Router Table Tops

[dinkjs]

So I have a Rockler router table that has seen better days (just the table not the plate or lift) and I was thinking.  Most router tables seem to have very short outfeeds and infeed areas.  I guess this is okay when your doing short pieces.  My question is that those of you who have built your own router tables how many of you extended the outfeed and infeed portion of that top to make it easier to route longer pieces?

This question is really only geared toward stand alone units and not attached to table saws or outfeed tables of tablesaws.

 

[nickao]

I once made a router cabinet that was about 42" wide by 36" deep. It slipped into an area where I made an 8 foot table on the left and 8 foot on the right(36" deep). These were permanent cabinet runs and the tops mated up to the top of the router table perfectly. I made the tops of the cabinets and router table out of of two layers of 3/4" mdf vacuum pressed together and then used formica laminate on the top and bottom. It was fantastic for long work.

To bad it burned up in a house fire a month after I completed it.

Oh I had a long 48" fence I could put on it  when I had the router cabinet in the wall cavity.

 

[epicxt]

This is a pertinent subject for me as well. Recently purchased a Jessem table-top, fence, and lift, and spent part of today trying to figure out the best way to attach it to my mft. My end goal is to use the mft as an extension of the table surface, and use the table as an off-cut support when needed. Still working on the design and needed parts list.

 

[sancho57]

Im working on one that will fit inbetween 2 MFTs. It will sit on the V extrusions and be level with the tables. It will also double as a chef that will sit under the MFT on the cross members.  I also routed a Kreg jig plate (the small one) so it will also act as a clamping table for glue ups.
Its in the prototype stage right now.

 

[bonesbr549]

So I have a Rockler router table that has seen better days (just the table not the plate or lift) and I was thinking.  Most router tables seem to have very short outfeeds and infeed areas.  I guess this is okay when your doing short pieces.  My question is that those of you who have built your own router tables how many of you extended the outfeed and infeed portion of that top to make it easier to route longer pieces?

This question is really only geared toward stand alone units and not attached to table saws or outfeed tables of tablesaws.

I built mine over 8+ years ago and I made the top wider than the plans called for (Norm's plans), but only by a few inches.  There is a direct trade off the wider you go.  The wider you go the father away from the bit point you will be and the more you will have to lean to provide safe pressure and keeping you in a good posture (think of your back).  I went with a wider lateral top from the fence (left/right) to help support wider projects i.e. doors or large panels or table tops and I don't regret that at all.    I put 4" rolling lockable casters under mine and the elevation (not in Norm's plans) felt good to me, but I'm 6'1" so getting it up higher helped me.  For long pieces I support it with adjustable roller stands a couple will do the trick for infeed/outfeed issues.  I prefer the space to the right and left of the bit in parallel to the fence.  I would make your own though, it's cheaper and you can make it the way you want.  here's a link to mine. 

http://flic.kr/p/96WU78

 

[ericbuggeln]

Woodpeckers makes great tops. They have a bunch of different types. I think you can even get custom ones made up, Eric

 

[builderbob]

Woodpeckers makes great tops. They have a bunch of different types. I think you can even get custom ones made up, Eric

They don't do custom tops anymore...at least not on the phenolic. Maybe on the mdf tops...not sure.

Bob

 

[ericbuggeln]

Bob has like eight router table set ups. You should just buy one of his and call it a day, Eric

 

[cgmojoco]

Woodpeckers makes great tops. They have a bunch of different types. I think you can even get custom ones made up, Eric

They don't do custom tops anymore...at least not on the phenolic. Maybe on the mdf tops...not sure.

Bob

They don't do custom tops at alll...

I have the Incra LR32" positioner which will need a custom table and am still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do (the large positioner is really made for a table saw size setup so it will require a very large table)... I checked with Woodpeckers and they stated no cutom tables.

 

[nickao]

If you want me to check I may have that large router table top for the big incra that woodpeckers sold at one time, it's huge!. Its 50-50 on whether my brother took it out of storage.

 

[builderbob]

Bob has like eight router table set ups. You should just buy one of his and call it a day, Eric

Eric you know I have seven router tables...the CMS will make eight!

Bob

 

[ericbuggeln]

Bob, you should really stop messing with CL and just open a tool store. Give Coastal a run for their money, Eric