A Custom Router Table
Adds Precision to Your Work.
A Router Table quiets a router, helps control wood dust, and adds a little extra safety to routing. It provides a stable platform to do complicated shaping, as well as precise edging.
A quality table can handle 80% of all routing. It makes good practical sense to have a solid table.
You can purchase one through various vendors/catalogs. You will learn more about woodworking if you make your own. Making your own will evolve over time.
Alternatively, you can make this unique custom table, improving its features as you go along.
Features of this Custom Router Table:
- Router bit storage for 41 various size router bits.
- The Router Lift makes it easy to adjust the Router.
- The on/off switch is easily accessible.
- Two drawers for wrenches and accessories.
- Lower doors shelf has amble storage for the portable router and accessories.
- The Lexan "window" drops down for easy access to the PC 7518.
- Has casters to move easily.
- Hardly any dust gets into the cabinet.
What More Could You Ask?
A complete Bill of Materials and drawings for this Custom Table are in my Plans Section.
Table Fence
What to look for in a router fence:
- Repeatability
- Zero-deflection
- Straightness
- Ability to square it up to the table top
- chip/dust collection
- Easily clamps to table and adjust
Hartville Tool has a good fence at a fair price. JessEm's Mast-R-Fence is better, but nearly $100 more.
Alternatively, you can build your own fence. With expert instructions and hardware, you can build a professional-style router table fence. Why not save some money?
Router Table Fence – Build Your Own and Save!
Router Table Top
The Top should be flat and stable to do quality work. I prefer a high-pressure laminate top on both sides. It seems better to me than melamine or other types. It makes sense to have a clean top – no miter channel. Those things weaken the top and just collect sawdust. You rarely need them.
I know from experience.
It is not hard to make one. Or you can find quality tops at a fair price without all the bells and whistles. Try to find one around 24" wide x 32" long. If you put the router plate towards the back, it will provide more work room for wider boards.
I made a new table top for this router table. Pictured below is the top with oak edging. It has all of the features mentioned above. This top is 1 1/8" thick x 24" wide x 32" long.
If you are interested, there is a limited supply of these tops.
For more details, Contact Me!
Router Plate & Inserts
There are many router plates available. The snap-out rings for many are not easy. I broke a couple of snap-out rings when trying to take them out. From a user-friendly standpoint, they are difficult. Some of these insert plates tend to sag over time. That will not give you an accurate cut.
You may skimp on this item, but I think you will be sorry in the end. It seems prudent to get a 3/8" solid aluminum one with inserts that are easy to change. They remain flat, and are easy to exchange the inserts.
It is best to have an insert that accepts PC guide bushings. A couple of different size inserts are good for larger router bits. Woodpecker makes a top quality one. Once in awhile you can find them on sale.
