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Anyone have an MLCS table saw router extension table that is not flat?

2K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  NiteWalker 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've heard good things about the MLCS router tables for your table saw so I finally broke down and ordered one. It come this week and I got to inspect it closer tonight.

I'm very happy that the bolt holes look like they will align nicely to mount on the right side of my SawStop. The disappointment started when I pulled out the straight edge. The table is not flat. I measured as much as .02" of a low spot across the long length of the table and basically the whole thing seems to "sag" toward the router plate.

Has anybody else had issues with these tables? I know a lot of guys are concerned about flatness down to the .0000001 of an inch. I'm not that particular, but I think .02 is pretty bad for something that is sold as being machined flat.

I'm going to call MLCS customer service in the morning. I recall saying their CS is pretty good so I'm hoping for a good outcome, even though I was planning to use the new setup this weekend.
 
#3 ·
Is yours the Cast Iron table or the phenolic one? I'm interested in their CI table and want to mount to the left side of my G0691 TS. I'll remove the saw's 10" extension and install the 16" router extension. The problem then is I'll have to remove or lower the bit to easily use the saw for most work. Any comments welcome.
 
#4 ·
The CI tops are nice, but if they aren't flat, you have no choice but to return it. MDF tops can be pulled into flat with braces. Another issue with the mlcs ci tops is that you're stuck with their plates; they're not a standard size.
 
#5 ·
I talked to MLCS customer service. They said to simply send it back via UPS.

It's great that it is simple to return it. The down side is that I have to lug 100 lbs to the UPS store to get it sent back to them. Worse is the fact that I finally pulled the trigger on buying a router table because I have enough need to justify it and I'll end up waiting another 3-4 weeks for them to receive and process the return before sending a new one.

I'm going to be sure to include a note with the return to tell them to check that the replacement they send me is flat because I'm going to and will return it again if it isn't right.

I'll post again as this progresses. Stand by for the next 3-4 weeks ….
 
#6 ·
If the next one isn't flat, it's likely you won't get one flat enough for your needs, and it would probably be easier and more cost effective to build your own.

Hopefully the replacement goes better for you.
 
#7 ·
Good point NiteWalker.

It raises the question, "How flat is flat enough for a new router table?"

Like I said in the OP, I don't consider myself too particular about absolute perfection compared to a lot of woodworkers. What is an acceptable amount of variance?

The first line of the description for the product says "machined flat and true for stability and exacting control of stock" so I thought it would be better than .02".
 
#8 ·
A slight crown is preferable to a sag. A sag will mess up your cuts on pieces that bridge the sag; the ends of the cut will be at the correct depth, but the middle will end up being shallower.

My current router table top is a scrap of MDF with white oak rails underneath. It's flat to within .005"

I'll probably build another one soon that's a bit bigger.
 
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