Using router in ts

[ofna89]

How many of you actually use the router in the table saw? I purchased my first router and not sure if I should mount it in the ts(21829) or in a actual router table which I dont really have room for. I have both a plunge and fixed base.

[LCHIEN]

From the BT3 FAQ:

Pros: this router table takes up less room than any other router table and my also be the cheapest thing you can get. It’s definitely serviceable. Even if you get a nicer router table this can still serve as a backup or second table (for example when you have two setups). If you have the micro-adjuster for the saw rip fence, then you have a micro-adjustable router fence, too.
Cons: The fence has been accused of being junk; you could say the parts are a little cheesy. The auxiliary table needs to be pulled away from the main saw table some to allow the router motor clearance. There are always issues with setup and breakdown of machines used for two purposes (maybe buy a spare rip fence?). Big panel-raising bits won’t fit through the hole in the auxiliary table. The table space is a little small.
So if you’re looking to a cheap, space-saving way to start with routers, use the BT3 auxiliary table. If or when you become a serious router user, get a dedicated table. The BT3 also makes a great spare or second router table for those with lots of routing going on..

[crokett]

All I've ever used is the the router mounted in the accessory table. Never needed anything else. I did build my own split fence attachment for the the rip fence.

[LarryG]

The BT3 also makes a great spare or second router table for those with lots of routing going on..

This is what I do, although I have the BT-mounted router (Bosch 1617, using the fixed base from the two-base kit) mounted in a homemade extension wing rather than in the saw's stock accessory table. I use this setup for common cuts like roundovers that don't require a fence. All the 'serious' routing work gets done on my standalone router table.

(Sidebar to Loring: Hey, I didn't realize the FAQ was now available in a large-print edition ... )

[Deadhead]

All I've ever used is the the router mounted in the accessory table. Never needed anything else. I did build my own split fence attachment for the the rip fence.

Same here. I don't have room for a dedicated router table - not even space to store a benchtop.
I'm also in the process of making a split fence with dust collection attachment for the rip fence.

[justicefan23]

Split Fence Plans?

I read that several of you are making your own split fence system, some even with dust collection capabilities, for use with the BT3 router table. I would like to make one myself. Do you guys have plans or reference pics that you could share here? Thanks!

[jhart]

Have an inexpensive Craftsman fixed base installed on my TS extension and have only used it a couple of times, usually when I had a big piece to do (rabbet edges on a 5+ foot door, and dados for the same cabinet sides). Most of time use my router table and recently built one of Norm's jigs to do dados, so I virtually never use the TS router any more.

[Ed62]

I'd be interested in seeing the split fence systems too. I know someone had a fence with a shop made (?) fine adjustment device incorporated. I don't think it was a split fence, but I'd also like to see how it was made.

Now on to the initial question....I have a router mounted on the BT3K. Like you, I don't have much room for more than that. I expect there will come a time when I'll make/find room, and make my own router table.

Ed

[kwc]

Split fence for router mounted in TS?

I'd like to echo the request to see some plans for a good split fence that can be used on the BT3K or Craftsman 21829 and provides efficient dust collection. I made a solid one out of MDF, with fixed openings, but it is less than optimal.

Is anyone willing to share their plans?

[crokett]

Here is my split fence. The White fence section has a piece of melamine laminated to it. It is an offset fence for router edge jointing. I never got around to adding dust collection to the rip fence. I will one day.

Front:



Rear:

[Knottscott]

... not sure if I should mount it in the ts (21829) or in a actual router table which I dont really have room for...

Space savings is the biggest motivator for putting a router table in the TS.

[John Hunter]

I keep a router in the TS and also have one in a router table. I often have one set up with a certain bit and have a round over bit in the one in the TS. Saves a lot of time.