router table designs....

[durango dude]

I have:
- router (11 amp Craftsman)
- Black & Decker workmate
- Nice big slice of counter top


So - I'm thinking --- I have almost everything I need to make a router table.

Where do I go from here?

Plate?
(I have two round bases for my router --- the OEM base, plus a sign making base that takes bushings)

[Bill in Buena Park]

Where do you want to go from here? Are you looking to mount the countertop on the workmate? What type of fence are you interested in?

If someone challenged me with, "Using only this router, a workmate, and this slab of countertop - make a router table in 30 minutes" - I'd probably:

1) Use a plate (that I already have) and modify the countertop to accept the plate/router
2) Make a simple L fence that can be clamped to the coutertop
2) Use some of these clamps to fasten the countertop to the workmate
4) Throw a sandbag under the workmate for stability

Otherwise - lots of good designs around for router tables to consider here via "search". I modeled mine off a Rockler design. Have fun!

[LCHIEN]

as I get older I find my preference is router table heights goes upwards.
I would say a B&D workmate would be good for using a hand saw but its too low for router table use... my back says I don't like to bend down too far to make adjustments below the table and my eyesight likes to have the work closer to me... both of which makes my 38" router table height above most workmates, I think.

whats the other requirements? Simple, fast, cheap? No dust collection, no templates, bushings, or throat plates.
It's a minimal table but you can do a lot with it. If its what you want then:

Route a square recess in the bottom of the table top. Just large enough to set the router in. USe some framing to guide the router with a 3/4" plungeable bit and increase it by 1/8" deep per pass unitl it leaves 1/4" thickness. Mark and drill the router mounting holes and countersink the top. Now you have a perfectly flat table. Put a 2" hole in the center of it with a forstner.

Make a 3-sided box which will raise the table top to the working height above the workmate... it must also be tall enough to handle the router extended height (this can go down between the halves of the workmate top its its too tall. Make fixtures on the base to stabilize on the top of the workmate but extend down to be clamped by the workmate.

Then make a cheapie fence... use a 2 x 3 piece of hardwood the same width as the table. And Cut a 1" wide and one inch deep notch in the center to recess bits. Clamp the fence to the table edges.

[leehljp]

as I get older I find my preference is router table heights goes upwards.
I would say a B&D workmate would be good for using a hand saw but its too low for router table use... my back says I don't like to bend down too far to make adjustments below the table and my eyesight likes to have the work closer to me... both of which makes my 38" router table height above most workmates, I think.

Loring, you are . . . getting . . . older!

About 10 years ago, I discovered I liked hand control tools/machines closer to me in such a way that I did not have to bend over so much.

Hang all this stuff on everything being the same height. Doesn't help a bit when it makes the back ache and regretting having started a project!

[vaking]

There are many router table designs and there is no one that is "the best". Everything is in the eye of the beholder.
I would not mount countertop on workmate - too low. Workmate can be used as a stand for benchtop router table. If you want to make a good router table you will have to buy a good plate and rings, fence or material for the fence, dust collection fittings, t-tracks, power switch, bit guard, etc. You can buy a table for less. Making your own table is worth it only if you know exactly what you want and insist on making it to your specs. For an inexpensive decent table take a look at this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00928140000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

If you want to put that nice big slice of countertop to good use - make an assembly/outfeed table.

[LinuxRandal]

Is it a plunge router (or have a plunge base)?

I am getting nostalgic, and thinking of Niki.....

Some threads:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=25966&highlight=router+table

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=33293&highlight=router+table

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=31374&highlight=router+table

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=34931&highlight=router+table

and a link to more of his stuff (used what he had, lived in Poland with less access then we have easier access to).

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=49793&highlight=Niki%27s+router+table

I would consider starting with that, and going to the library and reading "Woodworking with a router" by Bill Hylton. (learn what you like and what options you have before spending the money) JMHO

[pelligrini]

A workmate can make a decent base for a router table. Before I got my 21829 I mounted my craftsman benchtop router table on top of my workmate. It can also depend on the style of the workmate too, mine had foldable splayed legs and a step. Can't remember which model offhand.

[Cochese]

I personally think the RT1000/AWW/NYW design is the best, if you have the room. You could put that counter top on literally anything and it be a good option. Someone throwing out a bath vanity, etc.

[os1kne]

It's always nice to look at Niki's stuff. Often, at first look I think to myself "what is he trying to do here?" and then it hits me - a brilliant solution to a particular challenge. It may sometimes appear unconventional, but it's always effective.

[JoeyGee]

Good timing--Steve over at woodworking for mere mortals is going through that same process of router table design this week and should have a video up this Friday with his results.

http://www.woodworkingformeremortals.com/

[RodKirby]

Loring, you are . . . getting . . . older!

About 10 years ago, I discovered I liked hand control tools/machines closer to me in such a way that I did not have to bend over so much.

Hang all this stuff on everything being the same height. Doesn't help a bit when it makes the back ache and regretting having started a project!

Oh! Ditto, gentlemen
Particularly my disk sander - extended the legs by 6" = what a difference

[durango dude]

Update -

did some rough/conceptual layout.

Concluded I really need a insert plate.

Looking around - router plates seem to be exceptionally expensive ---

I checked Woodcraft, rockler, and Grizzly --- nothing reasonable in any of those places.

The best deals seem to be Peachtree woodworking. Any other suggestions?

[wardprobst]

Make your own.
DP

[chopnhack]

If you can wait for the backorder Grizzly had one for a decent price. http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=54960