Dan,
PM me any questions and I'll see what I can answer for you. Unless others want to know as well?
PM me any questions and I'll see what I can answer for you. Unless others want to know as well?
router table advice?
- Thread starter morty
- Start date
GoldStripe
New member
My main question would be did you get the plans in a book or magazine or did they come out of you head?
The basic design for most of it came out of some books I have. They were modified in my mind though.
Some of the stuff was just basic stuff that I thought up as well.
What are you interested in? I can find it in my books and mail you some copies of the plans. You'll have to modify them yourself though if you need to.
Or I can try to explain what i did to them.
That's where the basic plan for my tablesaw/router table came from.
the latest issue of "Idea shops".thanks for the replies/links everyone,
I went in to Acme this past weekend and saw what they had on the show floor. One of the things they had was a nice Jet setup with 50" rails and the xacta fence II, and an alum. plate router lift. They have a promo going on right now where they will throw in a nice 2-1/4hp Bosch router, the whole package for around $1700. I think the model I was looking at was 708663RXK with router lift (btw - are there any arguments for a left vs. a right tilt saw?)
link
http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/index.cfm?area=shop&action=detail&iid=12935
I should have mentioned earlier that the TS/router isn't the only tool I'm shopping for, I'm also planning on outfitting the shop with a radial arm, a drill press, a disk/belt sander, a spindle sander, a 14" band saw, and a dust collection system, among other things. (If this posting had a soundtrack, you'd hear a cash register going "ka-ching!" as you read each item in that list
) THe salesman said I could really get the prices on all these things down if I were to go with the same mfgr. (Jet) for all the tools, so this is something I'm considering. (Although he said Delta is the only radial arm he can get, and said radial arms are becoming less popular - why is this?) He also said they may be able to throw in mobile kits for the big stuff, too. He compared Jet and Powermatic to cars, with Jet being a Buick and Powermatic a Cadillac, both made by GM. Going with Jet sounded reasonable to me, 'cause it looks like it's still very decent quality stuff, but suitable for a weekend warrior like me where that last extra "oomph" of durability isn't critical.
I do have two 220 outlets already installed, so electrical shouldn't be an issue. The shop is actually in a sub-garage space, so I have a little freedom for making the work area bigger than a single garage stall (as I first mentioned), but I wanted to partition off part of this space to use for frag grow-out troughs. (the troughs are one of the things I'd be fabricating with the router table.)
Last, the shop area has a floor drain, so there is a very slight pitch to the floor for drainage. How critical would anyone think it is to have the tablesaw absolutely level? This might make rolling it around an issue, because if I get it level in one spot and then move it, it then wouldn't necessarily still be level...
thanks again!
I went in to Acme this past weekend and saw what they had on the show floor. One of the things they had was a nice Jet setup with 50" rails and the xacta fence II, and an alum. plate router lift. They have a promo going on right now where they will throw in a nice 2-1/4hp Bosch router, the whole package for around $1700. I think the model I was looking at was 708663RXK with router lift (btw - are there any arguments for a left vs. a right tilt saw?)
link
http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/index.cfm?area=shop&action=detail&iid=12935
I should have mentioned earlier that the TS/router isn't the only tool I'm shopping for, I'm also planning on outfitting the shop with a radial arm, a drill press, a disk/belt sander, a spindle sander, a 14" band saw, and a dust collection system, among other things. (If this posting had a soundtrack, you'd hear a cash register going "ka-ching!" as you read each item in that list
) THe salesman said I could really get the prices on all these things down if I were to go with the same mfgr. (Jet) for all the tools, so this is something I'm considering. (Although he said Delta is the only radial arm he can get, and said radial arms are becoming less popular - why is this?) He also said they may be able to throw in mobile kits for the big stuff, too. He compared Jet and Powermatic to cars, with Jet being a Buick and Powermatic a Cadillac, both made by GM. Going with Jet sounded reasonable to me, 'cause it looks like it's still very decent quality stuff, but suitable for a weekend warrior like me where that last extra "oomph" of durability isn't critical.I do have two 220 outlets already installed, so electrical shouldn't be an issue. The shop is actually in a sub-garage space, so I have a little freedom for making the work area bigger than a single garage stall (as I first mentioned), but I wanted to partition off part of this space to use for frag grow-out troughs. (the troughs are one of the things I'd be fabricating with the router table.)
Last, the shop area has a floor drain, so there is a very slight pitch to the floor for drainage. How critical would anyone think it is to have the tablesaw absolutely level? This might make rolling it around an issue, because if I get it level in one spot and then move it, it then wouldn't necessarily still be level...
thanks again!
GoldStripe
New member
I appreciate that blown63chevy, I don't want you to go to that much trouble. I'd actually be interested in purchasing the books most likely. From your webshots I can see how you secure the shelves and the table / legs. From picture #10 it looks like you have a desk right underneath the cabinet. Is that just cause you haven't gotten rid of it or you slide it out and use it for other things?
GoldStripe
New member
One other thing. Did you frame it out with 1x's or 2x's? Is that MDF or plywood?. Thanks again.
morty,
Sounds like your on your way. If you can get a package deal on everything, then I'd say go for it. If not, don't be afraid to go with different manufactures on different tools. Me, my garag esinges every tune, Grizzly, Dewalt, Sears craftsman, Delta/rockwell 9an OLD drill press) and yes, even Harbour freight.
Goldstripe,
No troubles at all. I've done it before for other woodworkers/reefers. I'll get you some names/issue numbers.
Maybe we should take it to PM or phone as I'm sure there would be some good conversations going on. The desk is a left over that I haven't gotten rid of yet. I use it for storage right now. Plan is to slide my tablesaw/router table under there when I get rid of the desk. The wall cabinets are MDF framed in 1 X 2's. I can try and get some better pic's of stuff for you.
Sounds like your on your way. If you can get a package deal on everything, then I'd say go for it. If not, don't be afraid to go with different manufactures on different tools. Me, my garag esinges every tune, Grizzly, Dewalt, Sears craftsman, Delta/rockwell 9an OLD drill press) and yes, even Harbour freight.
Goldstripe,
No troubles at all. I've done it before for other woodworkers/reefers. I'll get you some names/issue numbers.
Maybe we should take it to PM or phone as I'm sure there would be some good conversations going on.
The desk is a left over that I haven't gotten rid of yet. I use it for storage right now. Plan is to slide my tablesaw/router table under there when I get rid of the desk. The wall cabinets are MDF framed in 1 X 2's. I can try and get some better pic's of stuff for you.
GoldStripe
New member
Thank you soo much. I'll PM from here on out. My next big purchse will be a Grizzly TS.
Morty,
I was going to go back to the beginning of this thread and figure out what I would use at a MINIMUM for power tools and limited space in order to build serviceable, reasonably attractive cabinetry, but your last post blew that idea away. Sounds like you're gearing up to spend some $$$$. You will want to add a compressor and framing nailer to you shopping list so that you can expand the garage in order to have enough space. Actually, a compressor, brad nailer, and gravity fed sprayer would be good additions down the road.
Jet is definitely a good brand. I have a few friends that have table saws, band saws, jointers, etc by Jet and they have no complaints. I don't know if they make routers, circular saws, etc, though. I'm a big fan of Porter Cable for that stuff. And don't forget the Kreg pocket screw jig; it may be the best thing that's happend to cabinetry since plywood.
As far as the sloped floor is concerned, the most important thing is that the table saw not wobble. It should be rock solid for safety and precision. Don't worry that it's not level. My garage floor has a slope that runs from the wheel stop at the front down a few inches (~3") to the garage door (something like a 17' run). It's a minor annoyance.
Matt
I was going to go back to the beginning of this thread and figure out what I would use at a MINIMUM for power tools and limited space in order to build serviceable, reasonably attractive cabinetry, but your last post blew that idea away. Sounds like you're gearing up to spend some $$$$. You will want to add a compressor and framing nailer to you shopping list so that you can expand the garage in order to have enough space. Actually, a compressor, brad nailer, and gravity fed sprayer would be good additions down the road.
Jet is definitely a good brand. I have a few friends that have table saws, band saws, jointers, etc by Jet and they have no complaints. I don't know if they make routers, circular saws, etc, though. I'm a big fan of Porter Cable for that stuff. And don't forget the Kreg pocket screw jig; it may be the best thing that's happend to cabinetry since plywood.
As far as the sloped floor is concerned, the most important thing is that the table saw not wobble. It should be rock solid for safety and precision. Don't worry that it's not level. My garage floor has a slope that runs from the wheel stop at the front down a few inches (~3") to the garage door (something like a 17' run). It's a minor annoyance.
Matt
Morty,
Are you building a woodworking shop?
Since you have a tablesaw on your list, if you outfit it right with some good jig's you build yourself, I don't think you'll need a radial arm saw. Maybe save that money and spend it on a good planer and jointer. If your just doing acrylic, then you don't need the planer.
Are you building a woodworking shop?
Since you have a tablesaw on your list, if you outfit it right with some good jig's you build yourself, I don't think you'll need a radial arm saw. Maybe save that money and spend it on a good planer and jointer. If your just doing acrylic, then you don't need the planer.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
I would make the table level, it should have adjustable legs on the bottom for doing so anyways, so its not a big deal. You never know when you want to whip out the level to check something is square...and that is kinda hard with an uneven table. Do it right. With that Jet setup, see if they will cut you a deal on a vac/dust collector. I use a Jet one...very nice unit.
I agree about the radial saw. Its good for rough construction and chopping up 2' quickly, but it lacks precision and there isnt really anything you can do with it that you cant on the table-saw.
For routers, you might want to check out Bosch as well...thats my fav (seems they are already hooking you up on that), my second would be the Porter...but Bosch makes some of my favorite hand-tools and the like.
All I have in my shop and really need to use is a powermatic table saw & router lift, jet dust collector, Delta drill press, a belt/disk sander, grinder, and I do have a radial that was given to me...but it just collects dust.
"It is obvious that the thread starter has a very limited knowledge." - Donw
Where did you ever get that from? And you wanted to suggest a Ryobi? Lol. Heck, he even got me on that one...since morty already has 220v running and is looking at a full cabinet saw.
Good luck morty, it looks like you are getting a sweet deal there BTW...just see if you can get the dust-collector thrown in as well.
I agree about the radial saw. Its good for rough construction and chopping up 2' quickly, but it lacks precision and there isnt really anything you can do with it that you cant on the table-saw.
For routers, you might want to check out Bosch as well...thats my fav (seems they are already hooking you up on that), my second would be the Porter...but Bosch makes some of my favorite hand-tools and the like.
All I have in my shop and really need to use is a powermatic table saw & router lift, jet dust collector, Delta drill press, a belt/disk sander, grinder, and I do have a radial that was given to me...but it just collects dust.
"It is obvious that the thread starter has a very limited knowledge." - Donw
Where did you ever get that from? And you wanted to suggest a Ryobi? Lol. Heck, he even got me on that one...since morty already has 220v running and is looking at a full cabinet saw.
Good luck morty, it looks like you are getting a sweet deal there BTW...just see if you can get the dust-collector thrown in as well.
GoldStripe
New member
blown63chevy, what model Grizzly do you have and does it have the router table extension wing?
I've got an older model. G1022Z something or other. It's not available anymore as they upgraded to a newer line. It came with a fox shop fence, link belt and balanced pulleys, cast iron wings and a good stock heavy cast iron miter gauge. Wood magazine rated it # 1 when it was first out.
I've had it for about 6 years or so now. I built my own router table extension. I also extended my fence by buying some angle iron that was the exact deminsions of the stock fence tracks. My fence locks on both fron and rear rails as well as guides by rollers on both rails.
I've had it for about 6 years or so now. I built my own router table extension. I also extended my fence by buying some angle iron that was the exact deminsions of the stock fence tracks.
My fence locks on both fron and rear rails as well as guides by rollers on both rails.hi guys,
well I suppose they say like father like son, and my dad (age 76) might be sort of old school when it comes to his power tools (although none are steam powered, lol). I grew up seeing him use a radial arm, so I learned to rely on it pretty heavily when I've made projects in his shop. (and I suppose I've been designing my shop space based on what his is like: table saw, radial arm, drill press, band saw, sanders, jointer, planer, are what he has, but I'm not planning on getting a jointer or planer at this point). He usually does not make real elaborate items, he's often content making patio furniture or the occasional rig for glueing new club heads on his driver, etc. But between the Acme salesman and what I've read here it's sounding like other tools can spell the radial arm, the salesman suggested just getting a miter saw, then I'll have a 16" cross cut ability and that should cover the bases. hahnmeister - thanks for the idea about bargaining for the dust collector. The salesperson and myself will probably start haggling fairly soon.
blown63chevy, I guess I'd have a few of the components for a full-blown woodworking shop
but I think I'd have some key omissions (like a lathe, planer, jointer). I'm more of a tinkerer who wants to be able to construct better-made rigs and devices that come out of my brain, mainly for the SW hobby, with the ability to do some simpler wood projects as well. I've had some success making acrylic gadgets for reefkeeping needs, but I'd like to have the proper tools to get more well-polished results. Because of a recent move I now have the space to "do it up right", so that's why the original question about the router table. (btw - thanks mpomfret for the tips about what I'd need to expand my garage, I'm not sure I'm ready to go there just yet ) Doing some web searches and seeing helpful advice on RC and on websites like melevsreef have shown me that I can probably get decent results with acrylic without going to trade school
If anyone knows of any other good web resources for working with acrylic, that would also be greatly appreciated!
continued thanks to all for your help
well I suppose they say like father like son, and my dad (age 76) might be sort of old school when it comes to his power tools (although none are steam powered, lol). I grew up seeing him use a radial arm, so I learned to rely on it pretty heavily when I've made projects in his shop. (and I suppose I've been designing my shop space based on what his is like: table saw, radial arm, drill press, band saw, sanders, jointer, planer, are what he has, but I'm not planning on getting a jointer or planer at this point). He usually does not make real elaborate items, he's often content making patio furniture or the occasional rig for glueing new club heads on his driver, etc.
But between the Acme salesman and what I've read here it's sounding like other tools can spell the radial arm, the salesman suggested just getting a miter saw, then I'll have a 16" cross cut ability and that should cover the bases. hahnmeister - thanks for the idea about bargaining for the dust collector. The salesperson and myself will probably start haggling fairly soon.blown63chevy, I guess I'd have a few of the components for a full-blown woodworking shop
but I think I'd have some key omissions (like a lathe, planer, jointer). I'm more of a tinkerer who wants to be able to construct better-made rigs and devices that come out of my brain, mainly for the SW hobby, with the ability to do some simpler wood projects as well. I've had some success making acrylic gadgets for reefkeeping needs, but I'd like to have the proper tools to get more well-polished results. Because of a recent move I now have the space to "do it up right", so that's why the original question about the router table. (btw - thanks mpomfret for the tips about what I'd need to expand my garage, I'm not sure I'm ready to go there just yet ) Doing some web searches and seeing helpful advice on RC and on websites like melevsreef have shown me that I can probably get decent results with acrylic without going to trade school If anyone knows of any other good web resources for working with acrylic, that would also be greatly appreciated!
continued thanks to all for your help
Yea. a Lathe is more specialized. But a jointer would still do you good for both acrylic and wood. It will give you a nice flat straight edge. As for the planer, it all depends on what you build. Granted, it's not for acrylic. I use mine a lot, but I like building big projects. I've built a lot of the furniture and fixtures in our house.
If you can't master the art of flame polishing, then maybe spend the extra money you save from omitting a few tools into a good buffer set up. That's the only two ways I know of to get a good polished edge. When I took acrylic shop in highschool, they didn't teach us the flame polish way so I had to learn the old way of file, sand, buff, sand a lot more, buff a lot more.
Good luck and have fun.
If you can't master the art of flame polishing, then maybe spend the extra money you save from omitting a few tools into a good buffer set up. That's the only two ways I know of to get a good polished edge. When I took acrylic shop in highschool, they didn't teach us the flame polish way so I had to learn the old way of file, sand, buff, sand a lot more, buff a lot more.
Good luck and have fun.
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