router on saw or dedicated table?

[mater]

Welcome to the forum. I agree with a dedicated router table.

[JimD]

My setup is not like George's exactly but it seems like it is probably somewhat similar. It is already available in pictures in the Articles section (Spruce and Sandeply). I agree with George that putting a router on the BT3100 is best done in a wooden accessory table when using the extra rails. That lets you make small rips with the router in place and the router vibrates less when mounted in wood. My pictures also illustrate my extra fence.

I also agree with the others that say a router table is better. My router table has a built-in lift plus lots of storage for bits. I would only use the BT table if space was an issue.

There is very little added cost or effort to set up an extension table for the BT3100 to take a router. I would do that first (make a base and get extension rails and make an extension table that will hold a router) and then evaluate what you want to do about a router table. There are lots of ways to make router tables. I have made 3 (not counting the BT3100 setup). A router setup in the BT3100 does not prevent you from doing good work. If you review different router table designs for awhile, you may be able to make your final router table your first router table. If you make one without doing some homework, you will invest more money and time than in making an extension table for the BT3100 and will end up making your second or, if you are slow to learn as me, your third router table before you're done. Fortunately, build-it-yourself router tables are fairly inexpensive. A sheet or two of 3/4 plywood is a big part of the cost (if you are like me and avoid the plates and such).

Jim

[SandhillMike]

Thanks for all the tips and welcomes. I appreciate it.

[eezlock]

router table...

Definately the stand alone router table is the best way to go here. Either
build or buy a good one, use and never regret it or look back. eezlock

[cgallery]

I, too, am in the vast minority here. I prefer a TS mounted router. And I actually like using the BT's fence as my router fence.

[drumpriest]

I'm a minority, when did that happen? My setup is very similar to cGallery's. I have a FX lift in the wide table of my bt. Only difference is that I cut slots in my wide table to allow me to use a seperate router fence, instead of using the BT fence when routing. I like this for 2 reasons. 1 better DC, 2 easier to setup for large router bits.

I used to have a dedicated table, but find the new setup to be just as good, and takes up much less space. I responded to this thread earlier, and have changed my opinion btw. Once you have it setup a system like this in the TS is pretty nice.

[cgallery]

Only difference is that I cut slots in my wide table to allow me to use a seperate router fence, instead of using the BT fence when routing. I like this for 2 reasons. 1 better DC, 2 easier to setup for large router bits.

Well, that is because you are a piggy. Because you have a wide table. With my non-wide table I'd be switching fences constantly and I'd probably go out of my mind.

I actually have gotten accustomed to using the normal rip fence. I can adjust it very accurately, and have a fine adjustment procedure that allows me to make changes by about .002" at a time.

Any links to pics of your setup?

[John Hunter]

I have, and use, both. If I hd to eliminate one, it would be the BT mounted router.

Ditto what Pappy said. I have both. I used the one in the BT for a couple of years until I built my own router table. It is superior but I still use the one in the BT. I leave a Ryobi 1 1/2 HP in it and have the big Freud in the table. There are times when I have bits in both and go from one to the other.

[JimD]

If I was extremely cramped for space, I would give up my dedicated router table before I gave up my wide extended BT3100 table. I do not like taking the router table fence off to do a wide rip but I could live with that if I had to. Fortunately, even though my shop is only about 400 ft2 I have room for both. The router table does double duty as an infeed table for the BT3100 sonmetimes.

All I did in the BT3100 extension table to accomoidate the router fence was poke a couple holes and put a t-nut on the underside. The router fence has a slot in it and knobs with studs on them go through the router fence into the t-nuts to clamp the fence in place.

Jim

[HarmsWay]

Another vote for the router/wide table combo. Until I have a huge dedicated shop I'll always be short on space and IMO the router uses free space hanging off the end of the mobile cabinet. Currently I'm using the accessory table with the saw fence and it works great. When I've got lots of extra cash I'll setup a Jessem lift to make it even better. All the bits and accessories are handy in the nearest drawers.

[drumpriest]

cg, I'll get one up ASAP. I have a shot of it, but I am moving my web server, so it'll be next week probably.