[blairrm]

I'm building a top for a router table and have seen lot's of "How to" guides on the subject. Most involve one or more layers of plywood,MDF, Masonite or similar with a covering of Formica.

The question I have is, should the formica be the type that is smooth as glass or the type that as a very slight texture.

I think that the texured type, while still being flat overall, would allow wood to pass over it more freely, as the wood is riding on all the tiny ridges (less surface contact - less friction).

Any thoughts on the choice ?

 

[blairrm]

Good taste - or tight with money

The table I am in the process of building now is going to have "Mauve Nebula" laminate. It's kind of a cross between tan and pink. Why you ask? My logic for this one is simple. CLEARANCE! I bought 4 pieces that measured 24" x 48" for $21. Maybe this table will show up on an episode of "Queer eye for the straight guy?"

We must have shopped Homedepot at the same time. I ended up getting two bit's - one smooth and one of the clearance "Mauve Nebula" (that has a slight texture).

I did one side of the top (2 * 3/4 MDF) in each type and then decide to go with the "Mauve". Maybe we can start a trend.

I had gone into the local wood craft store and their tables all seemed to have a slight texture on them.

I picked up a Rousseau - table insert. Though so far I've not been to happy with it. It's designed with a slight curve and i'm having troule getting it setup.

 

[blairrm]

If I take a straight edge across the the table and adjust the plate so that the center ring is touching the the stright edge. The outside edges of the plate are approx 1/16 below the table surface. When routing shorter stock, the end will tend to catch on the small lip/edge of the formica, as it leaves the plate.

Maybe I just need to chamfer the formica edge to let the stock move over the lip ?

 

[blairrm]

I'll try the trick to press the insert down while it's in place. It is designed not to be flat - "Molded With Slight Crown For Distortion Free Cuts ".

Maybe mine has a little more "Crown" then expected.

Though I'd think unless you have a 3HP router there wont be anything line the weight to change the profile of the insert. I have PC892.