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Corners of Table swelling

789 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Kglue_LI
Hey guys I need a little help here. I have 3 spots left front corner my router table started to swell up (looks like bubbles) I am looking for suggestions how to fix. My thoughts.
1) sanding down with different grit with orbit sander
2) using jigsaw or circular saw cut off end
3) getting some help from this forum.
Thank you
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Have pictures?
Looks to me like an MDF base with a laminate over it, and the edges of each piece not sealed to prevent the moisture from getting into it, and it's been stored in a very humid place, likely on the floor of a concrete garage or basement.

Not much can be done to save it, except for re-making it from a more stable and moisture proof material. Solid phenolic would be a great long lasting material to make a replacement if it will continue to be stored in conditions like this, but I'm willing to bet that the rest of your woodworking shop and tools are also suffering from this excessive moisture as well. Electrical equipment, cast iron, and fine tools don't hold up well to high moisture storage either. Maybe you should be looking at doing something to lower the moisture content as well as fixing this router table.

Charley
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Looks to me like an MDF base with a laminate over it, and the edges of each piece not sealed to prevent the moisture from getting into it, and it's been stored in a very humid place, likely on the floor of a concrete garage or basement.

Not much can be done to save it, except for re-making it from a more stable and moisture proof material. Solid phenolic would be a great long lasting material to make a replacement if it will continue to be stored in conditions like this, but I'm willing to bet that the rest of your woodworking shop and tools are also suffering from this excessive moisture as well. Electrical equipment, cast iron, and fine tools don't hold up well to high moisture storage either. Maybe you should be looking at doing something to lower the moisture content as well as fixing this router table.

Charley
I got this table used few months ago and it was stored in there garage on the floor. My shop is my basement, which I have a humidity gauge as well as a thermostat. I also have my humidifiers also. Since I was planning on building a new work table with my saw added in it, I might as well plan on adding a router table in it also.
thank you🙏🏻
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Find a place the sells Baltic Birch ply for your next table. I buy the large 5x5 sheets that have been stored flat. There are so many layers set cross grain that warping is not going on. Some woodworking shops sell pre cut pieces, but I've found those are seldom really flat. There is also an American brand that is good called Applewood ply. Look it up to find a local dealer. It comes in larger sheets. I like a double layer of premium ply, but you still need to seal the edges. Putting a top layer on it to make it slick is nice, but you can just wax it and buff the heck out of it.
Find a place the sells Baltic Birch ply for your next table. I buy the large 5x5 sheets that have been stored flat. There are so many layers set cross grain that warping is not going on. Some woodworking shops sell pre cut pieces, but I've found those are seldom really flat. There is also an American brand that is good called Applewood ply. Look it up to find a local dealer. It comes in larger sheets. I like a double layer of premium ply, but you still need to seal the edges. Putting a top layer on it to make it slick is nice, but you can just wax it and buff the heck out of it.
Thank you. I will find someone around my area that sells those types. Hopefully a lumber yard by me will carry some. Thank you.
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