As a brief history, I bought my first router table about 12-13 years ago, to go along with a Craftsman 75th anniversary router. It was a small table, but was sufficient for the small HP router I had, which only took 1/4″ router bits. I still have that router, and do still use it occasionally, but that router table was given away many years ago. In its place I built a table for my Bosch 1617 router. The stand it is on was meant to be a folding stand so that I could easily store the table when not in use. However, it was never stable, so I made it fixed. This is what I have been using, but it has proven to be a bit light. The top is made up of 2 layers of MDF, the first being 3/4″ thick and the second 1/2″ thick. There is a 3/4″ thick hardwood edge banding around the entire perimeter. Both the MDF and edge banding are topped off with Formica. The router itself is mounted to a plate that I found on Ebay that had an extra fixed base for the 1617. I also put a miter track in the top. While not everyone prefers this, I have found it useful. The fence is also made from MDF, with the front faces covered with Formica. The fence has moveable faces so that it can be adjusted for the bit size, as well as a t-track for a guard and feather boards. The top has a couple slots routed into it that the fence bolts to.
What I like about the current table:
- The top construction. I plan on using the same method, except for both layers of MDF will be 3/4″. This is more of an economics matter in that I don’t have to buy another sheet of MDF.
- The miter track
- The adjustable fence
Improvements I want to make:
- A bigger top. I am planning to go with a 32-36″x24″x1.5″ table.
- A better fence design with an improved clamping system.
- A full cabinet to support the top, with storage.
- Dust collection
- Both a miter slot and a t-track in the top
- A lift
The Lift. The fixed base for my router does actually provide for above the table adjustment, but would describe it as adequate at best. After doing some research, I decided to go with the PRL-V2. The lift itself is made by Woodpeckers, but I ordered the it from Incra with their plate on it. I wanted the Incra plate as I like the idea of the magnetic reducer rings. While I can’t give the lift a full going over until I have the top made, I have looked it over. It is definitely a solid design, extremely well made, and is made right here in the U.S.! My only criticism is that the cost of shipping seems high, and after seeing small parts rolling around freely instead of properly packed was a bit disheartening. It seems like there should have been more padding between the box and the lift, but probably okay if not dropped during shipping. I wouldn’t necessarily factor this in ones decision to buy or not buy, but would strongly recommend looking over the lift after receiving it.
As always with my projects, I will update as I go in future posts.