I know there is another thread ongoing about a similar issue Rick had with his router table. His issue was with a standalone router table with a swing up top. I am going to be building my router table in my right TS extension table. I already have the lift and the router for the table. I was not going to build a cabinet underneath the table at this time, only the table.
This router table will replace the current extension table. I am looking for a more durable surface than the melamine surface of the table board (which already has a few gouges in it). The table will need to span 28" between the front and back rails. I would prefer to use BB plywood vs. MDF, since I don't like working with MDF. I would also like to use a laminate surface on the top. I had been thinking of adding aluminum miter tracks to the table, but I am reconsidering due to comments from others due to their usefullness and possible cause of warping the top.
Here are some options I am looking at:
a. torsion box - 3" thick, 1/2" top and bottom skins, reinforced in the area of the plate. Do you laminate the top and bottom skins or just the top skin, then how do you get glue to stick?
b. Thick top - 2.25" thick layer of 3 pieces of 3/4". Laminate the top and the bottom.
c. Similar to the extension table - 3/4" top with 2 1/4" support frame. I would reinforce it in the area of the router openning. Do you just laminate the top and the bottom of the top? How do you attach the frame to the laminate covered top.
Letter c. would be the easiest to set the table flat to the top of the TS, since there is access to the machine screws beneath the table. a. and b. would require installation of threaded inserts to use the machine screws or small lag bolts/large screws which may or may not work well.
What have others done mounting their router in the TS extension?
Thanks,
Mike