Posts Tagged ‘buying a router table’

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Everyone knows how famous Incra is for making super accurate tools. Just having one in the shop shows that accuracy is important to you. The tops and joinery systems take your woodworking to the next level. And lets not forget, they look really really awesome.  $679

Product Description-Incra Precision Tools LS32-TS-WF

The new INCRA LS32-TS-WF offers the one thing that every table saw fence should have that none does – namely, Automatic Positioning Control. All other table saws depend on a tape measure and your eyesight to position your work. That’s why all table saw users are resigned to the fact that a good cut requires long set-up times and endless trial and error. The INCRA TS-LS completely eliminates the need for these tedious processes by using INCRA’S patented lead screw technology to position your work instantly and automatically to within 0.002″.

Even better, if you want to repeat a cut, you can return to any former position in less than 5 seconds with ZERO repeatability error. This kind of accuracy and perfect repeatability are luxuries that woodworkers could only dream about before the INCRA TS-LS. And because of its structural design, centrally placed carriage, and optimized side mounted clamping system, the entire unit virtually welds itself together into one solid block of steel and aluminum when locked in place. The result is exceptional strength, rigidity and stability.

Includes-Incra Precision Tools LS32-TS-WF

32″ Range INCRA LS32 Positioner
Pair of 72″ TS Rails
Base Mount Unit for LS32
TS-IIIA Rip Fence
INCRA Wonder Fence
INCRA Shop Stop
INCRA JUMBO Right Angle Fixture
Master Reference Guide
51-Piece Template Library
All Instruction Manuals
82-Minute Instructional DVD
Router Table Extension Wings NOT Included

You can find the Incra LS32-TS-WF here

or

Here is a table that often gets overlooked. It is a full sized cabinet table that is comparable in features to the Larger Bench Dog 40-300 table, but a lot more inexpensive. This table is a custom table that is sourced and built for Router Table Depot Customers. When you look at the price, remember to factor in the larger delivery fee on bigger tables. As with all large router tables, this one is heavy and costs about $100 to deliver. Even adding that to the price still brings you in far less than a name brand table. It really has good looks too, plus a really nice cabinet with lots of storage. Price $469

At this printing there are no customer reviews for the table, but we will add them as they become available.

From the site:

RTD presents a little something different, a custom hand built router table. If you’re tastes vary from the typical name brand table, this deluxe router table might just be the ticket. It is chock full of features and is bound to help you create all sorts of unique projects and special memories for you and your family.

Cabinet

• Cabinet is constructed of solid wood core Oak veneer panels. This material is not common plywood, it is solid wood laminated on both sides with Oak veneer, very strong! Inside shelves are mdf Built in floor leveling system compensates for uneven floors and keeps the unit stable. Total height to table surface is 35”.
• 2 drawers hold 28 – ½” bits, 2 drawers hold 36 – ¼” bits and 1 wrench drawer. Lower storage drawer is mounted on KV roller slides and large enough to hold several routers. The side 2 ½” quick-connect dust port draws dust through the fence and out of the router compartment while ventilating the router motor.
• Router compartment light is great for changing router height and bits. Plus being able to see the work as it contacts the bit under power. Once you use a table with a light you will wonder how you ever managed without. On/Off switches for the Router and Light are mounted in front for easy access. Both recessed for safety. Two 120-volt receptacles in back. Equipped with 6′ Power cord and casters.

Top

• Top is 22″x 30″ x ¾” thick with durable ThermoSet Plastic Melamine on both Top and Bottom surfaces. Table edges are thickened to 1 ½ and wrapped in Oak for durability and plenty of heft for clamping fixtures down. Two ¾ steel reinforcement struts run the width of the table top to insure it stays flat Plus two additional steel bars under the router opening to support large routers without worry. The 9-¼”x 11-¾”x 3/8’ opening in top is sized to accept many of the most popular router lifts. Clear 3/8”Acrylic plate with 6 leveling screws ships blank for custom fitting to routers up to 3 1/4 hp from All manufacturers.
• Plate is offset to the backside of the table to allow more working surface in front where it’s needed. Aluminum ¾” x 3/8” miter track runs the width of the top.
• Steel Reinforced

Fence

• The fence is constructed of 9 ply cabinet grade ½” Baltic Birch using glue, brads and screws with enough supports to insure it stays square.
• The fence is mounted to the table with large Star Shaped comfort grip knobs. A few turns of the large knobs and the fence lifts off, leaving a smooth unobstructed table for pattern and freehand work.
• The 4 1/4″ tall-segmented fence is ideal for control and accuracy in vertical routing operations. The top section has a “T” slot along its length for attachments such as feather boards, hold downs, stop blocks and guards. The lower section opens from 0″ to 3 1/2″ for the safe use of larger bits. Fence adjusts Forward and Back 5″. Dust is collected through the fence from under the table surface.
• T-track on fence is included

Shipping

• After inspection the top and base are removed for shipping. Assembling the table, with the supplied hardware, is a simple project requiring only a few minutes.

• Assembly and illustrated router mounting instructions included.
• Fixed rate shipping on this item. ($89) No shipping outside of USA nor canada, HI, or AK

• This table needs 7 to 10 days lead time, this overrides the statement that says it ships in 2 to 3 days.

Woodpeckers woodworking makes some really great router tables. They are not as well known as some of the other brands but that does not mean much in quality. These tables are well thought out and use some very good design work. Traditionally this table just comes with the top. You have to buy your fence, insert, and stand seperately. Router Table Depot put them all together and called it system one, (very similar to what Rockler did with Package 1) to give you everything you need out of the box. It is competively priced at $320 as well. Here are the features of the table.

Introducing Woodpeckers newest router table; the 24 x 32 Precision Router Table. Taking advantage of our 15 years of manufacturing experiences, we’ve taken this MDF router table to a whole new level. This unit is predrilled for the listed routers below. (only)

Top

• 32″ x 23 1/2″ x 1 1/4″
• Micro Dot Laminate over MDF core
• Combination Miter track and T-track channel (1 piece)
• 2 Embeded Fence Tracks
• Laminated bottom

Insert

• Phenolic Mounting Plate
• Pre Drilled for Porter Cable models 690, 890, 7529 and 8529 Makita 1101, and Bosch Models 1617, 1618 series
• Measures 11 3/4″ x 9 1/4″ x 3/8″
• 3 Twist Lock Rings with 2 5/8″, 1″, 1 3/16″ openings
• Spanner ring wrench and starter pin

Fence

• 32″ LE Fence
• Aluminum Core with Micro Adjust
• 15 3/4″ x 3″ Extensions, Laminated MDF
• Dust Port, 2 1/4″ Internal diameter
• Saftey Cover
• Black Knob and bolt assemblies to ride in fence track

Stand

• 27″ x 19″ x 32″
• Easy Assembly
• Steel
• threaded insert kit

Woodpecker top does not come predrilled for a stand. This table comes with four threaded inserts and bolts for easy attachement. (see the directions page for this)

From the Manufacturer

Building on the flatness advantages of MDF, the Woodpeckers Precision Router Table features a lower friction “Micro-Dot” laminate, a bolted in combination T-miter channel / T-track and two embedded fence tracks.

The new Micro-Dot laminate product from Formica greatly reduces the drag from sliding wood over the table top. A continuous pattern of small dimples serve to decrease the contact area between the work piece and work surface. Decreased contact area results in lower friction.

Our new tables also feature an anodized aluminum combination T-Miter Channel / T-track which is bolted in from underneath making it extremely resistant to pull-out when using feather boards or other types of clamps. This attachment technique also makes it very easy to replace the channel if necessary.

Two embedded, anodized aluminum tracks are spaced on 17” centers to accommodate Woodpeckers LE or Super Fence.

Like all Woodpeckers router tables, the table is laminated on both sides with a full thickness, horizontal grade laminate, pressed in a fifty ton press, heated for four hours to stabilize the panel and machined in a CNC router to achieve tight tolerance features.

Table size is 23-1/2 x 31-1/2 x 1-3/8 thick with the router opening centered length wise and offset back approximately 13” from the front. The plate opening is a standard 9-1/4 x 11-3/4, 3/8 deep with 3/4 radiused corners. The support lip has eight leveling screws to set the router plate flush with the table surface. All outside edges are sealed with PVC edge banding.

You can find the Woodpeckers Router Table here.

This is a review of Router Table Depot’s Large RM 405 router table.  This table turned out to be much better than I ever expected.  A couple of things stood out.  First is the fence.  Everyone knows that the fence is the heart and soul of a table.  I really liked the heavy duty aluminum core.  The picture just does not show how heavy and robust this thing is.  It also has these 6″ high MDF extensions.  Now other tables such as Bench Dog or Woodpeckers give you a 3′ high extension, so these were really stand out.  The extra space can help you use vertical bits which tend to stand up taller and in turn you would be routing larger items like a door panel.  So having the extra few inches on the fence saved me from building up my own custom fence just to get the job done.

The table top is nice too, laminated on both sides and sporting a typical acrylic insert.  This insert is fine for normal everyday routing, which is what I mostly do.  It also has a miter track so that you can add something like a coping sled or a featherboard too.  The stand is slightly different than what is pictured.  It would appear to have been improved slightly by adding a bigger leg and adding a slight camber to it.  You can still add a shelf and I give the design a thumbs up for the money.

Here are the features of the table for your research:

Top

• 31 3/4″ x 23 3/4″
• 1 3/8″ thick
• Top and bottom laminate surface
• 3/4″ mitre track installed

Insert

• Deluxe Insert with removable rings
• 12″x 9″ x 3/8″ thick
• 1/4″ mounting lip
• 1 1/4″ opening for Porter Cable style bushings
• 2 5/8″ opening
• 4″ opening
• Can be used with any router
• Starter pin included
• Stays perfectly in place with magnets and set screws to the top  Perfect for fine precision work.

Fence

• Split fence design
• Aluminum angle iron with dust cutout
• Aluminum measures 33″ x 4″ x 4″
• MDF adjustable fences are a whopping 1″ thick
• MDF fences measure 18″ x 6″
• T-track installed for accessories!
• Upgraded dust port with 2 1/2 adaptor to attach directly to 2 1/2″ hose
• Measuring tape on top of fence
• High quality laminate covering

Stand

• Sturdy Steel design
• Easy assembly
• 27″ x 19″ x 32″

Shipping Dimensions

• 34″ x 26″ x 8″

You can find the table right on their site.  Router Table or by going to Router Table Depot directly.

Part 2 of Buying Routers for Woodworking

Collet size

Most routers today are sold with two different sized collets. The collets is the device that holds the bit in the motor. The two most common sizes are ½” and ¼”. These two sizes match the two sizes of router bits sold. So why do you need both? ½” bits are more robust than ¼” bits. If your doing larger jobs like raised panel, you want a little more strength in your bit size which mostly relates to safety. ¼” sized bits are more widely available in a larger variety of styles. If your looking for some smaller bits for smaller details (like a small cove bit) they most likely come with a ¼ “ diameter. Most routers accept both. If they don’t, it is somewhat limiting, so I recommend buying a router that has both collets.

Power

Bigger is better right? I could go on and on about this subject and most likely argue with a lot of people. Think of this way. Most men think they need the most HP that is available. Its kind of like a car, if it has a bigger motor we generally think its better. Is it? Not always and here is why. Bigger does not mean you can take more off in one pass. You can but is it smart. Every wood species is different. If you take big chunks off of certain species you can burn it or gouge it or endanger yourself. Why do this? Taking smaller bites and several passes is the sure way to quality and safety. If your in production and need speed and efficiency, buy a shaper and a power feeder. For most of us woodworkers a 1 ½ HP will do all that you could ever ask for in a router. The goal is to work in your shop with all of your fingers and both sets of eyeballs in tack. Don’t jepordize that with the thinking that you need 3 ½ HP to spin that big ole router bit. I have a 3 ½ HP pig of a router that is collecting dust because its so big and heavy that It’s a pain to use. Again, preference is the prevailing factor. Bigger is not always better.

Amps verses HP

Most manufactures measure their router motors with a HP rating. This we men understand. The new norm is Amps. Amps are part of the power formula and help determine horsepower. The larger the HP the more amps it is rated for. So what does that mean to you. Well in short, if you have a 15 Amp router and you plug it into your 10 amp wall plug and you decide to run a dust collector at the same time, guess what happens. Yes it’s frustrating to stop and rewire your shop.

EVS

Electronic Variable Speed lets you control the speed of the motor. You want to do this if you plan on turning bigger profile bits. You cannot put a large router bit in your router and spin it at full speed. Some are too big and become very very dangereous. If the router you are thinking about buying does not have EVS you can always buy a router speed control. These are small units that you plug your router into and you can control the speed externally. This feature is becoming standard on most routers offered today.

Combos

Buying a combo pack can be like getting two routers for the price of one. Spending the extra cash is worth it to some people, only you can be the judge.

Price

Do your homework. Price them out. The internet is a great place to price routers than from just buying from Lowe’s or Home Depot. Look around. If your on a budget, try Ebay, but stick to a name brand.

If you missed part 1, you can find it here Buying Routers For woodworking, part 1

I get questions related to router table fences all the time. There are two major types of router table fences, and both have their advantages and disadvantages.

• Fixed Fences
• Split Fences

Fixed Fences

Fixed fences in their essence started out as a hunk of wood clamped to the table. If the wood was straight, you enjoyed good results, if it was not, you suffered. So you can easily find a nice straight piece of wood for a fence, clamp it to a board and use it for a fence. A good way to build a beginner router table is to bolt a router to a piece of MDF and then clamp your fence to it. You will instantly be able to tell if you like this setup and will figure out quickly if buying a table is in your future. The scrap piece of fence wood is only good for certain projects. Routing raised panel joinery and other precise projects are not the best uses of this basic approach.

Fixed Fence,

Split Fences

Split fences are a fancier version of a fixed fence. They include dust collection and give you the ability to adjust the two extensions to fit the size of the bit you are using. Split fences also give you the opportunity to use your router table as a jointer. Personally I am not fond of this approach, but it does have some appeal to other woodworkers.

The split fence is comprised of a metal or wood core, two extensions and dust collection. The fence extensions are basically two individual pieces of laminated stock that slide back and forth along the fence core. These extensions have t-track or grooves that allow them to move back and forth along the fence core. The extensions are locked into place via knobs on the back of the aluminum core. It is important to know that good quality fence extensions are usually 1” thick or more since they have to house the t-track in a dado or groove. If you tried to use ¾” stock, you would have a very weak extension that would not hold up very well in the workshop. Standard t-track is ½” thick , if you were to groove or dado out ¾” stock, that would only leave you ¼” stock left over.

T-track on the fence face

Have T-track on the fence face is a handy accessory. You can use it for many things. A very good use is to hold accessories such as our safety bit cover. This cover allows you to have some protection from the router bit. You can also use the t-track to hold a stop block or feather board. T-track can be seen here, for additional pictures.

T-track on the router table.

T-track on the router table is installed in order for the fence to ride along the track and be fastened down in a certain spot. This is a very handy item to have on your table and will allow you to make your routing more precise. You can utilize the t-track on both fixed and split fences.

Precision Fences

There is another player in the field that is for more advanced woodworking and those are the precision woodworking fences such as the Incra Jig  This fence systems attach to your table and allow you to make precise movements and calibrations for different types of projects.  They are especially handy for detailed joinery such as box joints or dovetails.  You can see more about Incra Fence Jigs here.

If you were to sum it up, the split fence main advantage is to be able to move the extensions in and out to give you a “zero tolerance” type of fit around the router bit.S

Both fences have their advantages. Preference goes towards what type projects your going to be building. If you are doing simple projects or are new to routing, you can easily make do with a fixed fence. If you have some advanced routing techniques in your background, you might want to consider a split fence. Buying a split fence for simple applications might be considered if you think you will need to move up in the near future.

Bench Top Router Table

Bench top router tables come in handy when you do not have a lot of space in the workshop.  A lot of tables have the same features as their full time cousins and can give you a lot of the same benefits.  It is not uncommon to find a benchtop router table that you can do raised panel joinery on.  This opens up a lot of doors (no pun intended) and makes owning a table chock full of features now a matter of budget.  Most of the time the smaller bench top router tables are merly smaller versions of the larger router tables.

Features:

Look for:

• removable inserts (full size)
• adjustable split fences
• dust collection
• enough distance from the bottom of the router to the bench to give the router adequate room for air intake
• miter track (standard size)
• router track for add on such as stop block or feather boards

Stands

Most have stands that are mini steel stands or even small cabinets.  You can find different designs with small legs as well.  These usually come down to preference

Let the Router Maniac do the work for you in regards to comparing router tables. We will be adding comparisons of like tables so that you can cut down your research time. All brands will be compared for a quick reference for your buying needs.