Thinking of buying a router table?

[NewShockerGuy]

I've only used one in wood shop in highschool which was over 12 years ago....

I can't think of any uses I would do other than making nice edges on pieces of wood that I hand on the wall.. IE: Make the edges look nice to my hose reel or routing the edge to my shelf I made that holds my mini shelf system.

This was the router I planned on getting:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005RHPD/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Saw this on Sear's webpage.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00928140000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Seems cheap and gets decent reviews. I know a LOT of people are going to say build one.. I don't have the time to do anything like that now. Plus I like that the craftsman folds up and can be put away which for the majority of it's time will be on the top shelf in the garage...

I also saw this in the hot deal thread:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H12DQ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

but it doesn't folt up and look all plastic and is more expensive.


Saw this one that folds as well.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G9UG0C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is going to see some light use that does minor things to make edges look good, unless someone can tell me more and what else I can do with it, figured I'd get a good opinion here.


EDIT: Just saw this... for 100 bucks comes with the router and table...

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00928180000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I know they are hitting price points but that seems like a damn good deal to me for what I want to do?, welp nevermind on that, ****** router and table isn't foldable... cross this off the list. still sticking to the bosch router above with a different table.


Thanks for the help,
-Nigel

 

[Lightfoot]

check craigslist locally. I had an aluminum craftsman table with the extensions, used it once in 18 years. Sold it on craigslist for 20 bucks last month. It really was like a new one. I thought it was worth more, but i had it listed for 40 for about a month-never got a call on it. When i dropped it to 25, one guy called on it and ended up buying it for 20.
edit: that was for the table only, i kept my router

 

[djjsr]

It sounds like that Craftsman deal will do what you want to do and you can't beat the price.

 

[Lightfoot]

It sounds like that Craftsman deal will do what you want to do and you can't beat the price.

I agree. Looks nice

 

[metaldad]

The second Bosch link is the table.
The first is the router.
Further down the first link is a 'package' price for the router, bases, bits, AND the table.
Plus, they state the router is USA.
I've always been partial to Porter Cable. They also state USA.
Don't think either are accurate. Both are fine machines.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DCBKN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[fivespdcat]

I have the Bosch 1617 and its a great router. You also just missed out on the best deal I've seen on the Bosch RA1181 table. Amazon had a deal of the day for $134.99, I got it and it looks pretty nice. I still haven't put it through the paces, but it seems sturdy.

 

[cheechi]

OK let's look at the items you linked. The 1617EV is a great router, I have one. The second link, the table, is a cman copy of the Skil RAS900 table that you linked. Lowe's also sells it so you can see it in person. Sears doesn't stock the folding table in stores. I have cman folding table and it's pretty good. Get a 2x6 to 'shim' the foldable legs so it stays flat and doesn't vibrate itself to instability.

The bosch table you can see on display at lowe's too. It's not bad but it's more expensive than what I would want for a benchtop.

I looked at that router/table combo at sears and passed. Then again I'm picky. I don't use cheap routers.

 

[woody 73]

I have both the bosch table and their router all very nice woodworking tools. For the table I was able to buy a leg set that made it much easier to work at a higher level off the ground, not sure if they carry those legs anymore but if they do you might want to pick up a set for your bosch table.

 

[W_KY]

I have the 1617 router set and I also picked up that bosch router table that was a lightening deal a little while ago on Amazon. I used them both a couple weekends ago on making a picture frame. Both seem more than adequate for my needs.

 

[tarbellb]

Ive never been to impressed with the Sears/Craftsmen/Wolf/etc... router tables. They look very flimsy and if your doing any work thats larger then 24" you'll find yourself wrestling the piece.
Check out www.Rockler.com for router accessories. Their house brand tables and lifts are excellent at good values. The other stuff gets way pricey.

And dont forget the old trick if you have a table saw with wood wings, you can cut a plate hole in that and use it as your table.

 

[neonnblack]

Wow, i never knew router tables were that much, after i picked up my 6 dollar router, im looking into one. Ill find one for a better deal, lol.

 

[usmc_noma]

Look on craigslist. You'll find them all over there from cheap to pricey. I've seen several nice ones recently so its worth the shot.

 

[tarbellb]

Yeah they can get very pricey. After rereading the OP comments I think the options he listed may suit him better.

But, as the GJ goes somebody always needs to put out all the options regardless of how expensive, overbuilt, foreign, once-in-a-life find, or otherwise.

 

[toolaholic]

I use a benchdog router table http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002242E/?tag=atomicindus08-20 with a milwaukee 5625 router in it. I do,however,use the 1617 fixed base/plunge kit for freehand use. I also have the 1618evs d handle as well. Bosch makes great routers. The benchdog table has been good to me the last 7 years or so that I have had it.

 

[Automatic Slim]

I got a dewalt router w/ fix and plunge capacity and used on regular basis, until............ I purchased a rigid laminate trim router w/ variable speed. Little dude now does all of my trim work and just use an edge guide (no table) to trim. 1/4" shank and has more than enough power.

Very versatile and a joy to work w/ as it fits in one hand w/ ease and can do some detail work as well. Ogee, bullnose, etc........... no problemo.

Comes in nice moulded case for ez shop storage (have limited space).


The big dewalt gets used upon occassion, but requires two hands to operate, a big box to store as well. Usually just do the po-boy table w/ stock on hand, have used & did not like craftsman table (fine for smalls, but heavy lumber was a joke). The baby benchdog looks Ok and have used rockler before which is pretty good.

The baby router is something to consider if your just doing some light trim apps and you will find a bunch of uses & it's fun to use - cuz you can drink while routing, LOL.

GL

 

[cheechi]

I have the 1617 router set and I also picked up that bosch router table that was a lightening deal a little while ago on Amazon. I used them both a couple weekends ago on making a picture frame. Both seem more than adequate for my needs.

How much did you pay for what I assume is the 1181 table? See I like that table, I like the Bench dog linked also, but the issue to me is they cost enough that I would just build a 'full' router table and I should just put the money into that...

 

[W_KY]

During the lightening deal I think the RA1181 table was $131. By the time I figured in buying the wood, a mounting plate, possibly some t track and feather boards, blah blah blah, I knew I would be getting up there in price. Plus I liked that the RA1181 comes with a aluminum cast top which I felt would be better than a laminate top.