Cowinacape

Howdy everyone, first post, and suprise suprise, a couple of questions

As the title says, I am considering building my first router table, and after looking at many examples, I am left with some questions.

How important it the miter rail on the table? And is there any rule of thumb for distances for the front of the table, to the rail, to the router bit? Other than your own personal comfort (ie: the length of your reach in relation to how high the table is ect.)

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bobj3

Hi Cowinacape

I think you got it (your own personal comfort) and what you want to use it for.

Feather boars,jig sleds,hold down device,etc. you will see some about 8" to 10" from the bit and some on the edge of the (front side) of the router table , I have them both ways ,the one on the front of the table works best for me ,it has the small T-Slot and the wide T-slot to take on many items.
Here's a tip,,If you buy some 5/16" x 4" toggle bolts and just grind the head on two sides you will have all the fastners you need for the T-slots at about 1/10 the price of the going price of T-bolts, if you need a shorter one all you need to do cut off the bolt to the size you need.
But keep the cut offs so you make the stud type that will need from time to time,like for knobs to hold the items in place (i.e. start and stop blocks for the fence)

Bj

Attached Thumbnails

     

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Bob J.

rh111

I think that BJ hit the nail on the head with his response. It is all about your likings. It is all about what works best for you. I started with a small bench top style table that was given to me and it worked ok as I learned. Then I upgraded to a better system that allows me to do what I want to do. This is about YOU. The system has to work for you and be to fit your needs. There are many different commercial styles to look at. Some have stronger features than others. I looked and looked and looked to the point that my wife thought that I was obsessed until I figured out what it was that I was looking for.

I like for the router to be offset to the rear of the table a bit to allow for those little bit bigger projects when needed. I like for my table to have a removeable plate for ease of use. I also have tracks for my fence to slide in. I also have a track at the front to accomodate my feather boards as well. This is what I wanted and did.

It's all about what YOU want!

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Cowinacape

Thanks for the replies people, greatly appreciated, thanks for the pictures as well, some great info there!

bobj3

You'er Welcome Cowinacape

Please post some pictures of your setup when you get it done I'm sure the members would like to see it .

Bj

__________________
PodCast videos
RWS on YouTube

http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail
Machine Cut ▼
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm

Bob J.

curiousgeorge

Some people don't even use miter slots on their tables. A prime example... Bob & Rick on The Router Workshop. But, as previously stated, it's all about what YOU want on your table and what you will be using it for. A slot can always be added later if you decide that is what you want.

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George
For those who haven't already done so...
PLEASE! PLEASE! Fill in your first name and location in your profile. I like to know who you are and where you are from. If you don't want me to know who you are, then I don't want to talk to you.

Mike

Most people start out wanting to buy or build "Captain Billy's Whiz Bang Router Table". Lots of expensive doo hickeys and whatchamacallits sure looks impressive. Then along come Bob and Rick and the Router Workshop and burst your bubble. They are building all these great projects with a simple table and no glitz! You watch the show in disbelief, how can this be possible? No miter slots, no micro adjusters and the projects still fit perfectly. Have I made my point? I learned over time that you dont need a miter slot for building projects. Your table edge is right there and can act as a guide if needed. Featherboards can be clamped in position faster than you can set one up in a miter slot, guaranteed. I have no problem with somebody designing and using a table with T tracks. I have done so myself. Bob and Rick opened my eyes to the "Simple is better" methods and I have been converted. The one recurring theme on this website is this: You are the one who will be using your router and table so go with what is most comfortable for you. There really is only one requirement for routing; Work safely and enjoy!

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

Router is still my name

This is from an old post.
http://www.routerforums.com/tools-wo...dont-do-2.html

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router è ancora il mio nome

Dr.Zook

Welcome to the forums Cowinacape. Glad you jumped right in and asked questions. I have a question for you tho, is there a story to your user name (cow in a cape)?

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Dave
the "Doctor"

In woodworking there is no scrap, only firewood.

Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you and make for a friendlier forum.

Cowinacape

Mike, you make some great popints, and a couple of even better pauses for thought (the idea of adding a track/rail later when I have a better idea of wether I really need it, and specifically for why I need it).

I have only seen the router workshop a couple of times on tv, and I was completely amazed at how much was accomplished with so little, especially after seeing other w.w. shows where every operation require a completely new machine, no knock against the boy with all the toys, but the k.i.s.s. theory is a great way to help ensure, lower fustration levels, and greater happiness levels. In most things at least

RISMN great looking table you have there, some very nice construction detials in those shot! Thanks!