[Crusader]

Router table build-update #1

I've really been wanting a decent router table, and after seeing what's available I decided to go ahead and build my own.
I bought a woodpecker lift to hold the mighty Porter Cable 7518
I still have alot of work to do, build the dust collection, finish the carcass, build and hang the door etc..
I really like my router bit drawer!, it has a shallow drawer on top to hold wrenches etc.. The two big drawers are 16x 22, should be roomy enough for my smaller routers, router straight edge.
I hung the drawers on Accuride full extension glides. The bottoms being 150lbs.

I do have a question though. I am planning on using 1" MDF for the top, with laminate top and bottom. Is this going to be beefy enough? Should I go with something 1 1/2"?

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60527&stc=1&d=1358820293

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60528&stc=1&d=1358820293
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http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60530&stc=1&d=1358820299

If you guys have any siggestions I would love to hear them!
Thanks for looking.

 

[tplociniak]

This looks great, can't wait to see it finished

 

[JohnnyTooBad]

Nice! I'm about to build one. Just ordered a new router and a bunch of parts last night. Mine won't be nearly as fancy, as I don't have room. Mine will be a table top model, although probably large for a table top model, with some minimal interior storage for bits and router tools, and made out of a lot of plywood.

I just got a response from someone on another thread that suggested doubling up 3/4" MDF into 1 1/2". What I may actually do, is put 3/4" MDF on top of 3/4" ply, since MDF is so flexible and I'd like a larger table.

 

[Hammer1]

You can add a frame member close to the router to prevent sagging. Two thicknesses of 3/4" can limit the reach on many bits.

 

[MapleMoose]

That is going to be nice! I would go with 1.5" MDF to support the 7518. I had a Hitachi M12V (probably similar weight) sitting in a 1.5" MDF table with a 27" span for years, with no measurable sag. For what its worth, I had a phenolic insert instead of aluminum. Sure would like one of those Woodpeckers PRLs, those are sweet!

 

[MasterSplinter]

Nice job. Can't wait to see it finished and dust collecting setup. I'm building one next. I think its the same router too.

 

[Kenbo]

Looking good so far. Keep it up.

 

[JMartel]

You can add a frame member close to the router to prevent sagging. Two thicknesses of 3/4" can limit the reach on many bits.

Well with the router plate he's using, that won't be an issue. You would rabbet out the space for the plate and hang the router from a much thinner metal plate rather than the full thickness of the top.



OP: Maybe consider making it out of Melamine? That way you have a slicker surface for the wood to slide on rather than MDF. Or you can get some laminate from coutertops and put it on top of the MDF you were planning on using. When I build myself another router table, I plan to do one of those two things.

 

[Crusader]

Well with the router plate he's using, that won't be an issue. You would rabbet out the space for the plate and hang the router from a much thinner metal plate rather than the full thickness of the top.



OP: Maybe consider making it out of Melamine? That way you have a slicker surface for the wood to slide on rather than MDF. Or you can get some laminate from coutertops and put it on top of the MDF you were planning on using. When I build myself another router table, I plan to do one of those two things.

I think Hammer was referring to Johnny's post about mounting his router base underneath.

Anyways, yeah well thanks for the kind words! I have alot still ahead of me, that's for sure. I am planning on putting P-lam on both sides, you do this mainly to keep the table flat.
One other thing I might consider, I have a partial sheet of 1/2" Corian, that might be a good surface, I'm gonna check into how I can glue those together, if that doesn't work I have some 1/2" MDF that I can glue to the 1" MDF. Man that table is going to be rock solid and rock heavy!!

 

[WWWorker]

Looks great! I used melamine for.my router table. Sturdy & let's the wood glide a little easier. Plus the white background reflects the light.

Nice work

 

[Phaedrus]

Looks great! I used melamine for.my router table. Sturdy & let's the wood glide a little easier. Plus the white background reflects the light.

Nice work

+1 on the Melamine particle board, though it does easily chip on edges. This can be prevented with solid wood edge banding, but it is still prone to chipping next to your router plate or aluminum tracks if installed.

 

[WWWorker]

When I cut it I think I used a sacrificial "sandwich" of thin stock to minimize chipping

 

[Crusader]

I have been super kinda busy :no: but anyway here is where I stand.
I finished the carcass and mounted all the drawers and made the drawer faces. I used 1/2" sandply, which I found on sale for $22 a sheet. One note about the upper drawers, the width is such that I had to mount the glides before I put the carcass together. Took a few extra minutes to makes sure I had my math right and once again put everything together dry to make sure it was a smooth operator.
I stopped by my local plastic/glass shop to buy the 1/4" plexi for the door and the guy was super nice! he told me that if I didn't mind finding a piece in the rem pile (might be dinged) I was welcome to have it, score!
So, here I am. I'm ready to tackle the top. I think I have all the right fixtures and such, so tomorrow I build. The fence will come last. I hope you all like my progress and effort.
http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61641&stc=1&d=1359774648
http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61642&stc=1&d=1359774648
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http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61644&stc=1&d=1359774648

 

[frankp]

Looks great. I really like the plexiglass panel.

My wife and I both just laughed a lot at your signature too...

 

[terrysumner]

May I suggest that you hinge the top. I did this with mine and it makes things so much easier to get at. I used a full length piano hinge along the back of the top. Also, I used 2 pieces of melamine screwed together with oak edging. It's solid!

 

[Crusader]

Well I finally got the top built! I went with 1" and 1/2" MDF glued.
I then laminated both sides with white laminate. Man I about had a nervous breakdown getting ready to rout that top, but all went well. I must have checked my layout a half dozen times.
Anyway, on to the fence! This should be fun. I hope you all enjoy the pics.
http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62328&stc=1&d=1360389513
http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62329&stc=1&d=1360389513
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http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62331&stc=1&d=1360389513

 

[Phaedrus]

Table looks great! I suppose it is time to make some sawdust! Do you have a fence yet or are you building one?

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Woodworking Talk

 

[Rockerbox1]

Great work. That cabinet looks great

 

[rayking49]

Very nice. Looking forward to how you make your fence.

 

[papa_smurf73]

Wow. This looks fantastic. You did such a great job. Thanks for sharing.