Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Dec 30, 2011 11:16pm | #1

   The ones I'm used to using are similar to a vertical panel saw but with a router. As you described, the router moves or you lock it and move the work, swing out base, pneumatic clamps. Fantastic for dado work but they can do a lot of things. On some panel saws, the saw can be replaced with a router.

   http://www.hersaf.com/shop/index.php/action/Panel_Routers

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 01, 2012 12:48pm | #2

   If I understand what you are looking for, I believe the commonly used term now is a "router sled". You'll find various plans for shop-made versions, and  some commercially made ones, as well. Here is one that looked interesting to me:

   http://www.amazon.com/Woodhaven-3000-27-Planing-Sled/dp/B002UZGUSY

   Note, too, that router enthusiasts have also come up with "skis" to accomplish a similar task. The skis are similar to outriggers on boats, typically using the edge-guide bushings in the router base for rods that connect to the outriggers/skis.

1. 
   RJT | Jan 01, 2012 11:17pm | #3

   Thanks for that, new to me and we're getting closer, and I have seen home-made vertical routers but the machine that I worked on had a good number of advantages over these. The material would slide in from the side and there were stops that could be set for dados, rabbets so that for a vertical machining on the piece you'd set the router according to a scale on the rails, clamp it and drop the router that had a face that went up against the workpiece ensuring consistent desired depth of cut. For horizontal  work the piece remained stationary and the router slid on the rails, stops would be set on the fence.... you'd know all this, just going through it.

   I'm ging back to Woodhaven and look there some more as they have some of the most innovative products I've ever seen in one catalog.