Router table idea

[Scott Aldridge]

I recently modified the 2x4 workbench plan to operate as a table saw table.

 

So I was wondering how hard would it be to modify the plan to make a router table?  What should I look at for an optimum height etc?  The router I have purchased is the Bosch 1617 if that helps any.  Any suggestions would be hugely helpful.

 

And yes my garage / work shop is still a work in progress, my want to do has about exceeded my room to do as of now  :-)

[Scott Aldridge]

I am sure I will have enough MDF left for the fence since I have to buy a full 4'x8' sheet.  As for a price rundown at what I am looking at for the project.

Roller:  $20

Laminate:  $42

MDF:  $34

Contact cement:  $12.50

Router bits:  $20+

Plate (already purchased):  $30

 

As you can see that doesn't even include the tracks or fence ... man I hate being a perfectionist lol.

 

Thanks for the ready made table idea may have to consider that for sure.

John Schaben said:

Hi Scott - This table already comes with a plate, different size than the Rockler plate though. Unfortunately, AFAIK, the Rockler plate only fits Rockler tables (and likely Bench Dog as Rockler owns them). You may be able to return the Rockler for a refund though. This table is a decent size, comes with a stand and, while not a lot of whistles n' bells, has all you need to get started.

What run the price up on you? Enough MDF to make a double thickness table should only run about $35 and have enough left over for a fence. Laminate can get expensive if they want to sell you a full sheet. You could try to pick up some offcuts from a cabinet making shop if there is one in the area. A millworks is also a good source if there is one around you that makes countertops.
 
Scott Aldridge said:

Holy crap I just went to my local Lowes and priced out items I would need to do my table top.  SInce I have none of the tools, supplies to do the job I am looking at $150 without including the tracks or fence.  Can anyone point me to some decent table tops in or around that price range?  Preferrably without an included plate ... solid or hole for a Rockler plate since I already purchased the plate.

 

Or could I go with sanded smooth and polyurethane coated plywood to cut costs?

[Scott Aldridge]

Why oh why didn't I take a look at this stuff first ... will save me a bunch of $$ and def better than painted plywood  :-)

Russ Haynes said:

Yes, I think you could.  Just make sure you keep a nice coat of wax on it at all times to keep your workpieces running smoothly.  No need for paste wax or anything fancy, just a lump of beeswax or a candle would do the trick.  Melamine is a great alternative though -- slippy surface, pretty cheap.

[John Schaben]

I'm not a big fan of the consumer melamine stuff found in the big boxes. All that I have looked at are particle board substrate with a coat of melamine paint, a thin coat at that.

[Scott Aldridge]

However, I think for my purposes ... at least initially ... it may just what the Dr. ordered.

[Ken Darga]

Scott,

For a beginner router table, Bosch offers a great unit, available from Lowes, for about $150.  

It has all the router table essentials needed---

adjustable fence, with a set of shims, dust hood port, miter track, cabinet door for storage and below the table dust collection, up front control switch for router and vac system connection operation---

3/8'' thick ribbed cast aluminum router mounting plate, various size snap-in inserts to accommodate all router bits. 

A dust extractor system can be connected to the port at the fence, in the table or both top and bottom, for sucking up sawdust and chips simultaneously.

The cabinet top and fence features malemine surfaces, for super smooth operation.

(Furniture finishing paste wax can be added, to increase lubricity).

The miter slot accommodates a standard 3/4 x 3/8 miter bar.

This router table design will suffice nicely for most routing needs.

A taller auxiliary fence can be added/clamped to the existing fence for edge machine.

If needed, an outfeed & infeed extensions can be easily adapted.

This unit affords easy access to under table adjustments as well as thru the top plate for router height adjustments.

Provisions are included in the router mounting plate to facilitate the most popular routers.  

Holes can be easily drilled into the aluminum plate to accommodate other brand routers.

This unit offers portability, can be fastened to a variety of work tops, work stands, saw horses, pr clamp to a pickup truck tailgate---

for use in any size shop, small or large, or for use on a job site.

The BEST on todays market for the money, with it's portability and all the features it offers.

Scott Aldridge said:

Holy crap I just went to my local Lowes and priced out items I would need to do my table top.  SInce I have none of the tools, supplies to do the job I am looking at $150 without including the tracks or fence.  Can anyone point me to some decent table tops in or around that price range?  Preferrably without an included plate ... solid or hole for a Rockler plate since I already purchased the plate.

 

Or could I go with sanded smooth and polyurethane coated plywood to cut costs?

[Ken Darga]

Model #RA1171

[Jason Watkins]

look here for some  ideas. The search phrase was "simple router table" (without quotation marks). It's a google image search. I might steal your tablesaw stand idea and make it into a planer stand!

Simple router table