Floor model router tables
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bob15
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
How much money do you want to spend?
How often will you use it?
You had one you like, buy another.....
I have an old P-C, but it gets used once every 2-3 years
How much money do you want to spend?
How often will you use it?
You had one you like, buy another.....
I have an old P-C, but it gets used once every 2-3 years
acer66
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
I use the aluminum top Bosch bench top but since bench top space is a premium it was on the shelve most of the time because it was to much hassle for me to drag it out.
Now it lives on a makeshift mobil base and it gets used a lot more.
I use the aluminum top Bosch bench top but since bench top space is a premium it was on the shelve most of the time because it was to much hassle for me to drag it out.
Now it lives on a makeshift mobil base and it gets used a lot more.
brianh
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
I made one it holds 3 routers nice to have several bits setup without changing over on jobs.
I made one it holds 3 routers nice to have several bits setup without changing over on jobs.
Renegade1LI
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
I would go with a small shaper, more versatile and the mass of the cast iron is nice, the jet or griz 1 1/2 HP can be found for a reasonable price used. Don't listen to the" can't use router bits in a shaper" I've used them for years, great results, most small shapers come with a router collet, plus you can use shaper cutters.
I would go with a small shaper, more versatile and the mass of the cast iron is nice, the jet or griz 1 1/2 HP can be found for a reasonable price used. Don't listen to the" can't use router bits in a shaper" I've used them for years, great results, most small shapers come with a router collet, plus you can use shaper cutters.
Re: Flor model router tables
I can virtually guarantee the lack of responses was due to lack of information you provided. You wrote one sentence and expect help. Why would I go through the trouble of recommending a $1000 router table package when you want to spend $200 or only need it for putting roundovers on stock with a trim router or maybe you want to create your own moldings for the house you’re building? In both those cases, that $1000 router table package is a silly recommendation.
Start with the budget, then elaborate on the features you need and additional features you might like if it allows within the budget. Do you want something that attaches to the table saw extension or is that not applicable? That starts a productive conversation where you might get some useful input.
I can virtually guarantee the lack of responses was due to lack of information you provided. You wrote one sentence and expect help. Why would I go through the trouble of recommending a $1000 router table package when you want to spend $200 or only need it for putting roundovers on stock with a trim router or maybe you want to create your own moldings for the house you’re building? In both those cases, that $1000 router table package is a silly recommendation.
Start with the budget, then elaborate on the features you need and additional features you might like if it allows within the budget. Do you want something that attaches to the table saw extension or is that not applicable? That starts a productive conversation where you might get some useful input.
Re: Flor model router tables
Thank you that was the direction I was looking . Your confirmation that you can use router bits is also helpful
As to RKA’s comments, the Jess Um I had was in the 1k price range and only because of space did I get rid of it. Plenty of space now and over the years I’ve learned dedicated tools are best. The router extension on my table saw would be a compromise thanks for you comments though
Thank you that was the direction I was looking . Your confirmation that you can use router bits is also helpful
As to RKA’s comments, the Jess Um I had was in the 1k price range and only because of space did I get rid of it. Plenty of space now and over the years I’ve learned dedicated tools are best. The router extension on my table saw would be a compromise thanks for you comments though
Renegade1LI
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
Not sure where you are located but there are a few shapers for sale around here in the 500$ range.
Not sure where you are located but there are a few shapers for sale around here in the 500$ range.
Re: Flor model router tables
Still no clue as to what type projects you're into, but if it includes a complete kitchen cabinet re-do, here's my version - as you can see, I also like Jessum products - the 2 non-cast iron tables are Rockler stands/mobile bases (possibly tops, if not Jessum) - the cast iron is an old HF offering, with a cobbled cabinet carcase on its side with Woodcraft's casters.
Cast iron has a 3 hp Freud (NLA), mainly for raised panel cutters - other two have DeWalt 718's IIRC. Idea being to use stile cutter in one, rail cutter in second, and panel cutter in the cast iron one. No lift on the cast iron, couldn't find one to fit. Height is adjusted on the Freud router, takes longer than I'd prefer. Other two have Jessum lifts, too long ago to remember a model (if it's even still available)
In the middle pic, the table on the right has an added fence control; zoom in behind the fence - the piece of micarta lets me first set up the fence for MAX cut and set the micarta against the fence - then I can use shims between that final stop and the fence to "sneak up on" things like molding cuts. Last "shim" being a thin 1/32" cardboard, leaves a surface close to sandpaper when it's removed for final pass.
Takes a bit to get all 3 set up, but worth it to me for a full cabinet job - in that mode, NOTHING gets re-adjusted til the job is COMPLETELY finished - for "incidental" things during that time, I have another DeWalt 3-base kit and a couple other routers... Steve
Still no clue as to what type projects you're into, but if it includes a complete kitchen cabinet re-do, here's my version - as you can see, I also like Jessum products - the 2 non-cast iron tables are Rockler stands/mobile bases (possibly tops, if not Jessum) - the cast iron is an old HF offering, with a cobbled cabinet carcase on its side with Woodcraft's casters.
Cast iron has a 3 hp Freud (NLA), mainly for raised panel cutters - other two have DeWalt 718's IIRC. Idea being to use stile cutter in one, rail cutter in second, and panel cutter in the cast iron one. No lift on the cast iron, couldn't find one to fit. Height is adjusted on the Freud router, takes longer than I'd prefer. Other two have Jessum lifts, too long ago to remember a model (if it's even still available)
In the middle pic, the table on the right has an added fence control; zoom in behind the fence - the piece of micarta lets me first set up the fence for MAX cut and set the micarta against the fence - then I can use shims between that final stop and the fence to "sneak up on" things like molding cuts. Last "shim" being a thin 1/32" cardboard, leaves a surface close to sandpaper when it's removed for final pass.
Takes a bit to get all 3 set up, but worth it to me for a full cabinet job - in that mode, NOTHING gets re-adjusted til the job is COMPLETELY finished - for "incidental" things during that time, I have another DeWalt 3-base kit and a couple other routers... Steve
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rsanter
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
Buy a shaper and don't look back
Buy a shaper and don't look back
Gotcha640
Well-known member
I guess you're a bit beyond my solution - whatever router is closest to hand clamped in the workmate.
If I need a bigger table than the base of the router, I have a piece of ply with countersunk holes and a 2x2 fence that lives in the box.
Most of what I've built has just needed round over.
I have a toothed miter joint bit that I haven't used yet, I expect it would need a fence with a vacuum port.
If I need a bigger table than the base of the router, I have a piece of ply with countersunk holes and a 2x2 fence that lives in the box.
Most of what I've built has just needed round over.
I have a toothed miter joint bit that I haven't used yet, I expect it would need a fence with a vacuum port.
propmaker
Well-known member
Re: Flor model router tables
Interesting set up, I like that. Do you add a fence when needed?
I made one it holds 3 routers nice to have several bits setup without changing over on jobs.
Interesting set up, I like that. Do you add a fence when needed?
greg13
Well-known member
The days of cheap router tables are GONE! Plan on at least $150, closer to $200 for a table worth anything.
They were gone a long time ago, unless you built from scratch - I set mine up about 12 years ago, and they averaged close to a grand then (including routers) - now the router's EXTRA 
https://www.rockler.com/shop?w=router+table
... Steve
https://www.rockler.com/shop?w=router+table
... Steve
Re: Flor model router tables
This looks really cool! I've got the same question about fence asked above, and also: does the thickness of the table affect the reach of the bits? And do you have them all wired to the same switch so that they all turn on together? I've only ever used one router at a time (heh), wondering what three would sound like...
Sullivan
Active member
Youre better off building what you want. I saw a custom built floor model on craigslist recently that was quite nice, $300 with a router. It was cabinet grade with lots of drawers, a drop in plate, and a lift. I almost picked it up.
I made one that drops into the extension table of my table saw. I used a dual 12mm rail and 1/2" 10tpi lead screw set off of amazon and hdpe for the router mount on the lift. Its rock solid, as is the fence. It uses the fence rails from the saw table with sacrificial adjustable faces for zero clearance. The lift adjusts from the top with an allen key and is .1" with each full turn. The drop in is 3/8" lexan and has a 3" diameter hole with a 1/4" recess for zero clearance inserts. I have less than $100 in it.
I made one that drops into the extension table of my table saw. I used a dual 12mm rail and 1/2" 10tpi lead screw set off of amazon and hdpe for the router mount on the lift. Its rock solid, as is the fence. It uses the fence rails from the saw table with sacrificial adjustable faces for zero clearance. The lift adjusts from the top with an allen key and is .1" with each full turn. The drop in is 3/8" lexan and has a 3" diameter hole with a 1/4" recess for zero clearance inserts. I have less than $100 in it.