Router Table Depot Archive Page
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Everyone that is interested in woodworking wants to make something that makes others say 'wow"

A router table adds a new dimension to your woodworking because of its amazing versatility. For such a simple concept, a spinning blade, the router table has so many different profiles.
I have always said that when you put your project on the router table it is wood, when you take it off, its furniture.
Here are the top reasons why you want a router table in your shop.
· Amazing versatility
· Versatile edge profiles
· Template following capabilities
· Dado and groove cutting
· Raised panel doors construction
· Precision joinery
· Rounding over wood
· Tables available in Large and bench top sizes
· Tons of accessories are available
· Router bits are available for almost anything
· You can make your own router table, but not your own table saw!
Just think, if you bought a 50-piece router bit set and brought it home, you could literally do 50 different types of cutting. That's like getting 50 different machines in your shop.
Here are some cool things you can do with "unique" router bits
· Glue Joints
· Mortising
· Lock Mitres (for strong joints)
· Architectural moldings
· Stile and Rail joinery
· Box joints
· Panel raising
· Tongue and groove joints
· Finger joints
· Laminate trimming
· Face framing bits
· Dovetail joinery
· Sign making
· Rabbets
· Biscuit joining
· Slot cutting
· Round overs
· Fluting
· Multi beading
· Picture hanging bits
· Mullion cutters
One of the better aspects of routing on a router table is the ability to attach a dust collector to your router fence. I personally like a portable dust collector that is dedicated to my router table. If you can split the dust hose using a "T" you can collect dust at the router fence and again at the bottom of the table. This keeps your shop clean and organized.
There are so many accessories out there, it can boggle the mind. You can find almost anything for the most demanding project. With so many accessories available, I find it valuable to have a router table cabinet with drawers. Under the table portion of the cabinet is open so the router can breathe. Underneath I like having two drawers that keep all my router table items in one place. I could never keep all the little knobs, allen wrenches, collet wrenches and speed controls, to name a few, all organized. Imagine how easy it is with a couple of drawers to help you keep it all together.
So how do you learn more about your router table? You read, read and read some more. Thanks to the Internet, there is so much out there (for free) that you can learn. Hopefully this article has inspired you to go out and buy a router table and make something amazing.
If this article has inspired you, you may want to learn more about what type of router to purchase when you set up your router table. There are a lot of choices out there and the Internet can either help you or confuse you. I will be posting another article on this very subject.
Ken Schulte is a contributing editor to Router Table Depot. You can find other articles directly related to woodworking with routers and router tables at www.routertabledepot.com/Articles.html This site is dedicated to woodworking with router tables. Inside you will find not only lots of products to choose from, but extensive resources to extend your workshop knowledge.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Schulte


http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Want-A-Router-Table-In-Your-Woodworking-Shop&id=369924


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
By Tony Scorch

Ok, so you have decided that you want a router table for your workshop. All the cool stuff you saw on tv, made you decide to take the plunge. It’s a good choice really since the router table is such a versatile tool. You can do all sorts of profiles that you would never be able to do on other tools. So the first thing you need to figure out is whether or not you want to buy one or build your own. This article will give you some highlights to help you figure out which direction to take.



First, do your homework, a little research goes a long way. Keep all your notes in one spot and try to do this exercise in one sitting. Having all the data fresh and ready will help you choose more quickly and get you on your way to having a table quicker. Think about key reasons you would want to buy such as; it’s quicker, it’s convenient, there are a lot of models to choose from or you are new to woodworking. Next think about reasons to build such as you want a custom size or you like to build things yourself because time is not a factor.



Second, know the features you are looking for. The features are what makes the products stand out. These are important to know and will help you determine what table to buy. Common features include; router table inserts, miter track, split fences, dust port, t- track and leg kits Look at different tables to find out what features are the best for you.



Third. Know what size table you want. Router tables come in two different sizes. Benchtop tables are smaller router tables and are best selected when space is an issue. Larger or full-size tables are selected when you want full features and space is not an issue. Keep in mind that some benchtop tables have a matching stand that you can buy separately. This makes the benchtop table closer to a standalone router table.



Fourth. Make a budget, it sounds reasonable. Sometimes you will find that benchtop tables can cost as much as building your own full-size table. There is nothing worse than finding this out after you made your purchase. A good side by side comparison can be your best friend when making a tool purchase.



Lastly, and this might sound kind of weird, but if you can find a site that sells products that base support that is always a good thing. A lot of computer companies offer support after the sale. They have representatives and tech support that help answer questions. This seems to be lacking in the woodworking industry. So if you find this feature can definitely be an advantage. I always feel better when buying something online of having the ability to ask a real person a question and get a reasonable answer. Not a sales answer, but a wood worker's point of view. This is pretty frustrating when you go to Sears since most of the salesman are people that don't have any real experience. Getting real answers is always rewarding and can help with the buying decision.



About the Author: Read more articles You can also learn more about router tables at Router Table Depot



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