Router insert plate

[Scruples]

Hi all

I have a cheap and cheerful, free-standing router table. I use a 1/2" router. It works OK but I'd like to get something a little better, so -

Is a 10mm thick aluminium plate the thing to go for?
Is a 1/2" router really necessary for small, light routing or would a 1/4" router bo OK for most projects? (mine is hobby stuff with ply and pine mostly, although I have a slab of mahogany waiting for a project).
I can see that it makes life easier to have a router lift. Are they worth it and do they give you better setting and control of router height?
Are there any other DIYers out there that have got router inserts, with a lift, who could recommend their choices?

Any helpful information or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Spectric]

You will find a 1/2 router with the added power so much easier to use and get good results. 1/2 shank cutters are more rigid and come in larger sizes so you are not restricted in what you can do, even a 1/2 router on some jobs needs multiple passes so leave the smaller router to those hand held smaller jobs.

 

[HOJ]

I would suggest thinking more about your intended needs, demands and intentions, the more you rely on a router and its capabilities, the more in the way of an investment you may need to make.

However, I'm not a diyer so don't qualify, and most "woodworkers" would be horrified with my setup's, I have a little 1/4" DeWalt mains router jammed in a home made table in my shop for small work, like edge chamfering/rounding over etc, I also use various other bits and do slot cutting, key holes and just about anything else that only needs small diameter bits, works a treat and the cutters are fairly cheap to buy.

It only has a thinnish steel plate it's bolted to (on a simple leg/box that I can easily pick up and move around and put away) along with a shiny piece of MFC on the top, the fence, again shop made, is just clamped on, never felt a need for a lift thingy, and don't have an issue with setting it up, cost me a big fat £0

My other option is a Makita 1/4" battery one, which I also use, and have been known to jam that in my vice to make it work like a table top version.

However, I also have a 1/2" router in another homemade table, using the same principals but fixed to a 6mm steel plate, for more demanding heavier work, but behind them I have 2 spindle moulders for when things get really big and serious.