It really hardly matters, whether you are a professional or a non-professional woodworkers when it’s about woodworking, a wood router is the ultimate tool that your toolbox must contain. A wide range of performance can be easily performed by this powerful tool, from creating the grooves, joints to smoothing the edges,the options are numerous. But, even this powerful tool also may in need of a companion for better functioning. A router table is the perfect addition that can be added to your workshop, to make the router functions more effectively.
A router table is the most versatile addition that can ever make to your wood router. Though there are options, but this is the most effective one. The major benefit of using a router table is that it releases your hands for maximum handling of the workpiece. With a router mounted on the table, ensures maximum utilization of the wood router and moreover, produces equally better cuts.
But, while you’re planning to buy one for your existing wood router, few things should examine before buying the table. While you are using a router table while routing, it largely depends on the table how accurate the cuts will be, as your hands are no longer holding the workpiece. Let’s see, which features should consider while buying a router table.
A Flat, rigid top
While approaching to buy a router table, the first thing that should be given priority is a solid, firm top. It’s really important to have a rigid surface of the table, as it involves in various operations where precision is a must, such as cutting joinery. A flexible router table is unable to produce accurate cuts, as it fails to tolerate the required downward pressure that is needed while routing and deflects. In an intricate job like routing, minor irregularities can lead to misfit joints, uneven edges, etc. Moreover, a router table needs to bear the weight of the router and the router lift without flexing.
Beforehand, the wood itself was the best choice for the router table, but nowadays, different materials are used to make the router tables. Among them, MDF has become the popular choice for its sustainability and low cost. For both commercial and shop-made router table, MDF can be a reliable choice. Particularly, if you are a hobbyist on tight budget, go with it without compromising with the quality. To maintain the rigidity of the MDF router table, it should be minimum 1″ thick with a coating of a material that provides basic protection along with a slippery surface for smooth working experience. Sometimes, melamine is used as a coating, but HPL or high-pressure laminate is a better choice than melamine for the hardier take top. Solid phenolic resin can easily replace MDF for its natural rigidity, durability and light weight that can be used in commercial space also where the router tables are used to perform heavy duty.
A solid, base plate
Another important feature of a router table is the base plate. A firm, rigid base plate is equally important like a flat, firm top. In most router tables, the router is attached to the base plate which in return is fitted to the opening of the table top. The quality and layout of the base plate have a great impact on the proper functioning of the router. The plate needs to remain flat after holding the router for smooth working, as a reason a rigid and substantial base plate is compulsory.
Compatibility between the base plate and the router is needed. Some router tables offer a wide range of plates with pre-drilled holes to adjust at least two router models. Even some blank plates are also being given to be drilled as per requirement. It is advisable, not to go for the one-sized base plate that promises to fit with different type of routers. This type of plates usually derives with multiple drilled holes which makes the plate less strong and allows enough scopes for the dirt and debris to accumulate.
Miter gauge and T-slots
A miter gauge is another important addition that a router table offers. It plays a vital role while you are creating grooves on a long, narrow workpiece. A miter slot holds the workpiece tightly while routing to provide accurate cuts and designs. For securing featherboards and other router table accessories, a miter slot is a must. Some tables even come with a few T-slots to hold the featherboards and other common router table attachments.
A Fence
An accurate and easy to position fence is really needed when you are routing using the router table. While routing using the router table, we generally pressed the workpiece against the fence to produce better cuts. A perfectly placed fenced determines better cuts while routing. Though, several options are available while choosing the fences, but a better fence is the one that is straight, firm, square and easy to position.
Two types of fences are usually available; one-piece fence and two-pieces or split fences. Split fences derive with two parts that provides scope to cover a broader area while working, but with a single drawback. While adjusting fences, it’s really needed to have both the parts in perfectly parallel alignment to have accurate cuts, which is sometimes a bit difficult with the split fences.
Conclusion
A router table is the perfect addition to your workshop for better working experience and accurate cuts. Choosing the right one is the ultimate challenge that a buyer usually faces. Above mentioned points will be a great help in selecting the right router table.