Table saw cast iron router wing?

[chopnhack]

Do any darksiders have a cast iron router wing?
Can anyone talk about the advantages/disadvantages of such a setup?
I am in the process of converting to the Darkside (lol) and shop space is limited so it seems to make sense to go this route instead of building another unit that would take up floor space. I would even consider fashioning a wing from mdf/ply etc. with hpl top since $350 is kinda extreme for an accessory to a saw I got for $150. Just wanted to hear some input as to the functionality etc.

Thanks as always for your collective knowledge

[jussi]

1. Space is the main advantage and the reason I got it. I initially had a stand alone router table but as I got more tools I needed more space.

2. Able to use magnetic feather boards. Which is all I use now. Something you obviously couldn't use with mdf top.

3. Stays flat. The router and lift are heavy. Especially if you're using a 3-1/4 HP router. Even a 1 inch mdf top would sag eventually. You could make cabinet base instead of just hanging it on the rails but if you need your saw to be mobile it might be tricky.

Bench Dog isn't the only company that makes ci tops. In fact if you already have a router lift that your happy with (that's not a bench dog brand or size) then I suggest going with a different company because their opening are slightly smaller than most router lifts/plates. I got the peachtree brand when they went on sale for $100. But even at regular price they're still cheaper than BD. They go to the woodworking shows so if one will be one near you I'd email/call them and ask if they could bring one to the show. Saves you on shipping.

Actually I have a BD table as well, still in the box. Got it when Amazon still had their crazy deals years ago. Waiting for BD lift to go on sale so I can put it on the other wing

Here's the ptree brand. Just scroll down a bit.

http://www.ptreeusa.com/tablesaw_products.htm

[dbhost]

While not a cast iron wing, you may recall I built a BB ply / tempered hardboard wing for my BT3100. Very flat, very stable, and very easy to make. I would not consider MDF due to the extreme humidity I deal with here, but if you were in a drier climate it might be worth doing. One caveat though. I have my miter slot a bit far out for the Rockler featherboards I have. I have the longer reach Kreg models which will more than make up for my mistake. Just make sure if you build yours, that you can use featherboards, or whatever custom sleds or whatever with your miter slot...

You may want to look into MLCS for their XCI cast iron extension wings. (scroll to the bottom of the page).

You might also want to take a peek at the Bench Dog 40-102, Amazon has it right now for somewhere around $260.00

And of course the Peachtree mentioned above. $229.00 but no plate included (The MLCS and Bench Dog come with router plates... Of course Harbor Freight sells phenolic router plates super cheap...

The biggest drawback I have experienced with the router wing is dust collection. I am planning on doing the cat litter tub dust bucket for the underside, and a regular dust port overhead on mine. Not sure how you would attach a cat litter tub to a piece of cast iron though. Plywood is easy, just attach some turnbuttons, and a piece of aluminum angle at the back that allows you to catch the lip, rotate it up, then lock in place...

Now if it were me, and I had to replace my BT with say a cast iron topped hybrid, well my shop space isn't magically growing, so I would definately do a router wing, and most likely grab the MLCS with the aluminum plate...

[big tim]

You might want to have a look at the one from Grizzly.
The T10222. Comes with a nice fence.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Rout...achment/T10222
I don't have any personal experience with it though.

Tim

[dbhost]

That Grizzly wing is the most expensive one I thought of mentioning, and the fact that it doesn't have provision for a drop in plate are MAJOR minuses for me. With a total price of $439.00 shipped, I think it is WAY more expensive than what the OP was looking for... Then again, I think if budget is the biggest concern, the OP really ought to consider building his own, or trying to find one on CL, I suspect those are going to be rare though...

[chopnhack]

Jussi raises important issues in building your own, namely sag. I have been thinking about the build your own seeing how expensive the CI option is... My thoughts were either 2 ply of 3/4" thick mdf or some combo of ply and hardboard top with laminate on both sides supported on a grid of box aluminum- that should eliminate the sag issues.

Aside from dust collection, which is very important what more on functionality? All opinions are wanted!

[wardprobst]

Check out Bill Hylton's Router Magic, I think it will really help you with making a decision on build versus buy.
DP

[chopnhack]

Check out Bill Hylton's Router Magic, I think it will really help you with making a decision on build versus buy.
DP

Thanks, what part makes you say that? I have his Woodworking with the Router, and although full of info, I never found it to be very clear.

[Knottscott]

I've had a shopmade RT on the right side of my TS for several years. It's a tremendous space saver. I've even added a cabinet below for storage and DC.