Hey all,
I'm building a new router table, and I need some advice. Since I'm still in the planning stages, the world is my oyster and I can take my time to do things right. I've been doing my reading and notice that people are mostly using plunge routers in tables. Why? I look at the PC 7518 and wonder why people don't rave about it as a table router. It's got big horses, variable speed, good price, and it seems like it would be a lot easier to mount and manage in a table than the big plungers out there. A lot of people like their M12v's, their FT2000e's and (for the big spender) the Bosch 1619 - all plungers.
I realize that everyone has their own personal preferences as to what they want and need in a table router. Personally, I want to install a router *exclusively* in the table. I'll use it for all manner of routing operations, including panel raising - for which I want variable speed and high horses. I'm big on convenience in bit and height changing - preferably above the table - but I'm not sure I can afford a lift at the same time I get everything else. If I get a plunger, I'll likely be taking the springs out of it and would want something that could eventually be used with a lift.
So here's where I need your help: I'm almost decided on a table plan - it's a mix of Norm's table and the one featured in AW #99 (March '03). What I haven't decided on: the insert (prefer something with insert rings), the router (why plunge vs. fixed base?) and the lift. While I probably won't be able to get a lift right away, I'd like to be able to drop holiday hints for one in the near future...
If you had your way - what would you do different about the router table/router setup you currently have? What do you like best, what would you like to add, what would you definitely avoid? What works and what doesn't?
Looking forward to some lively discussion on this one...
Steve