Some progress on the router table!

[Monty]

Travis, the top design is all my own, based on the dimensions of the space I had to work with, and where I wanted the router to end up. I made it thick enough to extend below the bottom of the fence rails. That way I know the cabinet will have clearance to be able to slide in from the back. You can see biscuit slots in the bottom of the top, because I thought I was going to put another layer of MDF on the bottom. I feel the top is plenty strong without this, so I decided not to.

A good while back I purchased the "measured drawerings" for Norm's new deluxe router station...



... since then I added the flip top cabinet, bought the drum sander, got a MUCH bigger bandsaw, and now the cabinet saw all taking up more shop floor space. Of course I have also started working on a bigger workbench...

Anyway, if you've seen that NYW episode, you know the construction techniques. I liked how the cabinet goes together, with dadoes all around, and that's basically how I did it. I didn't use biscuits anywhere in the cabinet, though, and instead of a toe kick at the bottom I used the adjustable legs so I could level the top with the tablesaw. There will be fewer bit storage drawers, but they're each wider and longer, so I think I'll have plenty of room for my meager bit collection.

DL, the lift is the Jessem Mast-R-Lift. I got it for an absolutely shameful price during one of those crazy Amazon sales... When I get to use it, I will know whether the inserts will be a problem... if so I'll keep ya'll posted (it couldn't be any worse than the Rousseau plate I'm currently using! ). From what I've heard in general, though, Mast-R-Lift is supposed to be the shizzle. (except for maybe the bench dog)

[Travis Porter]

The inserts twist and lock in place beautifully perfectly flush. There is a little two prong tool to put them in and take them out. The bad part is an insert assortment costs $30 bucks for I belive 4 or 5 different sizes. The one that comes with the lift handles most stuff, but if you need a larger hole or a smaller one, the assortment is the way to go, but to me $30 bucks is a rip off.

[D L Ames]

Mshel has this same lift and his inserts would not lock securely in place. The inserts would turn just under 1/8". He contacted Jessem and they replaced the lift but he had the same problem. He finally used a small file to tweak the threads on the inserts so they would lock more securely. I was just wondering if anyone else had this same problem. I have a Jointech plate in my RT and my inserts lock in the same way but the inserts turn a little under 1/4 of a turn to secure them in place.

D L

[michaelgarner]

nice work bro, an inspiration for the rest of us. Be blessed friend.

[Travis Porter]

Hmm.. The only issue I have had so far (knock on wood, haven't had it but a month) was once the locking track for the insert got clogged with sawdust, but it just didn't tighten right. Hopefully, that is just an abnormality.

[Monty]

I just played around with mine, and the insert fits just fine, seems perfectly flush. I can see how a bit of debris on the lip could keep it from locking down, though. One thing I did notice is you have to turn the insert counterclockwise to lock it down... seems backwards.

[JohnsonMBrandon]

Dang Monty youa re knocking it out with shop projects here lately. I will be glad when I can get in the shopand finish up some of my stuff. Great work man. Truly impressive.

[Travis Porter]

It does seem backwards. I thought it was just me. Handle is hard to get to pop out at times as well. I regularly think I am going to break it trying to get it to pop loose.

[sapwood]

Originally Posted by D L Ames

Monty, like I mentioned last night.....you must have a little engineer in you.

D L

Methinks he is a hybrid: little engineer and penguin

Sapwood

[Monty]

OK, a quick update... over the past week I have put a face frame on and made the smaller drawers:




Instead of a "false face" and wasted space like the NYW plans called for, I made a small drawer to put in the top space with room to store wrenches, insert rings, setup blocks, etc:




I have room for 118 1/2" bits, and about 100 1/4" bits:






Still to do: Make the door, large drawer, and dust collection. I also have a switch to install.

[Steve D]

That small selection of bits looks lonely, you need to spend some time shopping so you can fill the drawers.

Nice work Monty!

[D L Ames]

My what nice drawers you have there Monty. Steve is right though.......you really do need to fill all those empty voids. Do they even make 118 different profiles in 1/2" shanks?

D L

[Monty]

I'm workin' on filling them holes as fast as I can!!! Gotta wait for woodcraft to have some more of them $5 bits!

[Travis Porter]

Now Insom, you know those are not top quality bits. It just so happens Woodcraft is having a sale on CMT bits in stock for 25% off. Just ride on up there and get some of those that you think you will need.