my router table sucks

Look around here or other publications. There are a lot of “How To” builds on router tables, relatively cheap.

-- Don't rollerskate in a buffalo herd

Having a good router table is a “must” in any woodshop. Without it, you’ll have problems with things such as you mentioned, like tearout and misallignment. I would suggest building your own…that way you learn as you go….buying one won’t teach you anything. As Howie said, there are all kinds of plans here on LJs to give you an idea of what you might want….A lot of the folks here build the “Norrm router table” (NYW version). You can still order the plans and DVD (I believe). I built one about 4 years ago, and it is stellar…..and, building your own is a lot more fun.. It takes a long time to get your shop built like you want it, so don’t get frustrated..it’ll come….more router tables can be found here on LJs by clicking on the “search” button at the top right hand side….you’ll get all the ideas you want right here….just look at some shops here..look at mine, and go to Woodshop Pics #2, and you’ll see my version of the NYW r.t….....good luck, and carry on….

-- " Don't ever wrestle a pig in a mudhole....he'll be having more fun than you..!!

I don’t know why I did not think about building one myself probably because I am new at this. I like that idea thanks guys. I have a couple projects that I need to do first but that just gives me time to research and plan so I am ready when I have the time for it. Thanks again.

-- two men walk into a bar the third one ducks, which are you??

Having a router table in the shop is definitely not a “must” but it can be handy. I’ve almost always had one and I honestly hardly use it.
Building one is a great idea though and it’s common for those that want one. If your shop is tight one space consider putting it on wheels too so you can move it around.

I’m with Rick: if I were building my own … I’d at least start with the NYW plan. Might change a few things, here and there, but … either way: it seems like a great design !

Good luck !

-- -- Neil

ChuckC:

Maybe I over-stated the fact that a router table is a “must have tool”....but in my shop I can’t do w/o one….Most people who builds furniture, like I do, and any shop furniture, will see the value of having one. There are certain things, as you know, that you can’t do with a hand-held router.. They msut be popular…sure are a lot of folks on here that have one….:)

-- " Don't ever wrestle a pig in a mudhole....he'll be having more fun than you..!!

Hey Neil:

I thought you built your router table….I had it in my head that you did….At least we agree on the fact that a shop-built r.t. is a good learning project…..and the NYW router is a good starting place design…...

-- " Don't ever wrestle a pig in a mudhole....he'll be having more fun than you..!!

Nah. I bought a Kreg, and built a “skirt,” to help with the dust collection.

Works, and works fine. The downside of that is … makes it hard to push a shop-built RT toward the top of the list ;-)

Yeah. Always loved Norm’s design. I know that’s where I would start !

-- -- Neil

Rick I haft to agree with you my last project was my daughters bed and my current one is a bookshelf and while neither had to have a router table I am finding that having one even the less than amazing one I have is making my project look better and making me happy or at least until my fence moved on me. I probably need to realize it is a cheap tool and not expect it to work like a higher quality and just recheck periodically to make sure it is tight and true.

I am definitely building a router table though in the near future.

-- two men walk into a bar the third one ducks, which are you??

Jacob, when you’re just starting out there are so many things that you will run across that you’ll need or that will certainly enhance your woodworking experience. However, a decent router table is something that you can build and thereby save up some money for those things that you’ll need that are difficult to build. There are numerous plans for router tables all over the internet and in the various magazines. A basic router table is all you need to get started with and you will enjoy the experience. It’s important that the top be flat but it’s still a relatively simple project.

helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com/

-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau