Router table size

[RichD1]

Just looking to buy or make a combined mitre saw and router table but as I'm limited for size the router table will be hinged on the back of the mitre saw stand. Looking at the Axminster catalogue they do a compact and a standard size router table but what would you not be able to do on a compact size if I went for that option.

The compact table is 600 x 400, the standard is 800 x 600.

Richard

 

[custard]

Richard, if you're making small boxes the small router table will do everything you need, but if you're moulding skirting boards you might want to look at something a bit bigger!

Once a component gets much longer than 600mm it'll want to tip over once it's cleared the cutter on the small table, it's not particularly safe to be holding down the workpiece in the vicinity of the cutter, so if you plan on routing items much longer than 600m and can't rig up supports on either side of the router table then you should think about the bigger table.

 

[Grahamshed]

Custard has summed that up superbly.

 

[marcros]

likewise, if you are making a table, the plane need not necessarily be in the centre of the table- if you are doing most tasks to the edge of workpieces, then there is some advantage to having it towards the rear to support as much of the workpiece as possible.