Replies

1. 
   Lataxe | Aug 15, 2008 11:44am | #1

   Keith,

   I have this which, with a large Triton router in it, makes a very robust, accurate and versatile system:

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&cat=1,43053&p=43885

   The LV video that demonstrates the various operations of the table and its many useful parts is worth a look before you buy, to see if the system would suit your kind of woodworking.  The LV system is aimed primarily at precision tasks and joint-making, although it also handles the standard tasks of making mouldings, etc..  It can be used as a pin router, although I've never used it as such myself.

   I've had the table and most of it's acoutrements for a number of years now and made an awful lot of joints and furniture parts using it.  I've never felt the need of another table; or of any operational capabilities that the LV can't handle. 

   Lataxe

2. 
   PCM | Aug 15, 2008 07:55pm | #2

   Keith,

   I made a benchtop version of Pat Warner's, and it does me very well.

   That said, if I need a new one I will definetly look hard at Lee Valley's product. They seem to overengineer all of their Veritas products, and also seem to really design their products to do what they are intended to do.

   I have not seen a Kreg router table, but their pocket hole products don't show me much- simply not the quality materials and construction Veritas has. 

   Pete

3. 
   heartwould | Aug 15, 2008 08:23pm | #3

   It really depends on what you want/like in a router table. For instance, I really like the Kreg, but bought the Rockler on sale for about half the money. The Rockler fulfills my needs and I like the way both it and the Kreg have the metal table legs (that I intend to use for a cabinet framework later).
   Forestgirl recently shared a photo of how she employed a Veritas metal router table top into her own cabinet. Very nice setup that she says she enjoys.
   The advice you have received is right on the money: determine what it is that you do or plan to do on the router table, then look around for one that will satisfy your needs (and maybe a little more). Some brands are just downright expensive without noticeable justification.

4. 
   sgwilliams | Aug 16, 2008 03:31am | #4

   Keith,

   Call Woodpeck.com 1-800-752-0725

   Very knowledgeable and fair. They will fix you up after assessing your needs/wants.

   No affiliation here, just a very satisfied customer.

   Scott W.

1. 
   keithflknr | Aug 16, 2008 08:15am | #6

   Thank You Keith

   I looked at there site and I was impressed.Unlike most tool sales companys I talked to a rep that gave me personal atention.Something I need at times.So I think I have made up my mind.

   Thank You

   Keith

5. 
   Cincinnati | Aug 16, 2008 04:18am | #5

   Are you inclined to build your own? That would be my recommendation.

   Greg

   •••••••

   Exo 35:30-35

6. 
   pzaxtl | Aug 16, 2008 09:15am | #7

   Jess-EM!

   Solid phenolic top, great fence, MastrLift with above table bit adjustment.

7. 
   Wingdoctor | Aug 17, 2008 01:47am | #8

   I would vote for Woodpeck also. I use their PRL Router Lift with a PC 7518 router and it is great. Above board bit changes and height changes. They have a wide selection of tops, fences and bases to go with any of their great lifts. I used theit template to make my own top and used their deluxe fence before I bought an Incra fence system from them.

   Bruce

   "A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan
8. 
   tchisel | Aug 17, 2008 01:56am | #9

   i invested in the bench dog....it is a pleasure to use.....the good thing about living near the nbss is i stop in and get a chance to see what they buy....you know they do their research...i dont like to spend money ...but this was worth it...i even bought the cabinet too...

9. 
   alanplanesaw | Aug 17, 2008 01:57am | #10

   Keith,

   You might do a search on Knots as I know there have been some great discussions and advice on router tables.

   Unless you need a benchtop, I would suggest New Yankee's "new and improved" version that you build.  I did and absolutely love it.  Stores all my routers and bits right there in the cabinet.  Hooked up to my dust collector and it is close to dust free.  Okay, I do have a couple more routers in another cabinet.

   Alan - planesaw

10. 
    bones | Aug 17, 2008 02:56am | #11

    I built my table from norm's plans and put a PC 7518 in it with a woodpecker PRL  I also have the woodpecker ls120 precision fence.  I love this set up.  I've had it for several years now.  One mod I made that I would reccomend is put it on good casters so you can slide it around.  Good luck. 

    Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
    If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
    And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
    
11. 
    mytulpa | Aug 17, 2008 03:39pm | #12

    jessem. 'nuff said.

12. 
    RickLoDico | Aug 21, 2008 04:33am | #13

    I have the Woodpeckers table and top with a JessEm router lift and PC7518. It's a great combination and has it's own DC.

    
13. 
    woodchuck1954 | Aug 21, 2008 05:08am | #14

    Double the use!
    Personally, I would build my own top and cabinet, buy a fence. If you decide to buy the whole shebang, so be it. The most important recomendation, from me, is End up with a rolling cabinet, with top at the same highth as your tablesaw and use it as your outfeed table.

1. 
   keithflknr | Aug 22, 2008 09:27am | #15

   great suggestion woodchuck. And thanks to everybody else also.Some of todays problems come from TOO many choices.I cant even choose what kind of headache meds i want anymore lol

   Thanks

   Keith

14. 
    yamslobber | Sep 09, 2008 05:24pm | #16

    Another vote for Woodpeckers. Best phone customer service I have had in recent years. You call them and they actually know what you're talking about.