Combine Router Table with Working Table?
I’m fairly new to the woodworkin’ thing, so I have a question to throw out to the intelligentsia on Knots.
I am fairly constrained for space in my garage workshop. The evil homeowners association actually require us to park in the garage, so everything is on wheels against the wall. I’ve got just enough room for a bench I just built (love it), and have a smaller bench for all my junk and things I’d rather not do on the nice bench.
The one item I don’t have yet is a router table, and I know I’d like one. But I am pretty maxed-out on floor space. So, I am wondering what most people do in my situation. Is it best to just get a portable router table I store somewhere and pull out as needed, or is a full-fledged router table really that much better? Can I combine the router table with a working table to save space?
Replies
Possibly the best use of space in a "still usable to park your car" garage would be this one:
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Workshop/endresstour.asp
This is certainly an option when considering how to maximize your space, but it really has to do with what you are going to be doing. What sort of projects have you done? What are you planning?
Thanks for the reply. I've seen that article, (I actually made the Essential Bench shown in that same issue) and you have to admire his ingenuity for making the most of a small space. I've done my best to pack in my table saw, 8" jointer, lathe and such, but they are not as portable as his. I have the usual things in mind for projects: home furnishings - and I feel strangely attracted to boat building, but I plan to get some practice in before I venture into those waters.But I guess I'm wondering that since I have just 4 feet of space left, can I combine a regular working table with a router, or do the two functions just get in the way of each other? It would seem to me that if one were to recess the router below the table and remove the fence you'd have yourself a perfectly good table to use for most anything, but maybe the abuse taken by a working bench give too poor a surface for effective routing.An alternative is just to put in dedicated router table and do all my work on my (sniff) pretty woodworking bench.
Edited 8/26/2008 12:10 pm by DavidDodd
The combo table is a great idea - I actually purchased a cast iron router table that mounts to my table saw - with the router fence off I get a larger saw table - works fantastic.
David,
I have a flip up router table that hangs off the end of my TS outfeed table. I don't have space problems, but it came with me from a place that did. maybe something along that line might work for you. I'll see if I can manage to post a few pictures of it, never posted a picture here before.
Wow that's an extremely evil association. Are you serious? No exposed vehicles? Screw them! Make them enforce it. Maybe I don't have it so bad on a 'regular people' street (one street away from the executives and retirees). That said, good idea. Combining a routertable and worktable would be a fantastic idea. Even though I don't have to park my CAR in my SHOP, I think that this is one idea I'll do in the next couple of years. It just makes sense, even if you don't use the router every day or every week--it's another utility table!
Brian
Ha. Well, I kind of say they're evil with tongue in cheek. We moved here in part because we wanted a nice looking neighborhood and the NA can do good things. But it does at times, like in the case of a garage workshop, sort of impede the betterment of mankind. So, I squeeze things in as best I can, and the bicycles end up in the guest bedroom thanks to my understanding wife.Anyway, I just couldn't recall any photos of someone who combined a router table with a work table of about 4 feet wide. Like I said, I'm kind of new to this, so there's a lot I don't know. Perhaps a 4 foot wide fence is just not practical, or there are other considerations I haven't thought of. But I was just mulling it over, because one project I have in mind is to make a nicer work table, and if I thought it might contain a router it could influence the design.
Edited 8/26/2008 12:13 pm by DavidDodd
If fence length is an issue, what about locating the router toward the end of the table and running stock perpendicular? A more normal sized router table . . . in a rough neighborhood for woodworkers! What do you do, or feel you need to do, about noise?Brian
David,In general, I'd stay away from the router/workbench combo. I say this because it really does not provide either the utility or quality you seek without jumping through hoops to make it work.From a utility standpoint, routing requires a fairly large supporting staff of paraphernalia...bits, wrenches, measuring devices, feather boards, DC, etc. It's a pain to set this up every time, it's nice to have a dedicated set up. From a quality perspective the gold standard would be probably the shaper...heavy cast iron perfectly flat, little transference of vibration, high repeatability. Any deviation in top flatness or stock flatness can really mess up the cut. I just think a workbench top would be less controllable. It would be better to have a separate set up to go onto the workbench.Many of us have found Norm's router setup (or others) effective...with a thick laminated top. Incorporating a router setup into the table saw has pretty good efficiency and quality. The Router Guys have a very simple setup that would work. My key point here is that we tend to downplay the quality aspects/requirements a bit with router table setups. We fight hard to get accuracy on the TS or Bandsaw, etc. but not so much on the router setup... Lastly, convenience means you'll use it more and it very handy. I'd see if roll around table could be forced into your space.
David:
Combining the two is a good idea, especially since several table saws are made with a router table combined with the table's extension. Check out the Powermatic table saw see how they do it and go from there. You should end up with a very practical solution to your problem.
Jim
You could definitely incorporate a router table in your work bench if you had to. Use the dog holes to position the fence.
As for the evil homeowners association, my advise is to run for office. You get to find out new things and then you can get the things you don't like changed!
Just my 2 cents.
Chaim
You'll likely find that having limited floor space forces various compromises in convenience and efficiency. I'm in the same boat. I have an older, large, now-discontinued B&D Workmate that serves as an alternate work surface. Since the Workmate stays up most of the time, I bought just the Rockler table and fence and use the Workmate vice dogs to secure it on top of the Workmate. With no bit in the router, I can plop a piece of ply or MDF on top for quick tasks, or remove the Rockler table for more involved things. My arrangement is certainly not ideal, but it's workable, taking advantage of the existing space without consuming additional floor area.
This one hangs on the rafters, clamp-screws to the bench on demand. More on this.
That's a pretty interesting portable router table - thanks for posting that Routerman.I appreciate everyone's input. I am beginning to think combining the router with a work table may not be convenient, if for no other reason, I tend to have a lot of crap on the table that hasn't been put away yet! A portable one like Routerman suggested, or a benchtop one like the Lee Valley one might make the most sense for now, until I find I'm doing so much routing and need something more dedicated.
I've been thinking of combining a router table and a bench in one too. I was looking into a Norm type table with all accessories in it and another top made of melamine that cover it. It would have a lip around the outside so it can't slide. I would only use it for assembly so the melamine would clean up easy. The only downside is you can't mount a vise to it.
Jeremy
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
intelligentsia on Knots. NOT me for sure but I have several router tables for different jobs..
Why not in the middle of you good or junk bench with a lift... I router is a wonderful tool! Just be SURE the table top is FLAT and you have a way to attach a fence! The fence can be anything! As long as it is 45 degrees to the table top and adjustable to the bit!
David,
I have a setup where I have a router table that is an oversided workbench. I honestly like it this way because it has plenty of support for any material that I want to run through the router. when I want to do things like hammer or even some light staining I just lower my bit, remove my fence and then place some scrap stock or a 1/4 sheet of MDF on the top and go to work.
Bio
Hello David,
I've been following Knots for some time but never felt qualified to answer anything to this point but I think this might contribute to the subject. I got started by watching PBS Router Workshop and bought their system using the PC890. When we got ready to build our new houses a few years ago, I built this 4'x6' work table and cut in the router base per the instructions that came with their system. The table is not very flat and when I started, it didn't matter much. I have since progressed to considering rebuilding the top. This table serves well as outfeed for my TS and gives lots of room to run long stock through the router. All the tools, bits, etc., as well as the custom fence, are stored under the table. I can just barely run 8' plywood through the TS and I have run 10'-12' moulding through the router. I have never posted photos before so I hope they show up.
Dennis
Wow, Dennis, superb job on your bench with router. That's just the sort of thing I was looking for, so I appreciate your description and photos. I think I can see though that this works better for you, since you can walk completely around your bench and have good access. My table (unless I put it on rollers) would be up against a wall and tightly packed between a drill press and planer. But I think it's great what you did - my retirement dream home will have more space.David
Nicely done!
Nice!
If your tablesaw can handle it, take a look at the Bench Dog unit. This is a cast iron system used in place of the left or right wing of your tablesaw. Just unbolt the wing and bolt this router table in its place. It comes with its own fence, and has the added advantage of being made of cast iron, great for vibration dampening properties.
My other option would be to get or make a bench top router table that can easily be placed under your new bench when not in use. There are many good bench top units on the market today, including Bench Dog, Kreg or some of the router accessory marketers.
Thanks for reminding me of that option Cigarmike. That may end up as the best solution for me - my table saw will work with it, and it would take no additional space in my shop which is a huge plus. And the reviews on Amazon are very positive about it - I like the cast iron top and the fence seems first rate. Thanks so much!
Another option would be to get something like the steel Lee Valley router plate. You can plop it down between two saw horses or an open vise, etc., and store it in a 1/4" space. Besides, the router removes & remounts easily.
I have my router table as one of the extension wings on my table saw. This works very good for me. If I had to do it over again I would.
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