UJK Professional Router Table - Video Review

[Stone Message]

Hello Everyone

I have finally bought myself a router table. I no longer needed a mobile solution and so was able to save some money by going for a shop based system made by UJK. I do not know whether they sell this kit around the world and doubt whether they would answer a question like that from some unknown guy like me over the phone. Perhaps some of the UK FOGgers will know the answer.

The UJK Professional Router Table is a lovely bit of kit. My very first cut was a rail and stile (for a raised panel door) and it was perfect first time - router height accuracy of better than 0.1 mm.

Here is the link:



Peter

 

[Kev]

Thanks Peter,

Surprised you didn't go for a Festool CMS. Any thoughts on your decision you're willing to share?

Interesting table.

cheers,

Kev.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Kev

I was really keen to get the Festool CMS-OF but could not justify the price and, despite trying, was unable to get any deals or call in any favours even with the prospect of it appearing in many videos!

I then sat down and wrote a list of the features that I needed and put them in priority order. I soon realised that portability (CMS feature) was not on my list at all. I mention my key criteria in the video and the UJK setup delivers on every count. I have been a frequent visitor at my local Axminster store (bought most of my Festool kit there) and know that one can do a bit of haggling and, for something like this, get 5% knocked off or get an accessory thrown in.

A whole shed load of my YouTube viewers have asked me to demonstrate all sorts of things on a router table and so I have a steady stream of videos to make. I have just received a commission which will pay for the router table.

Peter

 

[Kev]

Hi Kev

I was really keen to get the Festool CMS-OF but could not justify the price and, despite trying, was unable to get any deals or call in any favours even with the prospect of it appearing in many videos!

I then sat down and wrote a list of the features that I needed and put them in priority order. I soon realised that portability (CMS feature) was not on my list at all. I mention my key criteria in the video and the UJK setup delivers on every count. I have been a frequent visitor at my local Axminster store (bought most of my Festool kit there) and know that one can do a bit of haggling and, for something like this, get 5% knocked off or get an accessory thrown in.

A whole shed load of my YouTube viewers have asked me to demonstrate all sorts of things on a router table and so I have a steady stream of videos to make. I have just received a commission which will pay for the router table.

Peter

Thanks Peter,

More than fair enough [wink]

I must admit to spending more on router bits in the last two weeks than the CMS OF would cost me and I still haven't "leapt" ... my criteria is similar to yours, but I am probably more space restricted [embarassed]

Just another question if you don't mind, what router did you stick in there?

cheers,

Kev.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Kev

I would like to have put the OF2200 in there as it is the perfect router for a table - but it is way too big for the router elevator. There is no way that I would sacrifice my beautiful OF1400 and have it hidden from view - rarely to be caressed by human hand.

So, I have put my Dewalt 625 in there. I also have the CMT exact replica (made in the same OEM factory) but that is already installed in my other (homemade) table.

I too have space issues and this table can be tucked away in a corner when not in use but it does not have the advantage of being able to put the CMS-OF, complete with router, on a shelf out of the way. I would never do this and, if I had managed to get the CMS-OF, I would have had to get a second set of legs so that my CMS-TS and CMS-OF could both be set up all of the time. I like my machines to be ready for action all of the time and would never have machines sharing common parts - especially legs and fences.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Peter,

Nice videos.  Also nice explanation of your decision making process.  Of course, being on the side of the pond where we can only get the CMS set up as a router table, I was a bit confused by your CMS-OF explanation (with a CMS already in the background in your video) until I visited the Festool UK site and saw that you had just the TS setup.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Peter that is the best review yet. You are awesome

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Sancho

Many thanks - you can get one of these whilst you are in the UK - then put your own 110v router in it when you get back home.

That cast iron top makes the whole thing so smooth and easy to use.

Peter

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

Hi Peter,

Another great review BTW...!!!!!

I recently received a flyer from Axminster Tools that had a feature on the UJK Router table, and it does look impressive!!!

One question I have, as I have been looking at router tables recently to replace my old one, do you feel the extra expense of the cast iron table over the Phenolic table top is worth the extra investment?

I don't use my current Router table on a daily basis, but I try and use it as often as possible when the circumstances dictate. Is it a case of the longevity that is gained with the cast iron or purely stability?

Just interested in your thoughts on the subject as I have always found your videos and posts helpful, and I value your opinion.

Regards, Tim (Distinctive Interiors)

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Tim,

I went to the Axminster store to check out the options about 3 months ago. At that time I was not set on the UJK table.

The MDF top was not for me as I was worried that it might not stand the test of time in a professional setting. The phenolic looked really good and I might have gone for it but one of the staff said that the cast iron would makes things much smoother with less vibration. I am using the exact same router (Dewalt 625) that I had in my large old homemade table and the cast iron top is as smooth as silk. The finish is better and it really is sweet to use. I amazed myself during the video by making that profile cut in the old bits of oak an exact fit first time with no practice go at all - that had a lot to do with the router elevator being so accurate.

Peter

 

[Timtool]

Not totally related but i have been lurking at the UKJ pocket hole jig, because it can handle thinner stock than my trend jig.
So i was wondering what the general quality feel of UKJ is? Is it actually made in the UK?

 

[Stone Message]

Not totally related but i have been lurking at the UKJ pocket hole jig, because it can handle thinner stock than my trend jig.
So i was wondering what the general quality feel of UKJ is? Is it actually made in the UK?

Hi Tim

I first bought the UJK guide bushes that fit the guide ring adapter for my OF1400. They were really good and excellent value for money. I have since discovered that they were designed in the UK but I do not know where they are manufactured.

I do not know where the UJK Professional Router Table is made and I do not know anyone well enough to find out. Many tools today, with exceptions like Festool, have major parts made in the Far East. This might be the case here but I would think that the cost of transport might come into the equation. The bottom line is that the kit is well made and a joy to use - I have just made a special drawer for my graphics tablet which need loads of operations on the router table - the accuracy is brilliant and makes setups quick and reliable.

Peter

 

[danbox]

Hi,
I've just bought the large UJK cast iron top, router lift, pro fence, micro adjusters and pro fence. [big grin]

I didn't want the metal stand or dust box as I'm going to build a Norm Abram inspired cabinet for it to sit on, was just wondering if any one has done this before with a UJK premade top, would be good to see how you guys have yours setup?

I want the cabinet to be wider than the table but haven't decided yet whether to build it wider or have sides/supports that can attached or folded up.

I also decided on purchasing this top after seeing Mr Parfits review and how pleased he was with his, so if you read this Peter make sure you let them know.

Dan.

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks Dan

Peter