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My first router table was a benchtop model. Then I moved up to a table saw extension wing router table. At 6'5" I just could seem to get it at the right height to allow me to get some work done without killing my back. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I modified a couple different ideas I found here on Lumberjocks and elsewhere online and here is what I came up with. Rockler was also offering 20% off one item which allowed me to purchase their router table/fence/lift combo at a decent price. The table top sits right at 43 inches which is a comfortable height for me to work at. This also allowed me to have plenty of additional storage. Dust is collected both at the fence and the back of the cabinet.

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This looks really good Mike. A little modification like that takes it from an endurance test to a pleasure. I never thought about being vertically challenged in that direction could be a handicap. you solved it, well done.
 

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I think this is my next project. I'm 6'6", so I'm in the same boat as you. Great work, and thanks for the idea of makingit a lot taller than average. Have you thought of raising your table saw? I'm looking at that as well.
 

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Looks great mike.
 

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Awesome! I just put together my shop with some tables that none of my short friends can use since I am 6'8"
 

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Nice work there Mike. I'm 6'4" and mine is built at exactly the same height as yours. Works just fine for me as well. Only major difference I can see is my top is a Bench Dog flavor.
 

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Thanks everyone. I didn't realize there were so many of us tall woodworkers. I really don't have an issue at the table saw. I guess I stand more upright as I push stock through. I was just having issues using the router. Also having a dedicated router table means I can leave a setup on one machine as I transition to the other.
 

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Im 6'1" with severe back problems, and 42" is my sweet spot. Among other things, I have my router table and mini table saw at this height. If I could get my R4510 up to 42", and still be able to move it around, Id be all over that.
 

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Well done, should serve you well. Enjoy!
 

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Where did you get that paddle switch and what make/brand is it? I can't seem to find a paddle switch that is not designed to mount on a leg. Nice work on the router table, it is my next project, held up only by trying to decide between a bought top or making my own :)
 

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The table looks great! Trouble is, every time us tall guys stand up straighter we hit our heads on things other people miss.
 

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I bought the paddle switch from Grizzly Tools. The have several different options to include 110v and 220v.
 

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Man if I was around when that thing threw anything it would get me right in the teeth just about. I've almost never had problems with things being too short for me, except for maybe in the children's section of the library… Glad to see that things aren't perfect on the other side of the height bell curve either. :) The router table looks great.
 

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FYI:
Dust collection from the cabinet is a bad idea.
The motor sends air from its top to the collet area. What you want to do is suck the air from the collet area, not the motor's head. I re-did mine to protect the router. Works great. I also eliminated my door to help the router breathe.
 

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Very Well done
 

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I wish I would have made mine a little taller. Great job. Popular design.
 

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Beautiful and functional build, great set up and those drawers are awesome. Excellent job!
 

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Amen to making it taller
Mine is the same design as yours so I know you will like it
Great job
 

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I just saw your table. Good work. I am also tall, and so I have to modify stuff too. One Idea I have seen for adapting standard cabinets is to put a row of Drawers beneath the top and the cabinet. It keeps the cabinet intact and adds functionality to it as well.
Great job!
 
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