Replies

1. 
   JKling | Dec 23, 2008 05:23am | #1

   I built one several years ago and use it quite a bit. The tall fence is handy when you need to tip a board up on end to run it past the big. That said, the plans don't allow for mounting the router horizontally, which can be very useful. I think there was an issue of FWW that described building a router station where you could mount the router either vertically or horizontally, and if I were to do it again, I'd look at that one instead of the New Yankee version.

1. 
   Montanaman | Dec 24, 2008 10:15pm | #11

   What would youy change?

2. 
   user-189774 | Dec 23, 2008 05:25am | #2

   Absolutely, built mine about four years ago with a circular saw straight edge and a router. The New Yankee Workshop put a lot of thought in to this router table. There is not one part in the plans that is very daunting, it is very well illustrated. I purchased the plan and video, looking back I feel silly for thinking that the video was needed, but it was nice to have for reference.. Now that I have better equipment I would really like to make another one, just to change a few things that would suit me better.

3. 
   Routerman | Dec 23, 2008 06:18am | #3

   In my view, you should build either a router table or a cabinet, not both in one assembly.

4. 
   bones | Dec 23, 2008 05:53pm | #4

   YES!  I used this very project about 4 years ago to get me back into woodworking.  I modified Norm's plans a bit by upping the top to 1.5" thick with 2 3/4" pieces of MDF instead of the 3/4 & 1/2" it called for.  Secondly, I put mine on casters from woodcraft and that was a great addition, I move it around and out of the way now.  It also puts it about 3" taller which I like.  I did scrap the fence for an Incra that I bought second hand.  Its great storage.  I put the woodpecker lift in it which is a great additon with the PC 7518.   Great addition to the shop!  Good luck

    

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=20473.1

   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.
   
1. 
   JohnE | Dec 23, 2008 09:12pm | #5

   I built one several years ago and really like it. I also went with a 1 1/2 inch top and casters and I also mounted hinges at the rear of the top and a prop in the fake drawer so I could get to the router without having to get down on my knees and reach through that little plexiglass door.

2. 
   Montanaman | Dec 24, 2008 01:00am | #6

   Thank you for the info.  It sounds like the way to go.

1. 
   bones | Dec 24, 2008 03:33am | #7

   No problem, 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.

5. 
   alanplanesaw | Dec 24, 2008 06:47am | #8

   Amen to others who have said yes.  Built the NYW router table about 3 years ago and I love it.  Storage in it, with a good dust collector system it is almost dustless.

   Alan - planesaw

6. 
   James R. | Dec 24, 2008 08:43am | #9

   Steve:

   I don't think you can go wrong with the NYW router table. It was the first thing I ever built and there are several things I know I would make much better now. It was a great learning experience for me, but like JayR said, nothing was too daunting. I use it a lot and may upgrade it a little one of these days, improved top, etc. All your bits are kept handy, as well as router wrenches, gauges, collets and as mentioned by another responder great dust collection. It's a very useful project. I don't think you'll regret it.

   Jim

1. 
   Montanaman | Dec 24, 2008 10:13pm | #10

   How long did it take and what do you think you spent on it?

    

1. 
   James R. | Dec 24, 2008 11:57pm | #12

   Steve:It probably took me about a month, maybe a little longer. I didn't have a lot of spare time and, like I said, it was my first large project.
   One mistake I made, as a novice, was not using good quality plywood. My table works fine, however it would be much nicer had I used better quality plywood. I would have had fewer problems with splintering dados, rough edges and warped panels. A lesson learned the hard way as usual. Once you make it you'll be glad you did and you'll get a lot of use out of it. Take your time and make it right, especially the top. Also, put a router lift setup that you can adjust from the top without having to reach underneath the table top to loosen or tighten the collet. There are several good ones available. Have a great Holiday, Jim

7. 
   PCM | Dec 25, 2008 12:31am | #13

   Steve,

   I built a benchtop version of "Router Man's", aka Pat Warner, and have really come to appreciate it!

   The top is actually only 2 thin pieces of particle board cemented together. The router is kept from sagging by the 3 1/2" (2 x 4's planed flat on one edge) supports placed very close to the router base. The base is 7" D, and these supports are 7 1/2" apart.  This thin top allows the maximum travel of the router bit. For large bits I put another top on, with a larger hole drilled.

   These cross supports sit on vertical 2 x 4's ripped in half, which sit on horizontal 2 x 4's ripped in half. These 2 x 4's make a square, and there are 4 of them in a box 21" x 21" square, 16 3/8" high. The tops are 24" x 24". The sides and back are covered by plywood, the front and bottom are open to facilitate cleaning and set-up. I do not leave the router installed if I am not going to use it. I hope this makes sense!

   My table/box is not the piece of fine furniture Pat's is, but it is very functional and easy to use. One thing-make sure you have a flat plane to set your top on. This goes for any type/style you make.

   Pete