Sunday, February 17, 2013

Router Table - Part 4

This is the final part of my router table setup. All of the wood parts are in place, and now it is time to mount a router.  See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 to catch up.

First step is router selection. My shop router is a Sears Craftsman combo kit (fixed and plunge bases) and it is perfectly functional. But I did not want to have to swap out router bases whenever I wanted to swap projects. This means I need a dedicated router for this table.  I spent a bunch of time researching and finially decided on a Bosch 2-1/4 HP Variable-Speed Router. With Amazon Prime, I got it delivered in two days.

This particular router is setup to handle being mounted in a cabinet and the adjustment knob can be adjusted from the underside with a small wrench (included).

First step was drill four holes in my router table-top. This will allow me to use the included machine screws to attach the router to the top.

From Router Table

Note the adjustment hole has not been drilled. My cordness ran out of juice before I could drill that one.

Next up I did the test fit of the base. It will have to be removed because I have to drill that adjustment hole.

From Router Table

Here is a top view showing the recessed machine screws. The pencil circle is where the adjustment hole will go.

From Router Table

After my drill's batteries charged, I could drill that final hole and permanent mount the router base.

From Router Table

This is how I will make fine adjustments from the table top.

From Router Table

Here is the router in the base with a straight cutting bit installed.

From Router Table

And here is my first test pass.  That is just a scrap piece of pine I had in the garage, but I am pleased with how well it worked.

From Router Table
There are only a couple of adjustments I am going to make and none are required. For one - I am going to add a couple of handles to the cabinet base. It is tricky to move around  as it sits.  I am also going to figure out the power. Either by installing a switch that controls both the router and a vacume or by figuring out how to route the power cable out the side or back of the cabinet.

I hope these posts have been helpful and gives some ideas to others looking to build a router table for themselves.