Recommendation on router table

[ps2cho]

Brand new -- I plan to build my own garage cabinets and I want to go with Shaker style doors which I need a router table for.

Space is a concern as the garage is already very full....also the fact I am a brand new to it and the current expected usage. No real budget.

Would anyone recommend a table that would work well for me considering space is a concern?
Thanks

 

[PCustoms]

What task do you intend to do with the router table? This will help determine what you need...

My table is homemade, and has a basic fence. Eventually I'll get a lift for the router.

But I make my shaker doors on the table saw. Tenoning jig makes it faster, but you can do it without.

 

[carlaisle]

You don't need a router table to build cabinets with shaker style doors. You don't even need a dado blade, although it would be a worthwhile investment if this project is of any size.

 

[LeeG]

I was at a woodworking show several years ago. One of the presenters, whose work had been in several magazines, explained that the only router table he had ever used was a piece of MDF with a hole drilled through it and the router screwed to it. Since the router bit is round, any straight line will be parallel to it, so a fence need not be precise like one in a table saw.

 

[tyyost]

The easiest way to save space with a router table is to sink it into your table saws extension. That is of course if you have a tablesaw taking up space in the floor already. I have a folding Freud one I am happy with, nice fence and stores easily. That said, I do cope and stick doors on a shaper.

 

[shoot summ]

The easiest way to save space with a router table is to sink it into your table saws extension. That is of course if you have a tablesaw taking up space in the floor already. I have a folding Freud one I am happy with, nice fence and stores easily. That said, I do cope and stick doors on a shaper.

I opted for the cast iron wing that doubles as a router table, very space efficient.

That said I used a home built table for years, I built a lot of doors with it.

 

[jar944]

I would just screw a router to a piece of plywood and be done.

 

[lilredex]

Early on, I was bamboozled into building one of those big tables you see in all the magazines, which never got used much because it was so awkward. Instead, I removed the factory base and installed the custom made one shown in the first picture. It is used mainly clamped in that woodworker's vise, (foot switch), the other clamp on is for a HF trim router that can handle all the smaller projects.

 

[snickers muncher]

Here's what I used to build my shaker kitchen cabinet doors (not that actual bit). Nothing fancy is needed. It just takes a little more time to get the height just right if you don't have a lift. If you need a fence put a screw on one side of a straight piece so it can sweep across the table and clamp the other end wherever it needs to be.

 

[RTM]

I have an old BenchDog brand table top from before they got huge. I set it on a Workmate most times. Something like this.

 

[PCustoms]

I have an old BenchDog brand table top from before they got huge. I set it on a Workmate most times. Something like this.

If I didn't have a dedicated cabinet (that stores my routers, jigs and bits) then this is the style setup I'd have.

I had to round something over yesterday and thought about making a dedicated table with a 1/4" round over bit. Would have saved me 10 minutes setup and scrapping a piece (base moved) on a small 6x6 part

 

[Notgrownup]

I like my little Kobalt table for the stuff I do. If I was working with it every Day i would have a better on but I believe I paid $130 soit didn’t break the bank

 

[RTM]

If I didn't have a dedicated cabinet (that stores my routers, jigs and bits) then this is the style setup I'd have

My one router is mounted, the other ditched underneath. Mine has doors. Only a few other accessory items fit.

 

[AEAdam]

I was at a woodworking show several years ago. One of the presenters, whose work had been in several magazines, explained that the only router table he had ever used was a piece of MDF with a hole drilled through it and the router screwed to it. Since the router bit is round, any straight line will be parallel to it, so a fence need not be precise like one in a table saw.

I do the exact same thing. I have a ****** “assembly table” that I sorta use as a crappy work bench. It’s just 2x4 legs with a 4x8 Sheet of 3/4” MDF on top. I drilled a hole in one end and made a fence I clamped on out of pvc.

I would not buy a router table. You will probably need an assembly table to build cabinets.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I built my own (twice) into a table saw but those parts were wood or MDF.

I did buy a router lift because it helps a lot of you so a lot of routing.

 

[Boogerman]

Second building one into saw extension table.

 

[DGersic]

Brand new -- I plan to build my own garage cabinets and I want to go with Shaker style doors which I need a router table for.

Space is a concern as the garage is already very full....also the fact I am a brand new to it and the current expected usage. No real budget.

Would anyone recommend a table that would work well for me considering space is a concern?
Thanks

I’d probably make those with a table saw, not a router. But, make your own. I did, mostly from scrap and leftovers, except for the finger boards and knobs.

Post in thread 'What did you do "IN" your garage today?'
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-do-in-your-garage-today.126997/post-10762215

The T slots are simple cuts with a router and some straight bits. Use a guide to cut straight. Toilet bolts work great with some hardware store knobs.

A real lift would be nice. I may get one someday, but the HF fixed base router I used is sufficiently adjustable to do the job, just more finicky to set up.

 

[PowrKraftsman]

I have an old BenchDog brand table top from before they got huge. I set it on a Workmate most times. Something like this.

I have one of those, but with a more basic mounting plate. It’s served me well.

 

[kyrbz]

I'm on board the table saw extension wing train if you've got a table saw. Saves space and you can use your saw fence with it if needed.