I've not gone that far, but i have some pieces that i've used for long fences on both router table and table saw. Not really all that different than what Incra sells as a router table base, and in my opinion, would make a great framework to which a single layer router table top might be attached. Using it for the table frame could make for easy attachment of a storage cabinet as well. Nice stuff.

earl

 

Bruce
Haven't made a router table but have made more than a hundred tables,desks,specialty items etc. 80/20 will work well for anything needing a framework. With the correct parts you can make nearly anything.
Dennis

 

8020 guru



I've built a panel saw
Mortising machine
rails for Mitersaw table
Planer/jointer knife sharpener

All out of 8020.

How are you planing to incorporate the material into the router table?

Al

 

8020 Aluminum is manufactured in Columbia City In. It's widely sold on eBay at a very good price. There you will find almost anything you need. They sell lots of shorter lengths at great prices.

When searching its best to know the name of the parts but if you just type 8020 aluminum you can look over most of the items and then ID the part your looking for. You can order their free catalog and then your set. They have a DVD too.

Al

 

I made one from the 8020 profiles and love it

 

George how about a picture?

 

Here's a couple that I have bookmarked for future reference. The second one isn't 80/20, but it is similar.

lumberjocks.com/JL7/blog/19588 - The Basement #7: New Incra Router Table - by JL7 @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/exciting-rexroth-days-(router-table)/ - Rexroth router table with OF2200 (aluminum profiles like 80/20)

 

Now those are some solid router tables. Thanks Rob very nice.

 

Rob
That had to have cost a fortune to build. Unless you somehow got the material for free. Wow.

Al

 

That is my thought... 8020 is easy to build with and strong, but expensive.

Of course, it is easier to modify than a stick built router table.

If you can get the material cheap, go for it.

 

Does anyone know where to get the 8020 aluminum in Canada (Ontario specifically)?

Regards Bob

 

Where...



Hi Bob, I looked into their web site and found an agent in Australia, you may have similar luck.

Most posters seem to find pieces in Ebay....

 

Now that is cool!

 

80/20 is good stuff. I used it at work. Like others have said, it is pricey

 

That stuff appeals to the erector set boy in all of us. I would guess many of us drool when imagining its uses SOMEWHERE ANYWHERE. A torsion box would give the same rigidity and not subject to racking as the above pictured table frame. BUT if I had the material cheap I would be dreaming like your sons

 

Bill
When done correctly 80/20 is almost as rigid as if it was welded. We build many things for a company and then recycle the obsolete items for them. Hence, we do get ours for free.
Dennis