Router table - open or closed front?
 

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the
dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also
helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if
not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack

"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" wrote
in message ...
Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router (with
a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the dust
port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also helps cut
down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if not
just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Mine is close, and I wouldn't have it anyother way. My router has never
been the slightest bit warm.
Presumably there is enough airflow from the DC to cool anything.

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the
dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also
helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if
not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack


overheating? NONSENSE! I have a totally enclosed router with a 7518
that runs for ages without overheating. The router table base has a
fully enclosed DC chamber to suck the woodchips away from the routing
operation. plenty of air moves through the DC, my friend. and all of
it is coming through the router. You are perceiving a problem where
none exists. the benefit of enclosing the router is it makes it MUCH
QUIETER. :)

I wouldn't enclose the router and then fail to provide DC capability!!

Dave

Proper dust collection will provide plenty of
"air flow" and the router is in no danger.

After you clean up after a long session on a table
without a base, you will very quickly appreciate a
closed in table.


mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

The Correct Answer is: Dependant on the Owner.

If your one lazy ass who never cleans up the shop and is to lazy to turn on
the DC, Get an open table!
If your attentive and connect your DC and keep your shop clean, Get the
enclosed door type.



"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" wrote
in message ...
Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the
dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also
helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if
not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack

Mine is closed, with DC. *Lots* quieter, and I just vacuum out the
bin once in a while.

Pat Barber wrote:
Proper dust collection will provide plenty of
"air flow" and the router is in no danger.

After you clean up after a long session on a table
without a base, you will very quickly appreciate a
closed in table.


mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

Yep. DAMHIKT!

Well, I wasn't really perceiving anything. I don't have that much
imagination! I was just repeating what I read in some books.

For example, in Bill Hylton's "Woodworking with the Router", page 69, he
says:

"The compartment housing the router is open to the front.
A door on it would imit access to the router for those
adjustments that always have to be made. And it would
restrict the air circulation that's so important to
router cooling."

HOWEVER ... based on the overwhelming majority opinion here, I'll go
with a closed housing. I do intend on having the DC on whenever the
router is being used.

Thanks!

Jack



David wrote:

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the
dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also
helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if
not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack


overheating? NONSENSE! I have a totally enclosed router with a 7518
that runs for ages without overheating. The router table base has a
fully enclosed DC chamber to suck the woodchips away from the routing
operation. plenty of air moves through the DC, my friend. and all of
it is coming through the router. You are perceiving a problem where
none exists. the benefit of enclosing the router is it makes it MUCH
QUIETER. :)

I wouldn't enclose the router and then fail to provide DC capability!!

Dave

"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" wrote
in message ...
Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router (with
a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the dust
port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also helps cut
down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if not
just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack

I would imagine that a closed system with a DC would create a cooler router.
Compare that to now air flow in a closed system.

Where would you rather be? In a closed room hotter than heck, or with a
breeze.

Chris

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Well, I wasn't really perceiving anything. I don't have that much
imagination! I was just repeating what I read in some books.

For example, in Bill Hylton's "Woodworking with the Router", page 69, he
says:

"The compartment housing the router is open to the front.
A door on it would imit access to the router for those
adjustments that always have to be made. And it would
restrict the air circulation that's so important to
router cooling."

HOWEVER ... based on the overwhelming majority opinion here, I'll go
with a closed housing. I do intend on having the DC on whenever the
router is being used.

Thanks!

Jack



David wrote:

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes
of preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the
dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also
helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if
not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack


overheating? NONSENSE! I have a totally enclosed router with a 7518
that runs for ages without overheating. The router table base has a
fully enclosed DC chamber to suck the woodchips away from the routing
operation. plenty of air moves through the DC, my friend. and all of
it is coming through the router. You are perceiving a problem where
none exists. the benefit of enclosing the router is it makes it MUCH
QUIETER. :)

I wouldn't enclose the router and then fail to provide DC capability!!

Dave


who needs to make adjustments inside? the only time I open the access
door (other than to clean out the chamber of wood chips) is to change
speeds. Most of the time I leave it alone (on speed "2" or "3").
Router bit changes are done topside. I strongly suggest you NOT
purchase a unit that requires fiddling underneath the tabletop except
for speed changes. If you do lots of routing, you find out what I mean
in a hurry!

Dave

I agree. In fact, I have a JessEm router lift & plate on order. Like
you said, the only adjustment I should ever have to do is making a speed
change.

Thanks!

Jack

David wrote:

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Well, I wasn't really perceiving anything. I don't have that much
imagination! I was just repeating what I read in some books.

For example, in Bill Hylton's "Woodworking with the Router", page 69,
he says:

"The compartment housing the router is open to the front.
A door on it would imit access to the router for those
adjustments that always have to be made. And it would
restrict the air circulation that's so important to
router cooling."

HOWEVER ... based on the overwhelming majority opinion here, I'll go
with a closed housing. I do intend on having the DC on whenever the
router is being used.

Thanks!

Jack



David wrote:

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes
of preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to
the dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in
also helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in,
if not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack


overheating? NONSENSE! I have a totally enclosed router with a 7518
that runs for ages without overheating. The router table base has a
fully enclosed DC chamber to suck the woodchips away from the routing
operation. plenty of air moves through the DC, my friend. and all
of it is coming through the router. You are perceiving a problem
where none exists. the benefit of enclosing the router is it makes
it MUCH QUIETER. :)

I wouldn't enclose the router and then fail to provide DC capability!!

Dave



who needs to make adjustments inside? the only time I open the access
door (other than to clean out the chamber of wood chips) is to change
speeds. Most of the time I leave it alone (on speed "2" or "3"). Router
bit changes are done topside. I strongly suggest you NOT purchase a
unit that requires fiddling underneath the tabletop except for speed
changes. If you do lots of routing, you find out what I mean in a hurry!

Dave

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

I agree. In fact, I have a JessEm router lift & plate on order. Like
you said, the only adjustment I should ever have to do is making a speed
change.

Thanks!

Jack

David wrote:

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Well, I wasn't really perceiving anything. I don't have that much
imagination! I was just repeating what I read in some books.

For example, in Bill Hylton's "Woodworking with the Router", page 69,
he says:

"The compartment housing the router is open to the front.
A door on it would imit access to the router for those
adjustments that always have to be made. And it would
restrict the air circulation that's so important to
router cooling."

HOWEVER ... based on the overwhelming majority opinion here, I'll go
with a closed housing. I do intend on having the DC on whenever the
router is being used.

Thanks!

Jack



David wrote:

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router
(with a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes
of preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in
the field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction
to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to
the dust port above the table). I would assume that closing it in
also helps cut down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in,
if not just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack


overheating? NONSENSE! I have a totally enclosed router with a
7518 that runs for ages without overheating. The router table base
has a fully enclosed DC chamber to suck the woodchips away from the
routing operation. plenty of air moves through the DC, my friend.
and all of it is coming through the router. You are perceiving a
problem where none exists. the benefit of enclosing the router is
it makes it MUCH QUIETER. :)

I wouldn't enclose the router and then fail to provide DC capability!!

Dave




who needs to make adjustments inside? the only time I open the access
door (other than to clean out the chamber of wood chips) is to change
speeds. Most of the time I leave it alone (on speed "2" or "3").
Router bit changes are done topside. I strongly suggest you NOT
purchase a unit that requires fiddling underneath the tabletop except
for speed changes. If you do lots of routing, you find out what I
mean in a hurry!

Dave


cool. the Jessem is quality stuff.

dave

So, you've perfected that anti-gravity thing?

"Pat Barber" wrote in message
...


on a table
without a base,

Chris wrote:
"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" wrote
in message ...

Some books on routers caution the reader NOT to close in the router (with
a door in the front), but rather to keep it open for purposes of
preventing the router from overheating.

And some books lay out plans for router tables WITH the front closed.

Of course, authors on both sides of this debate are 'experts' in the
field. And hence, this leaves me to question which direction to take.

Closing the router in allows for better dust control (with a nicely
positioned dust port under the table - in addition, of course, to the dust
port above the table). I would assume that closing it in also helps cut
down the noise level.

Could I hear opinions on this? I'm leaning towards closing it in, if not
just to keep generic dust and junk off the router.

Jack


I would imagine that a closed system with a DC would create a cooler router.
Compare that to now air flow in a closed system.

Where would you rather be? In a closed room hotter than heck, or with a
breeze.

Chris


Well, if you had an attached part spinning at
20,000 rpm, you probably wouldn't care whether
there was a breeze or not.