Mike

Noddy, I have noticed that none of your posts mention the Router Workshop table. I am guessing you have not seen it or the show before. I would urge you to click on the Oak Park link and check out the table and all the accessories developed to work with it as a system. At the very least you will get ideas you can use to build jigs. You may decide that Bob and Ricks "Simple is better" method makes sense to you; I am a convert. The Router Workshop table may seem very spartan, even primative at first look. I have learned by trial and error that it will do anything the expensive tables will do, often faster and dare I say it? "Cheaper" You might also spend a few minutes to check out my blog "Sawdust Dreams", start at the bottom and work your way back to the top. There is some good common sense information that might save you a few dollars and a couple headaches.

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Mike

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challagan

Noddy, I had that very same router table you bought today or I would say it was it's predecessor before they started using the red insert in it. I used it for about 18 years before I sold it. That was back when I did nothing but roundovers and edge treatments with my router. About 4 years ago I remodeled my shop so to speak and updated a bunch of equipment. For the router table I bought a Dewalt 625 router and put it in the Benchdog Protop Contractor. While it was a nice quality table it wasn't any bigger then what I had before and it wasn't very versatile. It had a great fence.. the pro fence.

I sold it recently and bought the Oak Park table top... I agree with Mike. Best thing I ever did. I built the base and the cabinet for it based on the Oak Park instructions and made a few mods to it. It's one of the best designs and it allows me to use my Gifkin easily and enough room to put my Incra Jig from Rockler on it. Do consider it... it's a nice design and if you ever have a fancy to make box joints, the Oak Park box joint jigs are the best and simplest around and they fit nicely in the predrilled Oak Park top even thought they can be used on almost any table. It's a great set up... no need to go the whole system but the top itself is a great value. You can add on to it as you have the need.

http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=BYOT--

Corey

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

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

Noddy

Mike / Corey-

I never knew the table / kit existed. I list what I see in the picture, but would love to see some additional detail on the plate / fence. If either of you have that and would be willing to snap a few picks, I'd be most appreciative.

What I've learned in the few hours that I've been using the one I picked up is I want more adjustment in the fence, a larger workspace, and a basic fence is perfectly OK with me. The two biggest things I see are the space and the basic element of the fence. I think this is why I was drawn to the Benchdog fence, and was considering it.

Thanks for the info! I'll certainly keep that in mind. My suspicion at this point is that I'll end up with something very basic, yet endlessly functional. So a large workspace, flat / large plate and either a store bought fence, or something as simple as a true square piece of material (alum. comes to mind, or a nice hunk of lexan) and some clamps. (did I really use the word 'hunk' there?)

Thanks again for the input. Would welcome addition picks if you have them!

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Noddy

Noddy

I just found this link here: http://www.routerforums.com/show-n-t...hoto-tour.html

Lots of picks of the Router Workshop table.

Pretty much spot on with what I'm looking for and the more I look at the *ultra* simple fence system, the more I become a fan of it.

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Regards-
Noddy

Mike

You will find photos of us using a Router Workshop table in the "Sawdust Saturday" threads in the Lobby.

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Mike

challagan

Heading off to work myself, but check out the Router Workshop on the Woodworking Channel.com

The schedule is broke now that I think of it. Do yourself a favor and spend the money for the Series 1 DVD at Oak Park. It will show you about everything you can do on that table and more. Those were the original Router Workshop shows from 1995.

Corey

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

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

thisoldman

Noddy,
I bought this top about a month ago. It is o k, but I wish I had gotten the bigger one. Kind of small for a heavy router-PC 7529. I built the leg assy from pine 2x4 m&t joints. Works out very well. The insert ring is kinda thin, would like more support at the bit.
good luck.
thisoldman

cnse55

It's on clearance since their metal leg version is be rolled out. It use a std plate, like the free-standing model.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...router%20table

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