Good day to the Creek,
Just wanted to share my 4th and latest router table.
My first was 4' long, counter high, homemade mounting plate and
Norm-esque with shelves, drawers and storage.
My second was a barebones little table with the LV round pop-out plate,
which can be instantly used as handheld, and back to table in 2 seconds.
My third is a horizontal table which would be another discussion.
My fourth I will show here...
The big, fancy one took up way too much space. Using it over time revealed that I could do without it.
When shop space is at a premium, you have to make hard choices.
I can hardly find enough room for crucial tools, so my approach is...
If I can take it or leave it, I eliminate it asap.
The LV plate kit is handy and well done. I snuck up on the fit with
great patience and accuracy. Ultimately, the slight amount of movement
caused by plate shift was a deal breaker for fence work.
Works fine for riding an edge bearing, but alas, that is only half the battle.
I have just swapped the top for a no-plate router mount.
It is quick, cheap and barebones...but efficient and effective.
I carried forward many lessons for this latest top.
pic 1: simple MDF table, high enough to easily get router in and out,
plenty of clamping rim on bottom for bench mount, plenty on top for fence and jig mounting.
LV base and mount plate in table.
pic2: out of table, note the rubber post which tries to prevent plate shift,
also maple handle had to be removed to clear hole size.
pic3: despite predrilling, screwholes in edge split MDF.
Corners have deliberate glue fillet to seal for d/c.
pic4: to max out range of bit depth, I relieved a recess in router zone by hand with a mortising bit
pic5: Laminate with contact cement, rough texture to bottom, smoother
one to top. Both sides to help prevent sag over time.
If time proves it necessary, cleats can be added later.
cont'd next post