the floor. I am not sure if I can still access the plan for the router table because of software upgrades, but I would be glad to take measurements if you want them.

Stone Message · Dec 9, 2015

That looks like a well stocked drawer !

Can you take a guess at the total value of all the cutters?

Peter

KescoNY · Dec 9, 2015

squawkin said:
Don't even think of the CMS. I have the GE and its awful to set up. I spent hours yesterday trying to make some drawers, I finally gave up. I regret buying it. I'm looking to upgrade to a Kreg. I love festool but, this thing is terrible. Just my opinion.

Do you have the need to move your table setup at all or often? Im just curious about what you don't like about the cms ge
I have been using one for a while now and have no issues with it

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