Router Table... Yes or No

[Gmark]

I am an aspiring woodworker.  Over the years I have progressed from carpentry projects to large trim projects and I m now ready to move onto cabinetry.  Last weekend I purchased a full blown Kreg router table setup (top, stand, fence, lift and PC motor).  It was probably around $1200. I have not opened the boxes yet.

I am getting ready to by a Festool CT26, an MFT/3 a TS55 and an extra 55" rail.

The choice to purchase the router table was to be able to create rabbits and gooves for drawers, create nice drawer front profiles and even make some raised panel doors. My question is this....  Would I be better off allocating my money to the OF2200.  I see the added versitility of being able to take advantage of dust collection, drill shelf pin holes, bore hinge holes,  route dadoes and who knows what else as a result of the versitility Festool system approach.

Like anything, there is probably no clear answer to my question.  I suppose I am wondering if Festool shops rely on router tables as much as traditional shops.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[mouppe]

I find my router table essential. The router can be a very dangerous tool, and there are some cuts that I would only want to do on a router table. You do not need an expensive setup- my table only cost a few hundred bucks. I would not want to use large bits in a hand-held router. Some people do, but it's not for me.

I also have an OF1400 which is a fantastic router. I use it a lot. Just to give you an example of the small end of the spectrum, recently I used it to route grooves 1/32" deep by 1/16" wide. This was for inlay in each side of 8 table legs- 32 sides! The cuts were so tiny, yet the router was so precise, well-balanced and accurate, and all the cuts were identical.

I think this router plus a small router table (with a PC router in it) would suit your needs very well. With this combination, you can do anything you require from a router.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

I would go with a router table over hand held for a lot of what you have in mind. Not only will it do those things mor easily than hand held , but it will do a lot more stuff too.  I am also thinking that for the $900 (keep the PC motor if it is the big one) you should consider the Incra systems. Nothing wrong with the Kreg stuff but for that amount of money I feel that the Incra will offer easier use and more capability.

No reason that you can't have good dust collection on a router table.

Seth

 

[fritter63]

I used a handheld pc 7518 to make raised panels once.

ONCE.

Of that experience I'll say, it's the only time I've broken a sweat using a power tool....and it wasn't from exertion....

ETA: Pictures of final result.

[attachthumb=#]

[attachthumb=#]

 

[tiralie]

The choice to purchase the router table was to be able to create rabbits and gooves for drawers, create nice drawer front profiles and even make some raised panel doors.

Hey Gmark:
I have an OF2200 and a router table. Here are my comments:

1. create rabbits - OF 2200 is overkill a 1400 or 1010 can do this
2. grooves for drawers - again OF 2200 is overkill and a 1400, 1010 even a 700 or a Bosch Colt would work.
3. create nice drawer front profiles - I am not sure what this is? but guessing you could use the above or your router table depending on the complexity of the profile.
4. make some raised panel doors- you need your/a router table or a molder/shaper to do this. You can do it with a router holding it by hand but it's not for the faint of heart.

Keep your router table, hopefully you got the large PC motor and if you can, buy a 1400. It's going to be way more versatile and usable for what you want to do than a OF2200.

Tim

 

[PaulMarcel]

Definitely agree that a router table offers more than you get going handheld-only especially for creating molding.  Routing a pattern is a PITA handheld unless you have a bucket of bench cookies; so much easier on the table.  My table is very dust-free.  I'd say most (all?) are definitely not dust-free out of the box; you have to do a couple shop projects for that.

 

[kdzito]

Well, this is a tough call.  From what I've seen there are benefits to both.  In seeing that you primarily want to do cabinet work I tend to prefer the router table set up.  I like using the router table over say trying to guide the router free hand in making multible cabinet parts as you can just grab and slide the pieces through the table versus trying walk back and forth when doing it free hand.  Remember that the OF 2200 weighs 17 lbs and although pushing it along is extremely easy it's the continuous set-down and pick-up you'll have to do with it.  This gets very tedious after trying to route multiple pieces. Plus using a raised panel bit in the OF 2200 is not for the weak as you really have to keep your utmost attention.  I feel much safer on the table while using the raised panel bit.    As for the shelf pins and hinge boring I don't think you can use the OF 2200 as Festools LR 32 Hole Drilling System is used only on the OF 1010 and 1400.  

Brice Burrell's website as he has put together an excellent tutorial of the OF 2200 for cabinetry work.  He shows how to build a cabinet door with a raised panel design.

IMHO the router table set up would be more versatile as realistically your PC and table is preferred by many other FOGer's

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Damn, 1200 bucks for a router table?

A person could have got a nice used shaper and been able to do whatever you want.

The 1400 will do all you want.  I really like that router.

 

[chrisrosenb]

You have a nice router table setup. You should keep it.
The only time I do free hand routing is if the item is too large to get on the router table.

 

[Curt B]

I would agree w/ above posts and say any pretty much any hand held router will do the trick for most applications.  Keep the router table... or if you are truly serious about getting into cabinet making... snd it back and get a nice 3 hp or larger shaper.  A router table will get you by but having designated shapers and feeders are worth there weight in gold.  $1200 for the router table would get you a decent entry level shaper/ feeder.  you can still use a router collet, but the RPM's are to low for some apps.  

As far as dados and rabbits... do you have a table saw??? invest in a nice stacked dado set (forrest dado king) you will be far more efficent and productive with a table saw. Before  the CNC days, all my casework was done just like that.  Although an OF1400 on a guide rail does the trick for large/ akward material.    

Your on the right path with the TS55, I am assuming you are using it to break down sheets... it really excells at this!  good luck  [smile]

 

[kdzito]

Also, I spent the last 2 months experimenting with the router set-up for doing cabinetry work as a hobbyist only and here's what I now prefer:

1.  Triton 3-1/4 HP router, they cost considerably less than a PC
2.  You do not use a lift with the Triton as it has a free plunge feature by taking out the spring.  Very cool saves the $200 to $300 for the lift.
3.  I put my Triton on a Woodpecker's table set-up with an aluminum plate, phenolic top, and steel stand.  I also bought a Woodpeckers coping sled.

So all in all I spent a little over $800 (excluding a fence) between the Triton and Woodpecker set-up and am extremely happy with it.  

BTW I have an OF 1400 and think its perfect for routing free hand (dadoes and edge work).

 

[Rick Christopherson]

For the amount of money you have spent on a router table, you are already up in the range of a good quality shaper. A router table is supposed to be the "poor man's" shaper, but these days, people are investing so much money in their router tables that they exceed the cost of a shaper. I've never understood this. You said you haven't opened yours. Does this mean you have options?

By the way, most good shapers have spindles with router bit collets, so you are not limited to using only shaper cutters in shapers. Most of the cutters I use in my shaper are actually router bits. The only shaper cutters I use are panel raisers and cope/stick door cutters, however, I also have router bit sets of both of these.

 

[chrisrosenb]

For the amount of money you have spent on a router table, you are already up in the range of a good quality shaper. A router table is supposed to be the "poor man's" shaper, but these days, people are investing so much money in their router tables that they exceed the cost of a shaper. I've never understood this.

Rick,

I have 4 shapers, but I would not be without my router table.

Although that could change after I attend the Festool Door & Drawer class later this month.

 

[Curt B]

In our shop we have a shop built router table w/ a small delta versa feeder on it... it hasn't been used in probably 3 years. our shapers are run at least 20 hrs a week.  the router table/ shaper debate i feel comes down to shop demand.  Router tables have there place...  when balancing cut quality, chip load, tooling quality, speed, and operater safety... a shaper will not be beat.

 

[extiger]

You say you want to make Cabinets.  Here is my strategy --- devised for saving money, safety and versatility.

MFT with OF 1400   -- Dados, trenching, grooving

WoodRat ( with DeWalt 625)  Most joinery (T&G,M&T, Dovetails) a Leigh Jig would substitute.

Self Made Router Table --- Edge work  

The table is the design from Bill Hylton's update router book. Lift top. Milwaukee fixed base with no lift. Cheap, cheap, cheap.

For a serious pro, one big reason to limit expense on a router table is that you might want a shaper down the line. To do production work.

Gary Curtis

 

[Alan m]

first of all  [welcome]

this is an age old debate.
i personally have a incra top and ls positioner (see avitar) soon to have lift and dw 625 mounted in it and i love it , it will be the best a router table can be .  i agree with everything said about the shaper it is all correct, the only downside to the shaper is that you cant cut into the face of a wide board such as a groove etc. i wish i bought a shaper first but thought it was  a lot of money at the time, in hind sight it wasnt. the cutters are a lot cheaper and give a better finish.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Rick,

I have 4 shapers, but I would not be without my router table.

Although that could change after I attend the Festool Door & Drawer class later this month.

Well, in all fairness and disclosure, I do have this router cabinet in my basement right now. It is actually more robust than the cabinet on my 3hp shaper.  I just finished writing assembly instructions for it earlier this week, and I don't know if I have to return it to Rockler or not. I also have an OF2200 that I don't use either. So given the combination of things sitting around in my shop, I would probably put the OF2200 into the Rockler cabinet just for the heck of it. That doesn't mean I have any intention of replacing my shaper with a router table, but I have been known to collect tools for the sake of collecting them.  [tongue]

I wouldn't even contemplate it if I didn't have the OF2200. I used to have an old Bosch router mounted in my tablesaw extension before I replaced it with a shaper. That was a nightmare. At least with the OF2200, it has some features that would make it worth the trouble. Who knows? Maybe it will change my jaded mind about router tables.  [big grin] [big grin]

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Rick,

I have 4 shapers, but I would not be without my router table.

Although that could change after I attend the Festool Door & Drawer class later this month.

Well, in all fairness and disclosure, I do have this router cabinet in my basement right now. It is actually more robust than the cabinet on my 3hp shaper.  I just finished writing assembly instructions for it earlier this week, and I don't know if I have to return it to Rockler or not. I also have an OF2200 that I don't use either. So given the combination of things sitting around in my shop, I would probably put the OF2200 into the Rockler cabinet just for the heck of it. That doesn't mean I have any intention of replacing my shaper with a router table, but I have been known to collect tools for the sake of collecting them.  [tongue]

I wouldn't even contemplate it if I didn't have the OF2200. I used to have an old Bosch router mounted in my tablesaw extension before I replaced it with a shaper. That was a nightmare. At least with the OF2200, it has some features that would make it worth the trouble. Who knows? Maybe it will change my jaded mind about router tables.  [big grin] [big grin]

That's funny, at least to me, since I spoke with Rockler about a couple of months ago regarding that router cabinet/table.  There's a video of it being demonstrated at a woodworking show.  Anyway they told me it wasn't available yet.  There was a production delay.  Now I see why.  Rick, hurry up and finish the damn manual.  [big grin]

 

[GPowers]

I have the same Kreg set up as you just bought (Top PC, Lift, fence, power switch, and wheel kit). I have used to to make a few cabinet and currently in the middle of a larger cabinet project. along with the Kreg setup I have used the Sommerfiels "matched" router bit sets for cabinet door creation. 

So far I have been very happy with the Kreg setup, True it is expensive. But it has made raised panel door possible.

I will be going the the Doors and Drawers class in May to check out the Festool way and see how the results compare with the kreg router table.

My only beef with using router bits is the bit diameter size limits. I would like a larger cove on the raised panels, but then a larger cove can be cut on the table saw.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

That's funny, at least to me, since I spoke with Rockler about a couple of months ago regarding that router cabinet/table.  There's a video of it being demonstrated at a woodworking show.  Anyway they told me it wasn't available yet.  There was a production delay.  Now I see why.  Rick, hurry up and finish the damn manual.  [big grin]

Well, they did make some trivial design changes to screw locations the week before it was scheduled to be released (delayed by 1 week), but I don't think my manual was the reason for the delay (well, that's what I tell myself so I can sleep at night).  [big grin] It was an unplanned project for me. They contacted me and asked if I could knock out an instruction sheet ASAP. It was fun work and sure beats the boring stuff I've been doing for a vehicle-type company. I'm hoping to do some more work for them.

The Router Cabinet was made available earlier this week: Rockler Router Cabinet Page

I have no stake in the matter, but if you were planning on getting one, I sure was impressed with the "Heft" of this thing. I don't recall the gauge, but the cabinet walls are twice the thickness of my shaper cabinet. What really blew my mind was to discover that the Top and Bottom panels were constructed from 10 ga steel (about 1/8" thick). So are the shelf support brackets. I know the company that fabricated the steel and it is the same company I originally approached for making my own MGS Guides. Everything is laser cut and CNC punched.

I like Rockler. The Woodworker's Journal even did a write-up on my MGS-Guides for the Domino Joiner.