Looking for a table saw / router combo

[StarWolve]

I do mostly metal work, but lately I've been doing a few more interior projects and I think I'm at the point where I need to expand my woodworking tools.

I've been getting by with a circular saw, compound miter, and a handheld router. Basically, all portable tools, working off saw horses or workbenches. It works, but it's not as safe, the results aren't as high quality, and it limits what I can do.

Space is at a premium in my two car garage, so I've been searching for a table saw and router combination unit. I would like to have something on wheels that I can store against a wall when not in use. I understand the limitations (low height of the router table, takes longer to swap between the two, etc.) but for the limited amount of woodworking that I do, I think it will be okay. I've also read through most of the related threads here, and it seems like most serious woodworkers end up making their own as they need a larger table. But for my needs, I think smaller is better due to the lack of space.

Is there any company that makes an "out of the box" combo unit, or two pieces that are designed to fit together?

I know absolutely nothing about table saws (since I don't have one now) so I'm really looking for suggestions on this as well.

Worst case, my plan was to get a Bosch table and router and build a small cart for them. It probably isn't the most efficient use of space, but I'll need the router for some upcoming interior projects and can wait on the saw.

Thoughts or suggestions? If there's a great combo unit out there, or a few pieces that work really well together in a small footprint, I'd really like to know.

 

[LB-1911]

Is there any company that makes an "out of the box" combo unit, or two pieces that are designed to fit together?

I know absolutely nothing about table saws (since I don't have one now) so I'm really looking for suggestions on this as well.

Till others come along, something for you to look at -
Rousseau
http://rousseauco.com/

Router Table Extension
PortaMax Table Saw Accessories
http://rousseauco.com/portamax-table-stand-accessories/

TABLE SAW FITMENT GUIDE 2014
http://rousseauco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/TABLE-SAW-FITMENT-GUIDE-ROUSSEAU.pdf

 

[ddawg16]

I have the Ryobi BR3000.....the side table has a router attachment. It can use the same rip fence as the saw.

 

[Gotcha640]

I drilled a hole and mounted my router in my beater work bench, and screwed a board down for a fence for the last time I needed it. If I need again, I might pick up or build a real table, but if it's just single use, you can improvise.

 

[ilovevocs]

I work out of two car like you and my shop is setup as a metal shop.

I have been looking to upgrade wood working tools and I am going to go with festool. The festool equipment is not cheap but it fits my spatial constraints. For at least 10 more years im stuck living in suburban hell until my kids are ready to move out.

Festool isn't for everyone and lots of people will have a negative opinion about tools they have never seen let alone used.

Just thought it was worth mentioning if it is something you have not looked into.

 

[StarWolve]

Thanks for a few suggestions - The Rousseau router extension had some really poor reviews on Amazon, and the Festool appears to be out of my budget range. Not doubting the quality, but it's not something I'm going to use often enough to justify that cost. For what they are asking for a router table, I could buy a table saw, router, and router table almost 2x!

The Ryobi setup looks ideal. It doesn't appear that they make that model and attachment anymore, though. Has anyone found a similar product from another manufacturer?

 

[Frank Dukes]

if your buying/using a full size table saw Bench Dog makes something..

http://www.rockler.com/bench-dog-ca...aw-pro-fence-and-plate#turnto-reviews-content

 

[PBCampbell]

Sears used to have a cast iron extension for fitting a router, though the holes were for mounting their brand routers. You should be able to find online ideas for making your own as that would be the least expensive option.

 

[Ainsley]

Not too bad to make your own router table add-on that just drops in the table saw extension.
This is mine in my ridgid job site saw.

 

[bcradio]

Track saw and router table

 

[zkling]

Same boat, limited space but need the capability. I have a older "large" (22" deep) 8" craftsman table saw, one cast iron extension wing on the left and one homemade router table extension wing on the right with a custom made T square fence. It's about the most space efficient you will find yet still very capable next to a very high end portable saw.

Not too bad to make your own router table add-on that just drops in the table saw extension.
This is mine in my ridgid job site saw.

Nice setup, what saw (portable rigid?) and fence are you running?

 

[Ainsley]

Nice setup, what saw (portable rigid?) and fence are you running?

I have this saw:

The aluminum fence is the stock ridgid one, the wood one is homemade

 

[Jim Dawson]

I have this saw:

The aluminum fence is the stock ridgid one, the wood one is homemade

I have an older version of that Rigid saw, mine is the TS2400. I'd like to see more details on how you made the router table and mounted it.

 

[machsnell]

Not too bad to make your own router table add-on that just drops in the table saw extension.
This is mine in my ridgid job site saw.

Wow you could produce those and people would clamor to buy.

I am jealous of your skills. I have the same saw and I wish I could make something like that.

Nice work.

if your buying/using a full size table saw Bench Dog makes something..

http://www.rockler.com/bench-dog-ca...aw-pro-fence-and-plate#turnto-reviews-content

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Ainsley]

Not trying to steal the thread from the OP but if you have the same ridgid saw I'd suggest building an add on fence for the saw too.

 

[StarWolve]

Thanks for the replies - it's given me a few things to think about. I think that I'm going to start watching Craigslist for a table saw, and will make a table for a router. There's no rush to complete the project, so maybe once I have a table saw, I can get a better idea of how to mount the router.

 

[metal1313]

im in the same boat, however i am not looking for a combo unit. my plan is to make a mobile work station with my table saw and a router table built in, as well as a spot for my miter saw. eventually i'd like to build drawers for it, but will prob start out with simple boxes really.

my main issue is size/space constraints. my garage is tiny..like really tiny, 16x12 or so. and attached to the house so dust is also an issue. im thinking of something about 3x6, on wheels that i can wheel outside to use heavily, but also incorperates a lot of storage.

im on the hunt for a good contractor sizes saw with decent t-slots since the cheap saw i have does not have them. i also want to run t-slot tracks down the table in both directions eventually. rockler is gonna make me poor(er).


to the op, which queen city?

 

[BikerDad]

There is, to my knowledge, only one integrated table saw/router tool that's been available in the US this century, and that would be the Ryobi BT units. No longer sold, but should be findable on the used market. There is a pretty dedicated following with online communities, so getting help if you can find one will be easy.

That said, building a TS/Router workstation using a jobsite/contractor's saw and router is quite doable, and good practice for whatever it is you plan on doing with the TS/Rtr. Woodsmith (www.woodsmith.com) has published numerous variations on the subject. Coming at it from a different direction is the Paulk Total Workstation. There are many ways to skin the TS/Router cat, here are legions of examples of various solutions.

 

[pepgj]

Track saw and router table

That's just what I was going to say.

I kind of like the idea of avoiding use of a table saw. It's a bummer that track saws are as expensive as they are.