Replies

1. 
   Routerman | Mar 28, 2009 03:16am | #1

   No deal but will get you close.

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 28, 2009 06:49am | #2

   I own the Lee Valley Veritas solid steel table top have had it for several years now.  There are many advantages to using this for a router table, a quick list:

   • Universal mounting of any router you have, no need to make an insert
   • Flat, stays flat
   • Making a base (legs, or cabinet, or whatever) can be as simple or as complicated as you want.  I started with it hinged off the wing of an old contractor saw, with an H-shaped leg unit that slipped under the edge when the table-top was up; stashed away when down.  Now I have a very basic dust-catching cabinet; someday a "real" router cabinet.
   • You can use magnetic accessories
   • You can move the top from a stationary cabinet in your shop to a portable frame if you work on-site.

   The fence is of good quality, but could be a little more user-friendly.  Paddy has replaced some of the thumbscrews with larger knobs and that helps.  I like the shaper-style hold-ins/hold-downs, the magnetic dust chute (which can also be used on the bandsaw), and the fine-adjustment fence stop.

   Lee Valley's benchtop stand (easily made):
   View Image 

   Mounted on my dust-catcher stand:
   View Image 

   View Image 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   
   

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   Edited 3/27/2009 11:51 pm by forestgirl

1. 
   mtclay1 | Mar 28, 2009 08:35am | #3

   thanks, awesome

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 28, 2009 09:16am | #4

   "awesome"  I love that word, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   gofigure57 | Mar 28, 2009 12:09pm | #6

    Jamie 

   Hi there, In the top photo there is an attachment that looks to be an arm for pin routing, I'm wondering what it is as I have never seen it befor. Thanks

                        Tom.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 28, 2009 06:19pm | #7

   Yes, it is a pin-routing arm.  See it here on the Lee Valley site.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 28, 2009 09:08pm | #8

   Forest.. And the original poster...

   Sorry for buttin'in.. But do you use the Pin attachment shown in your pictures? Any opinions? LOL on Opinions...

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 29, 2009 03:29am | #9

   I haven't tried pin routing yet.  That picture was from the Lee Valley page marketing their system.  Gotta say, I'm intrigued with the idea.

   There are several attachments "out there" for pin routing, we talked about some of them in a thread awhile back.  I'll see if I can find it for ya.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 29, 2009 04:22am | #10

   Looks like last fall, MLCS caught my attention and got me asking about these gizmos.  Click here to see various responses about pin router attachments.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   Cincinnati | Mar 28, 2009 12:00pm | #5

   Clay,

   You don't mention a budget. I researched router table systems off and on for nearly a year. I planned on building a cabinet/table, But ironically it helps to have a router table to build a router table. I finally decided I didn't have the time to build one. Some of the high tech systems like the Jessem which caught my attention were pushing $2000. That seemed insane to me.

   I am very pleased with my purchase. I finally settled on an INCRA system. Their website is INCRA.com. There are several online videos on the router table/fence product line. I believe they have a special offer through their online store (incrementaltools.com).

   I selected the Incra Wonder Fence with the LS25 positioner. It is adjustable in 0.001" with locking stops every 0.030" (1/32"). You just have to get visually close and the locking mechanism puts the fence dead nuts on the nearest 1/32 of an inch.

   If you plan on doing a lot of dado and rabbit cuts in panels, get the larger offset top and the LS25. I think the INCRA magna-lock router plate is free with the top right now. I found their Large Stand on sale at Amazon with Free shipping. I am considering buying a second one as a movable work cabinet or to mount a drum sander onto it. If you do mostly joinery with smaller projects (boxes and drawers, etc) the LS17 and a smaller top may be adequate for you.

   I chose a Triton 2 1/2 hp router because it has a built-in lift. The adjustments are accessible through the router plate. It also has an auto engaging spindle lock; therefore bit changing is easily a one-handed operation. (The only thing I don't care for on the Triton is US customer Service is a little rough around the edges. I'm not certain they stock spare parts. If this router fails, I will probably deal directly with Australia. No problem. I love the accent mates.)

   If you have other specific questions reply back. Call Perry at INCRA. His picture ought to be next to customer care in the dictionary.

   Greg

   •••••••

   Exo 35:30-35

   
   

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   Edited 3/28/2009 5:07 am by Cincinnati