Router Poll 5: Handheld vs Table Usage?

[LarryG]

I consider DT jig the same as using a table.

It's really not, though ... as your instructor said, no routing is done without some kind of guide. The DT jig is just another kind of guide, for a specific kind of handheld routing operation.

(The exception would be the type of jig that actually is used on a table, like the KatieJig.)

In my view, handheld routing means the router itself moves; table routing means the workpiece moves.

[Wood_workur]

20 handheld/ 80 table. Unless it is haqrd to get the wood on the table, I will use the table. seems safer to me- don't have to worry about jerking during startup.

[leehljp]

I checked the 50/50. I made a large table - 36 by 22 and used it in a two car garage here in space challenged Japan - Moved to Toyota 2 years ago and now have a small shed. To hard to get it out unless I am going to use it for an hour or two.

[dwolsten]

3. Armour - Mostly on the table, broken up into 2 smaller sections it's all easily managed on the router table.

You make armour out of wood? I've never heard of that. I thought it was usually made of metal, like chain mail.

[L. D. Jeffries]

One of the first things I did after getting my 1st GOOD router was build a table. That was about 10 yrs ago. Since then I've done mosst routing on the table; with a split fence its like "sliced bread" the best thing in a long while. I do use handheld routing but mostly on inlay work, etc. With my BT3, a planer and my router set-up there isn't much you can't do.

[jaybee]

I cannot tick a response

Zero % would be closest, but that would be because I have yet to plug in and turn on the router that I was given (1/4 inch), the router I bought (1/2 inch) or the one I inherited (? inch - really old). I have the bits that came with, and bits that I bought to do doors, and bits that were on insanely cheap sales. I also have huge yardwork projects this summer, and a " Swedish Kitchen " to install next year sitting in the garage (Ikea flat paks). I keep telling people that I'm going to have to retire just to be able to play with my toys - I do use the bt3100 to cut everything that I can, just to use it