Well, it turns out I got a little impatient today.
Which of course usually leads to spending money... :-(
So, kicking around craigslist this morning over a cup of coffee, I find a guy selling a table, (not a "stellar" table, but a table none the less)
And of course, he is just up the road. So we strike a deal for 25 buck for his craftsman table, which I take home and make use of. (after a stop to Sears to buy an adapter ring to get my router to fit in this table.)
After using it for a couple of hours, playing with different bits, adjustments, etc. I have learned a few things.
a) I completely understand the value of a good quality base and that base being level / flush with the rest of the table. This one is not perfect, although I've attempted 3 times to get it perfectly level.
b) for the money spent, (which was very little) I will later get into a nicer table, something in the $300 to 400 range, which I can now see after using this one (the Craftsman), and seeing / looking at other tables (Rocklers, Bench Dogs, Freud, etc.) what the difference is going to be in terms of ease of use, features, quality / accuracy of cuts, etc.
So, what have I learned?
When Rockler is closed for Holiday- I get antsy with a day to kill.
I buy a used entry level table, and understand, play and use different bits, material, etc. and get some exposure to a router table.
Prepped me in some way for the next in knowing what I want, don't want, etc.
I know I want:
More options / add ons which are easy to use, configure and access such as feather boards, jigs, etc.
General space of table (as in total square inches)
Greater adjustment in the fence.
But, no complaints. I got a basic table, put some sawdust on the ground, and taught myself a few things.
(thread started on my tinkering project today)
Thread started on the racks in the "Show and Tell" section with my couple of hours of sawdust in the garage this afternoon.