Gavin Hadley

Hello,

I am in the process of equipping my new "retirement" shop. Just purchased a Makita table saw...a contractor model. I don't plan any heavy duty projects but do plan to purchase a new router. I am told that a good way to go is a hand held with a plunge base..?? I own several Ridgid tools and like them a lot so was wondering about opinions regarding their 2.25 hp router with the plunge base for $199. Also wondering if that router will fit the Bosch benchtop table. After the router, the next purchase will likely be a floor-standing drill press...again, probably the Ridgid model for $299. Remember I'm a woodworking virgin so be gentle

Gavin Hadley

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nzgeordie

Gidday Gavin and welcome to the forum. As to your virginity, well we all have to lose it sometime and this is as good a place as any. Enjoy yourself.

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Pete
I've cut it twice and it's still too short! But only at one end.

Mike

Gavin, The Ridgid router has received good reviews from members who own it. You should be aware that there is very little difference in quality between major brands, the chief difference is in how the controls work. If you are comfortable with the way the controls function then this would be a good choice for you. There is ample room to mount the Ridgid router (which is basicly a copy of the Bosch 1617 design) in a Bosch table. I feel you might do better checking out the Router Workshop table from Oak Park before you invest. If you are not familiar with the show from PBS you can find the Router Workshop on www.thewoodworkingchannel.com and see for yourself why simple is better.

As a note most routers will mount to most tables but you often need to drill new mounting holes. You will find directions on how to do this elsewhere on our site.

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Mike
Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.

Gavin Hadley

Are you saying that I should consider building my own table from the plans offered at the site your provided? Thanks Mike.

challagan

Welcome Galvin, glad to have you here.

Corey

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My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver
http://iowacarver.tripod.com/

My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503
http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/

Mike

There is no better way to become familiar with your tools than to use them to build a project. I encourage everyone to build their own table for a couple of reasons. One of these is it's not brain surgery. Minor goofs will not effect the usefullness of a router table. It is also a great confidence builder. Once you have completed a table you will feel pride in your work, and bragging rights are always fun! Another thing to consider is how you will be using your table. Commecial tables often look like they have all the whistles and bells but that is an illusion. More often they limit the way you can perform tasks. One of the great benefits in building a Router Workshop table is the fact that you can use all of their accessories. Larger guide bushings allow for more possibilities, quick and accurate installation of box joint jigs, there are many other items as well. Perhaps the best part is no limitations on how you work. Add to this instructional DVD's and many downloadable plans and you have a recipe for success. I realise not everybody will want to build their own table and you can purchase one that has some unique features such as the ability to take it apart and set it up quickly. I built my first table with a fancy fence from the plans in ShopNotes #1 and was very happy with it. Rick asked me to try his system and now all my work is done on an Oak Park table. Rick was right... simple is better. Accurate set ups are key to successful routing and anything you can do to reduce set up time means more time routing. I always ask members to post their state/provence and country in their profiles. This is not done for marketing, it is to help you connect to other members in your area. Woodworking is better when done with friends. We have our "Sawdust Saturdays" at my place with local forum members joining in the fun. (You will find photos in the lobby section) Browse the forums some more before you make a decision on which table to go with. I look forward to hearing about your choice.

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Mike
Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.

karateed

Are you saying that I should consider building my own table from the plans offered at the site your provided? Thanks Mike.

Hi Gavin,

I am very new to woodworking with my only projects being some boxes I've built for my wife (and am still doing so), picture frames from scratch, some turnings and some jigs. Oh did I mention that I've built 2 router tabels, both from scrap wood so the price was right. My first one was very simple, mostly MDF and my router was just screwed straight to the board. It worked surprisingly well.

My next one was based on a design I saw in a magazine somewhere....it clamps to my workmate and is still what I'm using. The reality is (as Mike has already stated) that you will make some mistakes but.....they aren't show stoppers that's for sure. Every mistake is correctable, especially in woodworking. You will get a sense of pride in your table and.....you will want to use it for quite a while until you decide you need more features....or not. For me, it's very simple and easy to use because I keep it simple.

I think Mike is right, if you build your own table, you will be very pleased with the result and will realize you can do much more than you thought.

Ed......:-)