Router table advice! Purchase, build or adapt?

[Dissolve]

Hello.

I'm looking to get a router table, my only specifications are to have a form of height adjustment on the table top/side.

I have a dewalt 625, but this isn't adjustable from the table top so I am drawn to buying a powered router table such as the Dakota from Rutlands, but it's quite expensive.

What suggestions do people have for a router and table or a powered router table with adjustable height?

Thanks

 

[RogerBoyle]

Build your own
Do a search on YouTube and you will find plenty of examples including how to build them

Roger

 

[Harbo]

Buy a RouterRazer to modify your DW - I use one - they work really well.

Build a table - lots of information around - I built one based on Norm's design.


Rod

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

or get a normal table and a trend T11EK which has upside down adjustment and comes shipped with the appropriate long adjustment bar which operates above the table. Its also a superb router in terms of motor capacity for large diameter cutters (up to 90mm). You can then use your Dewalt for topside routing because you'll never take the table one out

 

[Eric The Viking]

The adjustment thing is a bit of a red herring, I think.

It's easy enough to pop the router plate out, complete with router, to do any awkward cutter fitting setup, and yes, it is easier to adjust from above, but I managed for years without.

I'm with Bob, though on the router lift. Yes they work, but you can replace the DW with a T11 for not a lot (the T11 will do pretty much all the DW will do as well), whereas any decently made router lift isn't inexpensive, and only has one use.

If you don't get a router lift, do consider an aluminium plate, instead of the cast phenolic ones. I am so glad I switched over. wouldn't go back, although I do keep a phenolic one or two as spares - I don't want to re-drill my nice plate for a different router!

As for those self-powered tables, they look small, cheap and very limited in what you can do with them (ducks and runs).

At the end of the day it's your money.

E.

 

[Harbo]

RouterRaizer costs £70 delivered so a much cheaper choice than buying a new router.

http://www.woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/Pa ... ogies.html

As for lifting everything out to make adjustments what a pain in the proverbial?

Rod

 

[Eric The Viking]

Sorry Rod, I misunderstood - I thought the Router Raizer was one of the chain-driven things.

I see what it does now - makes complete sense!