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AWFS Tool News: Rockler Releases Router Table for Trim Routers

Asa Christiana, editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

30 users recommend

Rockler downsizes the traditional router table for today's popular trim routers.

The router table's insert plate doubles as the base plate of your router.

Although it doesn't come with clamps, it's simple to attach this small table to a workbench or other work surface.

Rockler downsizes the traditional router table for today's popular trim routers.

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According to the Rockler guys at the AWFS show, when they saw the latest trim routers beefing up their motors, they saw an opportunity to make a similarly compact and affordable router table. Their new "Trim Router Table" is designed to work with the new generation of powerful compact routers, like the new combo kits from DeWalt and Porter-Cable, which FWW editors praised in FWW #219.

What's really cool about this inexpensive little table setup is the insert plate. It is drilled for all the common trim routers and drops into the table, where levelers make it perfectly flush. But what is great is that the round clear plate makes a perfect base for the router, so it can stay on for handheld use. Then whenever you need to do some table routing, you just drop the router into the table and off you go.

I've found that 90% of my table routing is relatively light, from molding or rounding edges to cutting light joinery, like sliding dovetails, and this little table would be just the thing. It is a bit small for large workpieces, as is the fence, but it is designed to be simply clamped to edge of a workbench, and stowed away afterward, making it perfect for tight shops. At $59 it is also great option for a first router table.

I'd like Rockler to offer a slightly larger version, and they are very interested in that idea.   

2011 Tool Guide
From the editors of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding 225 tools tested $9.99 more info...

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Comments (10)

wef111 writes: I bought it - I like it. I keep a trim router on the job site

at all times. w/ this set up on a garbage can I'm ready to

go. For built-ins it can't be beat.


Posted: 8:43 pm on April 6th

KenBee writes: I also don't see the need for a table for using a trim router. Like it has been said, the large router in a table will do the same things a trim router in a table will do. It is ludicrous to think, but if a woodworker only owned a trim router then the table would be beneficial otherwise the table would be a waste of money and space if one already has a router table in their shop.
Posted: 9:55 am on September 12th

woodchuck1954 writes: ...............and to think that owning a trim or small router was all about how easy they are to maneuver with one hand. I really see no point of purchasing this product if you already own a full-sized table. A large router can take any cutter that a trim router takes. The only buyer I can see, is a model maker or anyone else that only does minature work.
Posted: 4:50 pm on July 23rd

kat_kat writes: I would like to see more on the Australian table saw

Ed Marx
Posted: 7:03 am on July 23rd

epirnik writes: Tony: Indeed that would be pointless. That's why the photo enlarges from 200 pixels in width to 430 pixels in width.

-E

Posted: 12:13 pm on July 22nd

thoma7329 writes: I wouldn't have given this product such a good rating. It may be for "light" routing, but the forces generated from the user would be close to the same.

Two things I am concerned about.
1) How much downward force can it really take until the table deflects and becomes objectionable to the user? The deflection is amplified with every connection or spring joint. These would be the table's screw connection to the hardowwd strip and the clamps to the work table. Clamping the router table directly to the work table would dramatically increase the system stiffness and not affect performance.

2) How much force can the screws handle until they break from bending forces or strip out of the hardwood strip (operator downward force)? There isn't a real good ratio if you look at the pivot point and the forces that would be normally applied. (7/10 to 1 ratio?, like a crowbar effect).

It may have very good router features, but I question the overall durability of the structure. If the manufacturer did his job with a DVP&R (design verification plan & report), they should be able to tell you or publish the operation parameters of the equipment. I rarely see this in the general woodworking industry so we must all review products with our own critical eye.
Posted: 9:49 pm on July 21st

chugchug writes: Why not?, Makes a lot of sense
Posted: 9:34 pm on July 21st

tony_nz writes: What is the point of having an "enlarge" feature on an image when what appears is exactly the same size as the original?
Posted: 7:51 pm on July 21st

ctlmd writes: I have the new dewalt plunge and fixed small router. This looks fun. I'll probably give it a try
Posted: 5:33 pm on July 21st

NevadaDan writes: Not on their website yet.
Posted: 4:06 pm on July 21st

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