Recommend a Router Table

[mayday0017]

Seems like I have several of these threads going right now asking about different tools but what can I say I don't have experiance with everything out there.

I am needing to buy a router stand before the weekend and don't really want to go broke doing so. I also don't want to feel like it is a piece of junk and hate using it, enjoying using your tools is the key to a successful job. If you hate using your tools the quality of work will most likely show it.

That being said recommend me a few good router tables, I really know very little about them. I have used some high end units in a cabinet makers shop and that's about it.

If there is any more information I should have provided just ask, I can't think of anything really needed....

 

[paranoid56]

what is your budget?

 

[woody 73]

I use this model plus you can buy a stand to bring up the height:

http://www.cpotools.com/bosch-ra118...s=47&zmac=127&zmap=bshnra1181&src=shoppingcom

 

[turbowoodworker]

Check out Rockler. Lots of different configurations including a double router table...nice if you are doing coped joints.
But what are you doing? May help with the answers.

 

[retfr8flyr]

I'm an INCRA fan myself. http://www.incra.com/product_rtf_combo.htm

 

[mayday0017]

Not sure on budget less then $200 for sure, but really haven't set one... I am not expecting much out of my router table I don't think. Really not sure what makes one better then another anways.

So far I have never been very demanding of a router so I would assume at the current time I don't need a very expensive one?

 

[tarbellb]

For router tables and accessories I honestly believe Rockler has the best quality vs price out there.

Look into their tops with the in-house brand router lift. Best bang for your buck when it comes to quality and price.
http://www.rockler.com/rockler-high-pressure-laminate-router-table-fence-fx-router-lift

If thats still to pricey, then I would suggest looking into building your own top and buying the FX lift to accompany the router?

 

[tarbellb]

Things to look for in a table is (in order):

1) flat true top - mdf, phenolic, metal, etc....

2) accurate fence

3) t-slots for using accessories ie miter, limiters, etc...

4) a lift to adjust the cutting height- this is a luxury, but a very handy one.

5) stability

Do you have a table saw already? Does it have a wood wing/extension? It common practice to incorporate a router hole/lift into said wing and use the table saw fence. Cheap, accurate fence, and excellent use of space.

 

[cheechi]

Routers are money sinks. When you get ready to do it, do it right. For tables, I have a cman portable (skil clone) that I think they (sears) discontinued but its the same model at lowes, and I have a Kreg benchtop model. Do you need something permanent? If so, go build you one and (optionally) get a top with an insert plate from kreg, rockler, or bench dog. Lots of toys to add to them like a side winch or top screw for height adjustment, throats for different size bits, the wixey digital height gage, setup tools like height/depth adjusters, parallels, etc.

Then there's fences, tracks, featherboards...

Seriously, get an idea of what you want to do. Then what you want to spend. Think far into the future. No, even farther. If you're going to be a serious woodworker, with a serious wood shop, you can easily spend 2x or more on your router than any other tool in your shop and still only use it occasionally.

 

[strutaeng]

I'm going to recommend the Bench Dog Contractor Router Table. Yes, router tables are money sinks! My advice is to keep it simple and don't waste your money on a router lift. You don't need one. Spend that money instead on quality router bits (Whiteshide is my preference) and lumber and start building stuff and having fun. Amateur woodworkers get sucked into this type about needing .001" precision. Don't fall into that trap. You are not machining parts for space shuttles.

Here is what I'm talking about.

http://thisweekinwood.com/this-week-in-wood/2009/11/new-router-table-bench-dog

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

 

[gm54210]

Rockler has a sale going on right now:
http://links.rockler.com/hostedemail/email.htm?CID=17567346418&ch=B6FA02FC0A9C79024CF9C25D9202F33A&h=8ded147a72b6096cf697192d4b86e573&ei=s4KsWApMN
Ends the 9th.

Also, this Bosch has been really nice to work with and was available at Lowes or HD. Not sure if it still is. http://www.cpotools.com/bosch-ra1171-benchtop-router-table/bshnra1171,default,pd.html?start=8&cgid=bosch-router-attachments

 

[WilltheEngineer]

Grizzly or MLCS would be the best for the money, Rockler is going to cost a little more, after that you get into the Kreg n INCR tables....

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Router-Table-with-Stand/T10432

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/tabletop.html

I have a Rockler top on a custom made carcus/stand. If you have the time, you might warn to look into making your own carcus/cabinet.

Hope this helps