I have had this router table going on 2 years now. When I purchased the table I needed it for a job and did not have time to build a router center as I had originally planned. I just purchased legs and a dust collection box instead. What I found out is the legs were very stable and a good height for me and that the dust collection worked very well. A few weeks ago I decided to see if I could work the legs and dust box into my plans for my router work station.
I decided that being this is a pretty large table 32"x48" that I would have plenty of room between the stretchers between the legs. I think I ended up with a cabinet of ample size for me. Of course I am sure later I will wish it was larger but it seems like it will work for a good while.
The upper drawer has a writing surface made of Brazillian Cherry and Purple Hart. It also has storage under the writing surface for templates, books, etc. I wanted a wood that was dense and would resist crushing when writing on the surface. I have never worked with Brazillian Cherry but I can say it is some pretty hard stuff. The left side is for scales, tapes, pencils etc.
The second drawer is divided and the dividers are removable. This drawer was intende for essential router table gear.
The 3rd and 4th drawers are just open storage. However the bottom drawer has a 1/2" bottom so it can take a bit more weight.
Also being the table is very large, I wanted a way that I could support the weight of the lift, router, and dust box. Even though it is phenolic I still think it can sag towards the center of the table. I decided that I could take a piece of 1/8" steel strap and weld some 3/8" coupling nuts to the strap and then install cut off floor levelers, and jamb nuts. It sits on top edge of the cabinet and bolted down. The cabinet being made out of 3/4" plywood is plenty strong to support the weight. I was amazed how well it works. I could take the table from a little concave to a crown with just a little more than light pressure on the levelers. The table from side to side is within .003 or better down the entire length, and from front to back it is within .006 or better.
The mobile base is nothing more than the Woodcraft universal base. I must say these work very well and are super stable. The reason I just did not put casters on the legs was I could not find the casters that would fit the thread in the bottom of the leg.
I was also suprised how well the dust collection works both through the table but also the fence. I was concerned about putting the Y-fitting the way that I did but it collects very well. I secured the fittings to the shelf with 4" muffler clamps with vinyl tubing installed to protect the fittings and also as a little spacer.
I decided to spray the carcase with alkyd enamel. Probably was not the best decision. Construction was pretty quick but finishing has been very slow. The drawers were sprayed with satin Deft. At least that was pretty fast.
I hope I may have given some ideas what can be done with some of these pre-made metal bases etc.
Here are several pics. My camara is not the best but hope ya'll get the idea. The pictures were at different stages and in some of the photos the drawers do not have the fronts on them. I was literally waiting for the paint to dry.
Good Luck
Alan
Reply With Quote
(Just kidding...very well organized!)
