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Router table selection

1K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  MikeMa 
#1 ·
This is Richard....hello to all routers. I am a 72 yr old (looks funny to put that in writing!) rookie. Just purchased Bosch combo and deluxe guide. Now it seems I need a table....just looking and reading. Thought I would build one....(just finished a nice workbench....for me)....but have decided that it's not a good idea to build one.... tempted to buy new Bosch table RA1181......any other suggestions would be welcome.....
(Today is Kansas basketball....but I will be right here to read any responses) Y'all have a great day. Richard
 
#2 ·
Hi, Richard. If you read some of the older posts about commercially-made tables of various brands, and router table designs for shop-made tables, you'll get a good sense of the range of features and uses.

Bench-top models have obvious limitations, including which routers fit the pre-drilled mounting holes, and often, the size of bits that can be used. Some have lifts available, which allows above-bench bit changes, easy adjustment, etc., some don't.

Ultimately, the choice that is right for you depends on what you want to do on the router table. There's no easy, one-size-fits-all answer.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I was in that group when I went ahead to try to build my own. Thought things through before starting and things worked out. A great benefit/resource was the wealth of knowledge from woodworkers who had done the same before me.

“Learn from the mistakes of others-you can never live long enough to make them all yourself.” -- John Luther

And there's the pride that comes from being able to say, "I made it myself!"

Cassandra
 
#9 ·
My apologies if my question above came across as wanting to cater to those with a higher skill level. I have actually found that this forum does cater to those at all skill levels. Also, the router table was one my first real woodworking projects, as I felt it would be a great skill builder to get started. The router table can be a simple or as complex as you make it out to be, but the over-all joinery is typically very simple.

One thing I have found with router tables, more so with any other stationary tool, is that there is a very high degree of personalization to them, and they often evolve and grow as the skill of the woodworker grows, which is why I am an advocate of building a table. The router table I built nearly 6 years ago has held up well, and I still use it frequently. However, a new table is on my list of projects as my skills and needs have grown.
 
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