[floridagramps]

Recently,I downloaded plans to build a TS extension for router from FWW archives, you must have on line priveleges to access. Terrific plans. You simply bolt a plywood shelf under TS rails. Install a large allen screw in each of 4 corners of shelves for levelling router table. The router table consists of a wooden frame much like a tortion box and you simply screw light weight 3/4 mdf to that frame. Cut out hole for router plate and plan on levelling plate via sheet rock screws. Built it this weekend and then decided that I want a router lift/plate.

So now I am considering Jessum Router Lift 11 which got high marks in FWW router lift review. I have Bosch 1617 and have no plans to spin large bits.

Any commenst suggestions from those of you who have gone this route much appreciated. We depart Branch Lake in Maine near Bangor for Florida in 2 weeks

 

[RainMan 2.0]

Tom good choice with the router but you may get some feedback regarding the height being uncomfortably low installing this in a table saw . I'm doing both , my TS extension plus a router table . My TS is only 32" high so it will be used as a last resort . My RT is going to be 38"

 

[jw2170]

Thanks for the tip, Tom.

Will have to see if I can find that plan.

 

[MAFoElffen]

...but you may get some feedback regarding the height being uncomfortably low installing this in a table saw ....

Here comes some of that feedback. That height is a comfortable working height for me. But I am short (5'7"). My router tables are the same height as my Panel Saw... so If I have to use any as an infeed, outfeed, or lay a sheet over them as a worksurface...

(The rest of the story...) The feedback is on your choice of top. If 3/4 mdf in an extension, I think I would have cut 2 pieces, Cut a relief big enought to clear the router in the lower piece... and sandwich the two together. Otherwise, you are going to end up doing allot of work and then have it warp. Ether that or stringer under your 3/4" MDF to add some strength... Just suggestions.

 

[floridagramps]

FWW plan is to first make a wooden grid w 1x stock and then lay a light weight mdf board on top of the grid.............very unlikley to sag

 

[Al B Thayer]

I'm too tall to use the table saw and found the router table to be the tallest working height in my shop. My table saw is the lowest. I also don't use a hanging lift for my router so I don't have table sag to worry about.

But if your in need of conserving space by all means set it in the saw. You also may have a better table saw extension when your finished.

Al

 

[Charlie2U]

To each his own, but this may be something to think about. I looked at doing the router table in the table saw extension also, and decided that if I had it setup for a certain operation, then needed the saw, eventually the router would be in the way and I'd lose my settings. So I built a portable router table. If it ever gets in the way, I can just move it out of the way without losing the settings.

 

[MikeMa]

I see two advantages of having router table in the wing of a TS. The first is space conservation. If space is tight, this is an option. The second is work surface. The wing and TS top are typically far more spacious than most router table.

However, I see several drawbacks as well. The biggest one to me is the potential to need to take down a router table setup if needing to make a quick cut on the TS. While you can try to plan your process to help prevent that, you can't always stop that. Sometimes you just need to recut a piece. Next, many table fences are not design to work a router. This may mean modifying the fence, or building a separate fence for the RT. Finally, getting good dust collection maybe more difficult with this setup.

For me the CONs out-weighed the PROs and I have a standalone router table. But I can also understand for those that have tight spaces, the reverse can be true.