Kirby’s Shed: 2. Router Tables.

[RodKirby]

Small Router Table - WIP


I’ve decided to post these together – they are fundamentally the same.
“S” = Small router/table, “L” = Large router/table. Paired Pics below show S on the left, L on the right.

Router: S=Triton 2HP, L= Triton 3-1/4HP Both ½”, above table bit change.

The tables are simply ¾” clear pine boxes with magnet caught fronts. Side entry Power-in socket, Router and Shopvac connection on/off together. Side entry Shopvac port.

S table = 23” wide x 28”deep laminated MDF – 3/8” on 5/8”, no insert, router bolted directly on top MDF layer (hole cut in lower MDF layer to fit the base). Normally has a 1/8” roundover bit loaded.

L table = 30” wide x 22” deep 1” MDF, laminate top and bottom, Phenolic plate + inserts (Woodhaven). Normally has a 1”dia. upcut spiral bit to handle all my rabbeting stuff.




Fences: Split UHMWPE with a slot for rear mounting and jig slots top and front.
The micro-adjusts look complicated but really are not – indispensible IMHO. Both based on an idea from Pat Warner. Side clamps are from Woodhaven.

L fence began its life on a smaller Woodhaven table. When I made the larger table, I had to extend the ¼” aluminum angle, so it looks rather messy – but it works!

[Pappy]

So what is the 'messy' part , and why isn't there a picture of it?

[LinuxRandal]

So the BIG Triton also does above the table bit changes? I thought I read that only the small one did.

[RodKirby]

So the BIG Triton also does above the table bit changes? I thought I read that only the small one did.

Yup - the only Oz difference is the motor size (and weight of the router).

I'm presuming the UK/US versions are the same - above-table bit changes is a MAJOR feature

[RodKirby]

So what is the 'messy' part , and why isn't there a picture of it?

Just for you, Pappy

3/4" marine ply extensions, rebated to fit the aluminum angle, 1/4" drilled/tapped, bolts = messy for me!

[crokett]

Rod, what you call 'messy' I call my fine craftsmanship.

[Tom Miller]

So the BIG Triton also does above the table bit changes? I thought I read that only the small one did.

OK, so I'm not the only one that's been hugely confused by the differences between the two Tritons!

Regards,
Tom

[siliconbauhaus]

brilliant....

More fence details please !

[MikeMcCoy]

OK, so I'm not the only one that's been hugely confused by the differences between the two Tritons!

Regards,
Tom

Tom -- I don't have the smaller of the Tritons but the difference is the larger Triton doesn't have above the table fine adjustment but does have the bit change capability. As I understand, smaller has change and adjust.

[JR]

Well, trying to leave envy out of the equation...

Three thoughts come to mind.

1. I've just finished my first router table, integrated into my BT3000. When building the fence I debated whether to make the fence longer than the table, eventually settling on having them the same. Now looking at Rod's setups I realize the longer fence is a good idea. Just adding fuel to my self loathing is the fact that I changed horses mid-stream, so the fence is awkardly asymmetric.
2. The dust control on the Triton works under table. I'm using my Bosch 1617 fixed base in the table, which does not have good integrated dust conrol.
3. That UHMW looks slicker than elephant snot on a doorknob.

JR

[RodKirby]

Tom -- I don't have the smaller of the Tritons but the difference is the larger Triton doesn't have above the table fine adjustment but does have the bit change capability. As I understand, smaller has change and adjust.

"above table fine adjustment" - what is that?

Both my routers have the same fine adjust ON the router body.

Check out the specs here (no difference in adjustment):
http://www.triton.com.au/product.php?id=27
http://www.triton.com.au/product.php?id=28

Edit - Sorry, I see what you mean. The above-table adjust needs an accessory (TGA150). Which to me, is sort of a gimmick if you have to reach under the table to unlock the plunge locking lever.

[RodKirby]

brilliant....

More fence details please !

Like ? I'd like to be specific for you.

[TheRic]

...That UHMW looks slicker than elephant snot on a doorknob.

Won't ask how you personally know this!!

Have you posted anything on YOUR router table? Need to be making one, still looking at different ways of doing it.


Rod: Is there anything you would do different on any of the router tables.

Rod here is a suggestion: Maybe in the future posts mention anything that could be improved on, or advantage/disadvantage of this and that.

So far I like what I see!!

[RodKirby]

Thanks Rick - this is the sort of comment I was looking for.

My greatest fear is boring you guys to death (or sleep)

In this case (Router tables), they are the end result of 4 generations of improvements. This is my list of requirements:

• Dust control (not necessarily collection) - met with an enclosed box, side DC port and of course DC port on the fence.
• Split fence to accommodate different bits, provide a jointing capability.
• Fence T-slots for length stops, guards etc.
• Fence micro-adjust. MUCH easier to use than the loosen-and-tap method. For example; I cut my rebates a poofteenth larger than the mating workpiece to allow for glue during assembly.

Observations:

• A Router Table (and fence), will never be large enough (all of the time).
• In a Router table, a 1/2" router and bits "feels" more comfortable/solid than a 1/4".

[TheRic]

What are the three holes in the back wall for?

Is the top bolted down, or just laying there?

The front looks like you use a couple of post the hold the door in place.