first router table - dakota vs axminster

[madge]

Hi all, I'm after a budget router table and after a bit of research on the site it seems the main contenders are the dakota deluxe, currently at £90 inc shipping at rutlands, and the axminster premier benchtop model at £140

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... rod833056/

Does anyone have any advice as to whether the axminster job is worth the extra? I did consider making my own but as I haven't used a router table much thought it might be a good idea to start with a basic one and then make one at a later date knowing more about the features I'd want.

 

[RogerS]

definitely go for the Axminster. Both tops look identical but the extra stability of the Axminster on its case is worth the extra, i think.

 

[JakeS]

Both tops look identical but the extra stability of the Axminster on its case is worth the extra, i think.

Also the Axminster one:
a) actually comes with the things shown in the picture, unlike the non-included featherboards on the Rutlands one
b) is actually in stock. ;-)

That said, it took me no more than a couple of hours to make a stands-in-a-workmate-knockoff job out of MDF with a view to making something nicer later (still hasn't happened), and most of that was waiting for glue to dry. If you want to just get started it doesn't have to cost you £140 nor be that time- or resource-consuming.

 

[powertools]

I would go for the Dakota.
The Axminster one will take up bench space and will be heavy to lift on and off the bench. will be too high to work on when on the bench, the cupboard is a waste of time and the router may well overheat being enclosed in a cupboard that will fill with dust.

 

[fluffflinger]

I have the Dakota version purchased a few years ago, no complaints at all (surprisingly I must one of the few who has no issues with Rutlands and have always found any issues quickly resolved with little or no fuss). Very solid and sturdy, now fitted with a steelplate from the group buy. Fence was a tiny fraction off 90degrees when purchased but that took seconds to resolve, can't remember what I paid but I'd say very good value.

Having said that there are many DIY versions that cost a fraction to build and are just as effective, I will also admit to having a large offcut of solid acrylic worktop that will become a router table when time allows, merely because I want something a little larger.

 

[RogerS]

Ooops...after reading Powertools comment, I went back and looked at your link. I mistook it for a floor-standing one. I'd go with the Dakota.

 

[powertools]

It would be nice to know what the op decided to go for.

 

[madge]

Many thanks to all of you for the words of wisdom, I ended up pulling the trigger on the dakota one, taking advantage of rutlands current 10% off. Seems like a good starting point for upgrading in future. Just have to wait for delivery now, it's currently out of stock and I know rutlands have a reputation for being a little hit and miss with their service. Thanks again and I'll report my impressions when it arrives.

 

[marcros]

the product must be reasonably good- many people buy them, and very few are offered for sale on here because of people upgrading.

hopefully you will have it in time for christmas.