jerryc

Guys,
I know this is a constant question but searching the threads is very time consuming.

I want to redesign my router table.

Until now I have used a pivoting fence but it's disadvantages are many. I have no tracks on either the table or fence so it's virtually a clean slate.

Do I use parallel tracks to locate the fence?

What other tracks should I put on the table?

What tracks should be on the fence and where should they be?

Jerry

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Bob

Jerry,

Not being a wise guy, but why would there be any advantage in having tracks at all? I am just curious is all.

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Bob

Julie

Everyone has a different idea on this, but myself, I have no tracks. I clamp my fences (homemade) wherever I need them. They are never parallel to anything, because they don't need to be. What are the disadvantages of your pivoting fence?

~Julie~

harrysin

This is my simple solution, sure, mine is a cast iron table with threaded holes, but it's a straight forward job to fit Tee nuts to a non metal table. Two sets about 1.5" from each other gives a wide range of adjustment. The tall fence is great for things like raised panel doors lock-mitre jointing etc.

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Harry

bobj3

Hi Jerry

I'm On the fence about tracks,, they are great some times to hold jigs,fixtures,etc. but to hold the fence in place I would say no,,,you have a pair of them in place now by using the edges of the top and some easy to make wood clamps that will hold the fence parallel to the top.

You could screw some to the edges of the top if you want to have tracks.
But for putting slots in the top to hold them I would say no.

If you want tracks in the fence I would recommend tee-slots that you can put in with a tee-slot router bit..

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AxlMyk

I like the tracks in mine. Very useful to clamp finger boards, the fence, hold downs, etc. I also have a miter track right next to the T-track in the front. Here's what I did.
http://www.routerforums.com/68956-post20.html

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allthunbs

AxlMyk: take a look at the picture. That's a chunk of maple on the right and it's held in place by two "C" clamps. No need for tracks, guides etc. The large vertical fence in the second picture is for feather boards, cutting tenons, and any other job where vertical support is needed.

This table is 2'x4' and the short fence is about 30" long. At that size, I can accomplish just about anything needed. If I'm doing a particularly large job, I have 56" long fences as well that will run the length or diagonal of the table. In this setup, I've never run into a complicated operation.

Hope this helps.

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AxlMyk

I've made tops like that also. Just prefer having the tracks.

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Mike

This question comes up from time to time and there is no one correct answer unless it is: Whatever works for you! My first fence had built in clamps on the ends to grip the table. My second table had built in tracks and anchor points galore which I never used. My Router Workshop table has holes for mounting the Oak Park jigs but the fences and accessories are simply clamped in place with modified C clamps. Every one of these tables had fences that did the job, so it is strictly a matter of choice. Go with what you are comfortable with... it's your table.

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mftha

I am with Julie on this issue (and many others). I have a portable T-track in a 1 x 4 (of course it is actually 3/4 thick) that I use when I want a horizontal feather board. While it is a more elaborate setup than one in the table itself, it can be moved anywhere and so does have the flexibility to accommodate any size material. I have an Oak-Park table top, so there are no constraints about what direction the fence or anything else has to placed. By not having the tracks in the top itself, weakening the top is avoided. Of course if the top is thick cast iron, weakening it would not be a problem.

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