Sommerfield router table reviews?
I everyone, I haven’t been on the forum in a very long time and not able to do any woodworking due to other major projects along with the regular job, but now I’m ready to get back into woodworking!
This coming winter I’m looking at a complete kitchen remodel and want to build my own cabinets. With this in mind, I am looking at buying a second router table to help the project along to get it done quickly. One table that has caught my eye is the Marc Sommerfield table, it is rather expensive but is also bigger than most other tables ( extruded aluminum 36″ X 27″)and has a fence that is 48″. I am wondering if anyone on the board has this table and if so, is it worth spending the extra $$ @ $499.00 for both ?
Thanks for your input.
Terry
Santa Barbara,CA
Edited 10/9/2007 1:16 am ET by SantaBarbaraSawDust
Edited 10/9/2007 1:32 am ET by SantaBarbaraSawDust
Replies
Based on my experience with Sommerfield's previous 'Industrio' table I wouldn't buy this one. Stout enough and works ok, but not amenable to upgrades like lifts, etc. uses non-standard fence inserts/sub-fences.
I bought the Sommerfeld table when it became available in January. I am very happy with it. It is large and very solid and solves the biggest problem with router tables, in my opinion, which is the rectangular plate that most tables use to mount the router. With the Sommerfeld the router mounts directly to the underside of the table center section. Some insert rings are used to control the size of the bit opening. The result is a very even surface so work will slide without snagging. The only downside to this table is that it is drilled specifically for the Triton router that Sommerfeld also sells. I have seen a demo and the Triton looks to be a very capable router. It's height adjustment(plunge) mechanism appears to be very effective in the table. I mounted my PC 3-1/4 HP router which required having a machine shop drill and chamfer 4 new holes. I have been using an Incra Jig fence on it so far but also have the heavy duty Sommerfeld fence for big projects.
Sommerfeld pulled these off the market this past spring because of warping problems. I don't know if they are back yet or not.
Barry in WV
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