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I thought I had it all figured out but - NOT! I have never used a router before either in a table or not but want to start and want to build a table for it. I was wondering what those that have experience in the use of this tool think the best size top would be. I was thinking 24 x 32 would be good but 24 x24 seems sufficent also. Would you say that the bigger the table the more often you would be able to route stuff on it rather then having to free hand it? I realize free hand is not the proper term but you know what I mean. Anyway, any and all comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
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May you die and go to heaven before the Devil knows you're dead. My Best, Mac -
well, free-handing the router is a good expression as any - as opposed to "using the router hand-held".
I would lean towards 24x32 rather than 24" square. It's handy to have some more infeed and outfeed support for routing longer boards and stuff on the table.
Loring in Katy, TX USA
If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat all problems as if they were nails.
BT3 FAQ - https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di...sked-questions -
Hi lcm1947;
Hey, if that's your birthday you're the same age as I am. If it's not, don't make fun of us old guys
As for the router table, I think the bigger the better. I made one 60 inches long from a left over countertop. It works really well giving great support for whatever I'm running through it. I'm lucky to have the room in my shop or course. The fence is also 60 inches long. If you are interested drop me aline and I can send you some more info or pics on the construction of this thing.
WEGComment
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24x32
Downunder ... 1" = 25.4mmComment
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Yeah Weg you guessed it I'm your age, but what's this old guy stuff?
I really can't help but think bigger is better at least as far as router tables are concerned but wanted to make sure. Of course space is a concern also but I don't think it would make much difference foot print wise between 24x32 or 24x24 unless the bigger table top wouldn't help that much but if it does then I'll go for bigger.
May you die and go to heaven before the Devil knows you're dead. My Best, MacComment
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I've not firmly nailed down the size of the table I'm designing, but it's probably going to be 28" x 42". The bit will be set back about 8" from one long edge (i.e., an 8"/20" split across the 28" width, so I can work from either side of the table to suit the width of the workpiece) and centered on the 42" dimension. There will be continuous T-tracks at all four sides of the table so I can orient the fence either way.LarryComment
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Below is a picture of one I built. The top is 24" x 48".
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Ken - THAT's a Router cabinet! Great job. Downunder ... 1" = 25.4mmComment
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Nice Router Station Ken!Monte (another darksider)
Reporting Live from somewhere near Kalamazoo
http://community.webshots.com/user/monte49002Comment
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The NYW Router Station top is 26x36.Don, aka Pappy,
Wise men talk because they have something to say,
Fools because they have to say something.
PlatoComment
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I'm currently in the process of building a new 33X24 router station. I'll post some pics when I can get back on my feet again and get to the shop.Monte (another darksider)
Reporting Live from somewhere near Kalamazoo
http://community.webshots.com/user/monte49002Comment
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The top of my router table was dictated by my use of a sink cutout for the top but it's about 24x32. If there is no good reason to go smaller I would definitely go about that size. Bigger is only a problem when it's in the way and you have to move it. I used the same general layout as Nahm's but added a horizontal router capability and a lift using plans from American Woodworker. I do not think I will need to make another. I made mine 1/4 inch shorter than the BT3100 so I can use it for infeed support when cutting large pieces of sheet goods (after I take off the fence, of course).
Jim
JimComment
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