Router table/Woodrat/DIY table

[TheTiddles]

Sorry if this has been discussed many times before, I've just joined and couldn't see anything recent on this subject.

I currently don't have a router table and need to get one, I mostly make small things but as I'm an engineer I'm exceedingly critical about the quality of the joints in things I make, I like really nicely fitting dovetails, comb joints etc... The wood I use is generally offcuts from a local timber merchant which is very cheap but variable, I might make one drawer from timber slightly thicker than the next.

I was considering a baby Woodrat, but the cost of it plus the necessary cutters is pretty steep even against some of the more expensive router tables out there. The Incra systems seem great but obviously need mounting to a good table first.

Given that I can obtain most engineering materials and machine them however I want, and I regularly take business trips to the USA where I can but tools almost half price (Lie Nielsen is actually affordable out there!), what would you go for?

 

[Chris Knight]

Welcome to the forum.

This is an old chestnut and has been discussed here many times. I suggest you try the search facility. Enter Incra , Woodrat and check "search on all terms"

I wrote several posts on the topic in the past, here's one for starters

 

[motownmartin]

I would reccomend the incra but as you say you will need a table for it, here is one that I made.

 

[gidon]

Welcome.
Not sure of the price of Woodrats in the US, but some Incra stuff is less than half price! I paid £50 for an Incra Lite which is superb and you'll love the repeatability. The Jessem stuff also looks very nice with US prices.
Here's my Incra fitted on my homemade table top, with an added fence for dust extraction ++.

Don't be put off making a good table - it's only the top that needs to be accurate really. And all it needs really is a trip to B&Q to cut up two pieces of 3/4" MDF to size. Glue them together - making sure they are flat as possible. I then mount my router directly to the table and fit an Xtreme Xtension. Makes it a doddle to fit and the XX is great attached to a decent router. Again the XXis cheap in the US.
You don't really need a mitre slot, or to laminate the top. An afternoon job.
I have another trip to the US next month and am already writing up my shopping list!
All the best
Gidon

 

[motownmartin]

Hi Gidon, is that the 1000 mitre, is it good enough for you or do you wish you got the 2000 or 3000.

sorry don't mean to hijack the thread.

 

[gidon]

Hi Martin
Sorry missed your post. It's a Incra V27 - very good value. It works perfectly in my router table (although has had limited use) but I would add a decent fence and stop for proper use on the table saw. The build and accuracy is very good.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[motownmartin]

Hi Martin
Sorry missed your post. It's a Incra V27 - very good value. It works perfectly in my router table (although has had limited use) but I would add a decent fence and stop for proper use on the table saw. The build and accuracy is very good.
Cheers
Gidon

Thanks for that Gidon, I am looking to purchase one that I will use on the Router and the Table Saw.

 

[AndyBoyd]

No choice really, the Rat would win every time - just the best machine in the workshop.

The problem with this sort of question is you get all the opinions under the sun, I love my rat so I'm very very biased.

Good luck with the choice

 

[TheTiddles]

Well the decision has been made. I bought a baby 'rat and set of cutters from D B Keighley on Tuesday and it arrived on Wednesday. I got a fantastic deal because it was his last littlerat which is now being replaced by what appears to be a cut down full size 'rat. I will be buying more from those guys, their service is excellent.

I must admit to being slightly shocked by the quality of some of the parts, the metalwork is all good but the plastic parts are really poor, maybe I'm more critical as plastic part design is an aspect of my job but those guide rails are far more wobbly than I would expect for such an expensive machine. Good job I didn't pay the full price for it then!

It seems that instead of being a complete engineered jointing system, the woodrat is more akin to a specialist plane, you need to lap the odd surface and make a few shooting boards to really get the most out of it, then it becomes the old faithful tool that gives years of excellent service. I can see a plethora of little improvements to be made before I'm fully happy.