plunger router and a router table, do they mix?

[kell]

Hiya,

I have a plunge router which is a pretty good spec one and has never left the box (and i've had it a year). Do any types of plunge routers work with router tables? not sure what spec mine is but I think I might christen it if I can get/make a table for it. If not can anyone recomend a cheap fixed router?

cheers

 

[George_N]

Plunge routers are fine in router tables. Fixed base ones are fairly rare in the UK.

 

[Anonymous]

Plunge will be fins

The Triton is prbably the best for a table if you are thinking of shopping for one specifically for the table

 

[Steve Maskery]

Kell
Go ahead with your existing router, whatever it is (although, as Tony points out, the Triton has a reputation for being well-designed for inverted work -can't speak from experience in that one though).

But be aware that the biggest problem with plunge routers upside down s height adjustment.

The Trend T11 is very good in this respect, as it is adjustable with a key from above and from below. On my own table I use a DW fitted with a Router Raizer from the Woodworker's Workshop and I have no complaints at all.

 

[SketchUp Guru]

I think plunge routers work very nicely in a router table. I made a lift for my DW621 router for less than $10. Although it doesn't work from above the table like the commercially made ones, I find it easier to reach underneath anyway because I usually squat down to see when setting cutter height anyway.

The lift I made squeezes the motor and base together so it doesn't deform the insert plate and is very lightweight so I can leave it on the router when hand holding it. I expect the same sort of device could be made for most any plunge router.

 

[George_N]

I fitted a set of Woodrat plunge bars to my router for bit height setting. Just squeeze the bars with one hand and measure the bit height/ depth of cut with the other. I use a little horse shoe shaped gizmo, by Trend I think, for setting bit height, bit to fence distance etc. Sorry I can't find a picture at the moment...got it in B&Q for about £5. seems like a lot for what it is but worth its weight in gold.

 

[Lee Brubaker]

Plunge routers work very well in a router table.I presently have a Makita
3612C in my table. I removed the plunge springs because this is a dedicated router for the table. I also installed a Veritas Bit Jack which replaces the depth adjustment knob. I change bits from the top side. To make certain that I do not have a slip of the wrench & damage a bit, I dipped the wrench in a plastic solution used to insulate plier handles & prevents metal contact with the bit should a slip occur(hasn't happened yet).
If it hasn't been out of the box in a year's time, it sounds like you have little demand for handheld use & it may be sensible in your case to set it up for good table performance.

Lee