Using a router table top to build
your own router table will allow you to have a work station that
reflects your woodworking needs. While commercially
available router tables are great for beginning
woodworkers, many advanced woodworkers may find
the router table inserts and many other settings
of these basic tables to be somewhat limiting.
With a router table top, however, you can decide
how much stability you will need, how high you
want your table top to be, and how much free
space you will require for your projects.
Choosing a router table top
Choosing the router table top that is right
for you is a matter of weighing several variables,
including how much level surface you need and
how big a fence you will require. If you typically
work on smaller pieces, you can choose a small
router table top with (or without) a fence. If
you are using your router table to work on larger
pieces such as trim or cabinetry, however, you
may wish to design a larger table around a more
expansive router table top to ensure your pieces
do not bend and flex as you router them.
Using router table inserts
Choosing
the correct size of router table insert is
a good way to ensure your router will work
properly, without getting jammed by flying
debris. When you are building your router table,
be sure to buy a good set of router table inserts – these
usually inexpensive items can extend the life
of your router bits. A properly fitted router
table insert will also make sure your bits cut
cleanly and efficiently.
Some router table tops are generic, and will
need to be customized to work with your brand
of router. A blank router table insert that fits
into the space provided on your router table
top is the best way to make sure your router
is securely attached to the router table. You
can also use a blank router table insert for
each router you own, so that you can use more
than one size or style of router in your router
table. Check with your router table top manufacturer
for the correct blank router table insert for
your router table top.
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