I just got the Bosch 1617 router, and would like to build a table for it.
I’m very new to woodworking, but feel like I have a decent grasp.
I have tools that I’ll need, or have access to them.
I’d like something of quality, but I don’t want something that I’ll be working on for 40 hours. (unless that’s where I need to start)
I’ve googled for Router Table Plans, and looked at a few.
from just the looks of things, I’d like one that could have some storage. and I’d like the router lift to be average, (not frustrating to use for a beginner)
If I can, I’d like to keep it under $300 to build, ulness I can do something that is comparable for less with little sacrifice.
I looked at the Bosh Router table from Amazon ($225 with a special they are running) but I have to admit I just like the colors, since I have no experience with it. =)
Thanks again!
Bryan
oh,on a totally different note… I have a 17in Mac Powerbook for sale if anyone is interested. 6 months old.
Replies
"I'd like the router lift to be average, (not frustrating to use for a beginner)" Hmmmm, not sure you'll be able to build a table with a lift for under $300, as the lifts themselves are pretty expensive ($300+??). The one exception is the Router Raizer or the Veritas Bit Jack, which run around $90, but are for plunge routers only.
If you're set on above-the-table adjustment and haven't used the Bosch, you might want to consider either the Milwaukee or the new model Porter Cable's which have bit adjustment built into the design. I'm betting, though, you'd realy rather not do that, LOL.
Well, I'll step aside for the table-building experts here. I bought my table top (Veritas solid steel) and slapped a shop-built fence onto it.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Hay girl! I did not know you here.. Maybe a PIC of your set-up would help.
I use a Incra fence for my routers and would not help cidion.
Ok, you asked for it. Click here to see my Veritas set-up. The links at the end are outdated, so if anyone wants to go to Lee Valley, click here instead.
The JessEm Rout-R-Lift FX is "only" $182.99 through Woodcraft. Hmmm, only leaves $100 for the table and fence. Ouch.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
ah... after further thought, i realized i don't need a lift. I thought it was a must have. but I'm wrong =)I looked at the Lee Valley set, but it didn't look like it was as large as the Bosch.
But I don't want to be getting it cuz I like the logo.. unless it's good. *sigh* i'm so picky.If I went with this.. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&cat=1,43053&p=50264 And got the insert and fence, then I'd just make all of the rest how ever I'd want it?If i did that, it would be $220, then I'd have to buy the wood for the table. hmm..is it that much more better than a premade kit?sorry if I'm asking the same question a different way.
we need audio chat at Knots =)Bryan
I just made a router table for the same bosch router out of mdf that was inexpensive and easy to make, but i think pretty decent. I don't have time to take the pictures right now, but i will this weekend sometime and post 'em for you. One sheet of MDF, some glue and screws, a couple of knobs and some lexan plasic from lv, and four castors to make it mobile. All told, it was probably less than $80 cdn for the whole thing, and i made it so that is would be easily upgradeable (say, a solid wood tabletop, dust collection, a higher grade fence, cabinet doors or drawers, whatever), so that if at some point it no longer fullfills my router table needs, i don't have to start again from scratch. Anyways, i'll get back to you probably tonight with pictures.Jesse David
"Beware of the man who works hard to learn something, learns it, and finds himself no wiser than before," Bokonon tells us. "He is full of murderous resentment of people who are ignorant without having come by their ignorance the hard way."
Cidion, if you were to go with the insert and fence at $219, why not just go for the top and fence for $249?! The top is the critical part, as mentioned above, as it must be flat and that steel top will never sag or warp on you. Making a base for the Veritas system is the simplest thing in the WWing world (well, just about) and you can make one with drawers or shelves or whatever you want.
Here's the link to the table/fence outfits.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
I have two shop made router tables. One on my saw and one on rollers I can move around the shop. I couldn't't see paying for one. However, depending on what wood you use and how fancy your router table gets. I think it will cost more than $300.00 total unless you just use Plywood or MDF. Nothing wrong with getting that Bosch table but I think in time you will just want something better.. Just my opinion..
Just one suggestion. LV are REALLY nice folks to deal with. Call them and just ask. They will work with you...
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=42932&cat=1,43053,43885
I'd like something of quality, but I don't want something that I'll be working on for 40 hours. (unless that's where I need to start)......................
Spent 40/80/whatever hours and build a table with some plans you like.. I would think it is a good way to start. Take your time!
I'd like the router lift ..... That will be EXTRA cost unless you get a router table that includes one for your specific router.. I don't know where you can get a table, fence, and lift for $300.. No harm looking around the net.. Maybe you can find something....
By the way.. If you get a nice router plate you can always use it when building a fancy table later..
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I forgot.. I do not have a LIFT for either router table.. For what a lift cost you can get a nice assortment of 1/2 inch bits.. Just me...
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Good luck.. Rout safe... And have fun!
Edited 2/5/2005 12:18 pm ET by Will George
"...ulness I can do something that is comparable for less with little sacrifice." Cidion, I think the first decision you'll have to make is whether you must have a lift at this point in time. If you do, the table and fence will have to be a very low-tech basic design, because you won't have much more than $100 left. I found that Woodcraft sells the JessEm Rout-R-Lift FX for "only" $182.99
If you're willing to pass on the lift idea for now, it really opens up your options. What I found when I was slogging through this same decision a couple years ago is that the plates and such are really expensive, so it's important to get the right one. Rousseau and JessEm have a great reputations. A plate's gonna run you around $50 probably.
Bench Dog makes probably the best mid-range router tables. Their RT400 top and AF400 fence will run you just over $300. (See Woodcraft or click on my Bench Dog link above). If I was going to buy a table other than the Veritas system, that's where I'd go.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Edited 2/5/2005 1:19 pm ET by forestgirl
You can build your own router table without a great deal of difficulty. However, a word of caution, your top must be flat. I may be stating the obvious, but a router table was the first thing I chose to build a couple of years ago and I didn't get the top flat. I was trying to cheap out and use materials on hand. I wasn't off much, but enough to be very unsatisfactory in doing joinery work, which is why I built the table in the first place. Found a used shaper not long after that, so the router table has been pretty much a work table. It's on my list of things to do to flatten the table, but somehow I don't ever get around to it.
Good luck.
cidion,
I built my own but I'm not sure your budget will b enough with a lift. Check out this thread: http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=11623.1
Good luck!
TDF
Hi Tom, thanks for the help.Yeah, I was confused. I thought a lift was the same as a router plate (or whatever holds the router to the table) I'm a little smarter now.. i think.Where did you get the hardware for the table? I was looking at the Lee Valley kit, but didn't know if there was one that fit the NY one better.Thanks for the photos and link.bryan
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