Well I figure I’ll introduce myself by sharing a new series to document my latest project… yet another router table ;). This one is… well, will be, a cross between Norm’s, chazmonro's here at Lumberjocks, and jasnance's over at Flicker. I liked the idea of trying a torsion box. I also like the idea of a vertical drawer to hang wrenches, inserts, and such. Yes I’m a newb (albeit and old newb), so if anyone sees any errors, or has any suggestions I’d appreciate it. Oh, and haven’t added the router insert plate yet because I don’t have it :)
Download my Sketchup File here: router-table-exploded.skp Use it as you wish at your own risk, It hasn’t been tested ;)
This table will also double as an extension table for the work/miter bench below (another recent project, again based on that damn New Yankee Workshop!)
-- Tom, Central New York






















8 comments so far
motthunter
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2079 posts in 695 days
posted 620 days ago
it looks good. the torsion box may be overkill, but if you feel like there is an advantage. go for it, remember that it may get in the way for router mounting.. I am a fan of commercially available tops or just putting 2 layers of MDF together and using a good laminate on top.
-- making sawdust....
FritzM
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106 posts in 708 days
posted 620 days ago
Welcome to Lumber Jocks. I just finished a router table myself, but a much simpler one. Your’s will be great with loads of storage! White Mountain Design has a great step by step of their router table build. On page 2 of their site you will see what motthunter means about clearance room for your router. They incorporated a partial torsion box assembly which may give you some detailing ideas. If you haven’t chosen a router yet, I highly recommend the Triton 2.25 (as does Fine Woodworking and many others). In practice, I’m finding it to be a great machine and super functional in the table. Good luck with your table and blog the process with photos!
-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)
Ryan Shervill
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238 posts in 708 days
posted 620 days ago
A little off topic….but how do you get your drawings to explode that way in sketchup?
Nice setup by the way :)
-- If you can't set a good example, at least serve as a horrible warning... www.rarewoodcreations.com
GaryK
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9533 posts in 884 days
posted 620 days ago
Looks like an interesting design. What kind of fence do you plan on using? If you are looking at an
Incra you might want to make it wider.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
ww_kayak
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69 posts in 621 days
posted 620 days ago
Thanks guys,
The torsion box is for the education more than anything, and I’ll fine tune the lattice once I know what plate I’m using. I do like that design Fritz. I probably will create that style fence, although those Incra’s are nice. BTW, that’s a good point Gary, I didn’t think about the fact that my router is centered, instead of offset like the incra tables. Maybe I will extend one side some more, just in case ;). I bought a Milwaukee 5625 router to see if I can get away without a lift.
Ryan: No secret tools unfortunately, I just moved all the components around manually!, although I do constrain them to the Y-axis so I can put them back easily.
Tom
-- Tom, Central New York
sawdustroad
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24 posts in 677 days
posted 620 days ago
Good design! Though I just finished mine… http://www.sawdustroad.com/collage.jpg / http://lumberjocks.com/projects/4635
I went with two vertical drawers for bits, and though it is alot of room for bits, I might use a shelf like on your vertical drawers for non-bit accessories/wrenches/collars, etc.. I don’t think I’ll have the financial means to fill all of those bit spots for quite some time. The commercial table top was given as a gift, and has the insert set way back, inconvenient for quick raise/lower through the door, so I put on the hinge to make adjustments. I also found a very reasonably priced ($9.00) paddle switch from grizzly that I’m about to mount. Next for the fence…
-- - http://www.sawdustroad.com
ww_kayak
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69 posts in 621 days
posted 620 days ago
ya sawdust, that looks familiar,lol. Like I said… “yet another” :)
What was the “strength” issue you mentioned in your project?
-- Tom, Central New York
sawdustroad
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24 posts in 677 days
posted 618 days ago
My thought on strength was in the original design, I didn’t have straight / single-piece sides, so, on the diagonal, I felt it wouldn’t be as strong as the final design. Does that make sense?
-- - http://www.sawdustroad.com