A simple search in google's image of "router table" (20 pages) shows a lot
router tables have closed router door (lot of very basic assembly are open,
but I am talking about "nicer" ones with drawers, etc). I wonder how come
many have closed area where router would shed wood into confined area? I am
planning to build a router table and it would have an opening in the front
(have to, since need access to the speed switch), angled slope to roll the
wood shed down to the floor (yeah, on my shoes).

I thought about vacuum and openings to the side, but couldn't think of a
good design with that. I want drawers for bits.

What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

Chuck

Chuck wrote: What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

Me have "closed-design".
Allows greater suction for dust evacuation through 2.5 inch dust port
in the back. So most of the make-up air is brought through the bit
opening, helping to reduce the dust on the tabletop. Built according to
Jointech plans. Tom

Correct me... if I create a "air-tight" closed area in the router area,
this would cause more shed to go through the top vac port?

Chuck

Me have "closed-design".
Allows greater suction for dust evacuation through 2.5 inch dust port
in the back. So most of the make-up air is brought through the bit
opening, helping to reduce the dust on the tabletop. Built according to
Jointech plans. Tom

I wish that I had the space for a dedicated router table. I'm collecting
design info and parts sources for an extension to my table saw. I'm
jealous!!


"CNT" wrote in message
...
A simple search in google's image of "router table" (20 pages) shows a lot
router tables have closed router door (lot of very basic assembly are
open,
but I am talking about "nicer" ones with drawers, etc). I wonder how come
many have closed area where router would shed wood into confined area? I
am
planning to build a router table and it would have an opening in the front
(have to, since need access to the speed switch), angled slope to roll the
wood shed down to the floor (yeah, on my shoes).

I thought about vacuum and openings to the side, but couldn't think of a
good design with that. I want drawers for bits.

What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

Chuck

"CNT" wrote in message
...

I am
planning to build a router table and it would have an opening in the front
(have to, since need access to the speed switch), angled slope to roll the
wood shed down to the floor (yeah, on my shoes).

I can't think of a single reason to have an open cabinet. Mine has two
doors, easy access to the router when needed, easy dust collection. I've
not hooked the DC to it yet, but I use a shop vac on the fence and just
shovel out the space around the router once every few weeks. My switch is
external mounted for ease of use and safety. Once I do get around to hooking
up the DC, I may have to allow more in, but that is suject to trial first.
The doors are not gasketed, the opening around the bit is open, and there is
a hold I made for the cord to the switched receptical.



I thought about vacuum and openings to the side, but couldn't think of a
good design with that. I want drawers for bits.

What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

I have the Benchdog table. Drawers and door. Works for me.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

C & M says...

I wish that I had the space for a dedicated router table. I'm collecting
design info and parts sources for an extension to my table saw. I'm
jealous!!

You can make a fold-up table. Just mount it to the wall on hinges.

When I did few samples (about 4 or 5 little raised panel doors), I have a
deep shed behind the temp table (all open, just four legs). It's about
shoes height. You telling me it doesn't happen often to you? Am I making a
lot use of it (almost at least 3 times a week)?

Chuck

just shovel out the space around the router once every few weeks.

A well-designed router table will include dust extraction from below
and above. The air movement will also help keep the motor cool. The
door in front helps with the dust collection and reduces the noise.
My router table has a switch on the outside in front, where it has
easy access. Norm has a very good design, including lots of drawer
space for router bits and router accesories.

On Sat, 28 May 2005 18:17:06 -0000, CNT wrote:

A simple search in google's image of "router table" (20 pages) shows a lot
router tables have closed router door (lot of very basic assembly are open,
but I am talking about "nicer" ones with drawers, etc). I wonder how come
many have closed area where router would shed wood into confined area? I am
planning to build a router table and it would have an opening in the front
(have to, since need access to the speed switch), angled slope to roll the
wood shed down to the floor (yeah, on my shoes).

I thought about vacuum and openings to the side, but couldn't think of a
good design with that. I want drawers for bits.

What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

Chuck

I know about adding a switch on the front, I am planning to do it anyway.
The issue (or question) for me is should the router area be closed?

To me, it appears that open router area seems best due more open air to
cool the motor. But you saying having two vac (one on the fence and another
in the closed router area) help circulate the air better (meaning the
incoming air would be from the gaps around the doors?)?

Maybe I am missing the information about this. Pat Warner website didn't
explain this? I don't mind doing this, but I need to understand the reason.
Please explain to me and thank you!

Chuck

Oh, and my switch is on the right hand side of the table. I find myself on
that side more often. It has a bar on it so I can power off with my thigh.

"D Steck" wrote in message
...

"CNT" wrote in message
...
A simple search in google's image of "router table" (20 pages) shows a lot
router tables have closed router door (lot of very basic assembly are
open,
but I am talking about "nicer" ones with drawers, etc). I wonder how come
many have closed area where router would shed wood into confined area? I
am
planning to build a router table and it would have an opening in the
front
(have to, since need access to the speed switch), angled slope to roll
the
wood shed down to the floor (yeah, on my shoes).

I thought about vacuum and openings to the side, but couldn't think of a
good design with that. I want drawers for bits.

What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

Chuck

My first attempt at posting some pics so if it doesn't work, I'll try
again.

Anyway, my top is 40.5" square. I made my table about 1/4" lower than my
table saw so I can roll it up near the saw and use it as an outfeed table.
All of the drawers are functional and I hold many of my power tools in the
lower drawers. The center drawer front hides the router. Directly under
the router is a hole for the PVC pipe that comes in under the false floor
in the router box. Given another opportunity, I would slope the floor to
the hole but the dust collection does work - except after I've done some
panel raising as you can see by the large collection of dust around the
Hitachi. I don't get enough suction through the box to pull a lot of dust
off the suface of the table but with a larger opening around the bit, that
could be accomplished. I have a secondary flexible hose that I can attach
to pull dust off the top of the table when I'm not using my Incra as a
fence but today, I didn't want to take the time to put my other fence on
the table so I just let the dust fly.

The way I mount the router, I have access to the speed control. I can
also remove bits from above the table but I do have to reach in to slide
the collet lock in place on the Hitachi. It's simple but cumbersome.
With my smaller Porter Cable router, I can change bits completely from
above. The small drawer under the router I use to hold all of my
miscellaneous router gear. It slides in just to the elbow in the PVC
pipe. The PVC pipe leaves on the backside of the table to the DC. I have
a barrier just behind the router to make the box for the router smaller.
On the backside of the table (sorry couldn't get a pic) is another opening
the same size as the router box. I use that to hold my PC router when
it's not in use. I made the bit holder from some plans I found in a WW
magazine. Don't remember which one though.

The only real mistake I made was putting those itty bitty tiny wheels
underneath the table. With the weight of the table, it won't move easily.
I'm going to Woodcraft today to get some hinges and I'm buying new
wheels - ones that will work. My plan is build some brackets off to the
sides of the table with some triangular blocks for support. That way, I
can put bigger wheels on and not raise the table to the point that I would
lose my ability to use it as an outfeed table.

Hope this gives you some ideas. I love my table and had fun building it.

Oh, one last thing, I can lift the entire top off w/o having to unscrew
anything. That way, If I do move, I can get it out the door w/o giving
the moving crew a hernia. The top is VERY heavy.

Keep in mind that I am still using a shop vac, so one hose for the top of
the fence. Some day when I have better shop, then will consider a dust
collection.

Is the sole propose for closed area router area is for dust collection?

Chuck

I am designing like what Leon said (I think it was Leon), with two wheels
in the back and tilt the table to roll on wheels.

Chuck

The only real mistake I made was putting those itty bitty tiny wheels
underneath the table.

On Sat, 28 May 2005 22:10:27 -0000, CNT wrote:

Keep in mind that I am still using a shop vac, so one hose for the top of
the fence. Some day when I have better shop, then will consider a dust
collection.

Is the sole propose for closed area router area is for dust collection?

Chuck

A shop vac has limited value. The closed area reduces noise and
provides improved dust collection. Most doors will have a few
breather holes to allow for the air exchange. In your case, I'd put
off building an enclosed router table until you purchase a DC. You
can "go simple" with a sheet of 3/4" ply with a hole in the middle for
the router bits.

Sat, May 28, 2005, 6:17pm (EDT+4) (CNT)
A simple search in google's snip

Ah, someone that's googled. But, you would probably have been more
ahead if you'd just done a regular google. However.

I'm not back, but saw this thread while posting for some input.
I've been told I think differently from most other people. Possibly. I
do know I get somewhat puzzled when I read posts like this. Unless
you're planning on making plans, and selling them, I wouldn't worry so
much about it if I was you. Just make something that satisfies your
wants, and needs, and esthetically pleases you.

My router table, about the Mk III model, is basic. The original
was put together out of scrap 2X4s, and a chunk of plywood for the top,
put together mostly with glue (Titebond II - gotta get some stock in
that company), maybe a nail or two, and bolts to bolt the whole thing
down. That didn't meet my needs, so was torn apart - as much as
possible, Titebond really holds - and as much as I could salvage, plus
some more scrap wood, made the second version. Repeat, for the next
version. Can't recall if I redid it again, or not. Still basically the
same. The top has about a 2" hole where the bit goes thru. I took
apart an earlier router, and absolutely no sawdust in it. I think you'd
have to have a pretty severe slant of the top, to have the chips/sawdust
slide off on it's own,. It just pushes out of the way on mine, by the
piece being worked, and I brush it off with a wide paint brush later.
If I ever need a fence on it, I'll just clamp a piece of 2X2, or 2X4,
on. It does exactly what I want, and need, it to do, and I really don't
care what anyone thinks of it's looks. If my needs for it ever change,
I will have no hesitation into remodeling it again, or tossing it, and
making another - this one might have around $2-2.50 in it - for the
bolts.





JOAT
Failure is ALWAYS an option.
- JOAT

"CNT" wrote in message
...
When I did few samples (about 4 or 5 little raised panel doors), I have a
deep shed behind the temp table (all open, just four legs). It's about
shoes height. You telling me it doesn't happen often to you? Am I making a
lot use of it (almost at least 3 times a week)?

Chuck

just shovel out the space around the router once every few weeks.

I use the shop vac in the fence so unless it is a dado or other closed cut,
much of the dust goes that way. I've not done raised panels but I'm sure
that would make more volume to remove.

In article ,
says...
C & M says...

I wish that I had the space for a dedicated router table. I'm collecting
design info and parts sources for an extension to my table saw. I'm
jealous!!

You can make a fold-up table. Just mount it to the wall on hinges.

But MY wall is full of clamps :-).

I did make a saw extension router table. Works fine for me, but I'm a
hobbyist, not a professional. Most router tables are way too small.
And if they aren't they take a lot more room than I've got in my 12' x
14' shop.

--
BNSF = Build Now, Seep Forever

Don't try again. This is not the place.
"D Steck" wrote in message
...
My first attempt at posting some pics so if it doesn't work, I'll try
again.

On Sat, 28 May 2005 18:17:06 -0000, CNT wrote:

A simple search in google's image of "router table" (20 pages) shows a lot
router tables have closed router door (lot of very basic assembly are open,
but I am talking about "nicer" ones with drawers, etc). I wonder how come
many have closed area where router would shed wood into confined area? I am
planning to build a router table and it would have an opening in the front
(have to, since need access to the speed switch), angled slope to roll the
wood shed down to the floor (yeah, on my shoes).

I've got one of the open ones, but my observation is that most of the
chips go out the back of the fence, and not down the opening. The
plan I built the fence from suggested an optional vacuum port on the
back side of the fence so I made it, and it works really well.

I thought about vacuum and openings to the side, but couldn't think of a
good design with that. I want drawers for bits.

As above, make a vacuum attachment behind the fence. Just cut a
couple of triangles that attach to the backside, and mount a piece of
1/4" ply or hardboard to the top with a hole for the vacuum. Picks up
most of the mess, and you're free to do whatever you want under the
table.

What you have? Pictures? Recommend websites?

Chuck

Sorry. I didn't pay attention to what group I was on - I should have posted
to abpw. I won't do it again.

"CW" wrote in message
ink.net...
Don't try again. This is not the place.
"D Steck" wrote in message
...
My first attempt at posting some pics so if it doesn't work, I'll try
again.

"D Steck" wrote in message
...
I have a secondary flexible hose that I can attach to pull
dust off the top of the table when I'm not using my Incra as a fence but
today, I didn't want to take the time to put my other fence on the table
so
I just let the dust fly.

I saw a recent post for an ingenious solution to dust collection with the
Incra fence.

Here's the link: http://home.pacbell.net/jdismuk/routertable.html

Bob