Extension Wing Router Tables

[aiyou]

Where to place the miter slot?

Perhaps a silly question, but was reviewing the latest ShopNotes (issue 123), and the picture caught my attention.

As shown, the miter slot is located to the left of the bit, fence to the right of the bit. This makes sense.

However, the miter slot is shown on the outer edge of the extension wing, and it looks as if the individual has changed their orientation and is working from the back of the saw. To me, this seems strange. Wouldn't it be more practical to have the setup reversed, so that the miter slot is closer to the center of the table and more surface area is available for support?

Rob

[Knottscott]

A miter slot is optional on a router table. A coping sled used against the fence is often easier than installing a miter slot. If you do install one, most go between the bit and the user.




Coping sled:

[cabinetman]

A miter slot is optional on a router table. A coping sled used against the fence is often easier than installing a miter slot. If you do install one, most go between the bit and the user.

+1. Router setups on extension tables are usually placed so the saw fence can be used as a guide. The bit would normally be on the left side of the fence, as that would be the correct for the feed direction. That being said, if the bit placement will be using the fence on the left, in order to have movement access working from the end of the table gives room, or working from the back of the saw, if close enough to the end in order to have the reach.

If the fence is placed to the right near the end of the table, that would limit the reach across the table. So, as Scott noted, using a sled may be easier.

.

[pelligrini]

I work my router extension from the right end, so the slot is in between me and the router bit. My fence is perpendicular to the rails. I put a miter slot and t-track in my extension. I can use my featherboards in the t-track without having to swap out the t-bolts for a miter slot lock.

I wish I made the miter slot for the router the same distance as the slots on my saw are from the blade. I have a few jigs that I can use in both places, like my dovetail key jig. Setup would be a lot easier if they were the same.

[aiyou]

Thanks all...makes perfect sense.

Rob

[gsmittle]

I have my fence parallel to the rails, which gives me the entire length of the extension and table saw for support. I just make sure that I do all my wide ripping before I set up the router.

I did mill a T-slot into the table for feather boards. No miter slot in front of the router.

g.