Replies

1. 
   tms | Jan 02, 2005 12:58am | #1

   I bought one recently at the WW show in Portland, Or. It went together easily and got me working quickly, but there were some small annoyances that reminded me that I could have done better myself. The T-track did not fit flush with the table top and would catch the edge of my stock. The plastic edge banding was also a poor fit and also caught edges. I had to make repairs and adjustments to both areas.

   As I said small things, not worth taking it back to the retailer, but disappointing all the same. If I didn't need it now, I would make my own and be proud of it.

   Tom

2. 
   BarryO | Jan 02, 2005 07:40am | #2

   I got mine a few years ago on sale.  A friend who was moving gave me a router table on a cabinet, but the table top was chewed up and for the wrong router.  I was going to build my own top for it, but then Rockler had a sale on these.  I fugred for the money, I'd give it a try.

   I have not been disappointed.  The top is a very think piece of MDF.  The fence is based on a pretty hefty piece of right-angle aluminum.  The T-track on mine was OK.  All in all, I couldn't have done much better building it myself, and I didn't have to spend time building yet another jig or fixture.

3. 
   DennisS | Jan 02, 2005 08:25am | #3

   jc -

   I, too bought one a couple years ago and about all it saved me was the time it would have taken to build (a better) one. Not that it's bad but there are things I would have done differently to make it better.

   The two pieces of the MDF fence that are mounted on the otherwise hefty piece of aluminum angle are ever so slightly out of plane. They're easily shimmed flush to one another, though. When I bought mine they didn't have a proper opening for the Jessem router lift I bought at the same time so I had to mill out the opening to make it fit. The spreadable insert that fits in the T-track doesn't lock in place very securely and the other little doo-dads like the little feather board are pretty whimpy. Basically all I use is the main table surface with the router lift and the fence. I just set it on and clamp it to a couple saw horses when I need it then stand it against the wall when not in use.

   But figuring your time involved in making one, it's probably worthwhile if you're in a hurry to have a router table.

   ...........
   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
   Dennis
4. 
   Jimma | Jan 02, 2005 10:57pm | #4

   Rockler has apparently made several versions of their router table top. I got mine about five years ago and I have had some problems with it. The track and fence are OK on mine (my fence is oak attached to angle aluminum), but the table itself is particle board -- not MDF -- and the two adjustable knobs that are used to secure the fence to the table have worn out their tracks in the base to the point that the fence can't be held securely. I would check the product carefully before buying one if you're going to be using it much. There are much better ones around -- Bench Dog for example.

5. 
   tpbullock | Jan 03, 2005 03:44am | #5

   JC

   With one sheet of MDF, some scrap hardwood, a little formika (hope the spelling on that is right)for the top, and some t-track you can make a table as big as you want and put any router you'd like inside of it. Its an easy project and its worth it.

    I glued two pieces of MDF together to make a top that is 1 1/2" thick. Then i put maple on the edges and formika on the top with some cantact cement. The T-tracks are simple enough to put in and putting one on the fence is good for holding feather boards on your work.

   I do use a Rockler router plate and i have been pretty satisfied with its performance. I hope this helps.

   Tommy

1. 
   MikeT | Jan 07, 2005 06:31am | #6

   I have been using a Rockler Tabletop for a couple of years now. I use it with a Incra fence adjuster which I love. I replaced the Rockler plate with a Bench Dog router raiser plate.

   My comments:

   1. the Rockler fence clamps slide in grooves through the table. Most other fences clamp to the edge of the table. The grooves limit how far you can move the fence from the bit. But this probably is only significant if you are planning to rout dado grooves in wide pieces.

   2. The Incra fence adjuster attaches to the fence off center from the bit. Any deflection in the Incra (and there is some) will change the depth of cut. I fixed this by making an adapter so the Incra is attached in line with the bit.

   3. I bought a keyhole cutter and made my own special fences. I prefer one-piece fences so there is no joint to catch the piece I am cutting. That said, I also beveled the leading edge of the second fence piece that came with the table to reduce catching when I am using a 2 piece piece.

   4. I like the included t-track and often use the stops and holdowns.

   All that said, I think that next time I would make my own table top with t-track and buy a fence that clamps to the edges of  the table.

   Mike