Replies

1. 
   ErnieConover | Jan 01, 2008 06:25pm | #1

   The great thing about publishing articles like the one on the router table is to see how the ideas presented evolve into much better concepts. I have not changed my table much. In fact I never put the fine adjustment feature on mine, that was John White's idea during the writing of the article. I frankly think partially tightening the locking knob on the sector and tapping the swing arm with a mallet is a better adjustment method--at least for me. But that is an adjustment method I am comfortable with. The big advantage of our shop built tables is that the bit fits through a hole in the swing arm that is the exact diameter of the cutting tool. Likewise the hole through the table is no bigger that the longest extension of the bit. This "zero clearance" feature of a home built table is what makes it work so well, cutting tenons with almost no breakout. If you need more air flow for the vacuum I would drill some holes in the side of the cabinet (and the swing arm) that brought air in under the table and across the bottom of the bit. This would improve airflow which would improve swarf removal and the life of the vacuum.

   Welcome to Fine Woodworking on Line and I wish you and your a very Happy New Year.

   With best regards,
   Ernie Conover

1. 
   meanders | Jan 02, 2008 07:43am | #2

   Thanks, Ernie.  I don't think I have the skill to make fine adjustments by tapping with a mallet, on the router table or on a hand plane, so looks like my table is about to evolve.  Something along the lines of a fine-thread bolt thru an insert bearing on a metal plate?  With the shop vac hooked to it my table doesn't throw off any shavings but it fills up with them, packed tight.  Would that be because I missed the part in the article about plunging the bit thru the swing arm for zero clearance and drilled a one inch hole instead?

   Mike Anderson

1. 
   ErnieConover | Jan 02, 2008 06:23pm | #3

   I would hazard a guess that the large opening contributes to swarf being in the wrong place. After swinging the bit through the table I chiseled a bit of relief on the bottom side of the table. I have no problems with swarf impacting anywhere and 99% ends up in my Sears Shop Vacuum. ERC