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Why plastic laminate for router table?

10K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  Colt W. Knight 
#1 ·
I'm just brain storming here, but I wonder why hardwood flooring wouldn't make just as nice of a router table?
Its hard, slippery and I have lots of it. Is there a requirement that I am not seeing?
 
#5 ·
Formica/Plastic laminate is the way to go. Inexpensive and easy to apply.
Usually you can get it free at local cabinet shops if you are not concerned about the color. I give it away all of the time.
 
#7 ·
I have 2 router tables...my older one is phenolic and the newer one is plastic laminate. Formica is just a brand name of laminate. I think both the laminate and phenolic are both excellent surfaces and very durable. The top material is most certainly important but you must have the laminate glued to a material that is very stable and will not warp or bow under conditions of weather, moisture, weight etc.
My first router table I built many years ago was made of 3/4" oak ply with a laminate top. After about a year I noticed a slight downward bowing near the plate. I have had the solid phenolic top for over 4 years now and it is still perfectly flat. My newer top is from Incra and is 1 - 1/4" mdf with a laminate top. It has not stood the "test of time" in my shop yet since I have only had it since christmas (thanks to my wife) but it is well braced underneath.
 
#9 ·
I would be using a table insert, so I would not need to worry about thickness.
I have decided to stick with the laminate, although I think that if I build a bigger table later I may still try the hardwood idea. Glued to a good base, I don't see how it could be uneven or unstable. Just something to think about.
Thanks for all the insight.
 
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