Router table help
- Thread starter RevDad
- Start date
Phenolic Resin material is very flat and stable, easy to cut and drill.
What thickness would you recommend?
Depends on the size of the table. Up to 2x3 feet use 1/2 inch.
A big table like 4x5 might need 3/4 inch.
A big table like 4x5 might need 3/4 inch.
+1 My table is the Rockler Phenolic and in addition to being flat and stable it's a low-friction surface to slide stock across. FYI, it's 3/4" thick, probably to accomodate an embedded track and router lift plate. 31.5" W by 23.5" deep.
Mike
Like you, I just started planning my router table build, but I am going cast iron top. I am not sure if that helps, but here are the measurements for the top I purchased:
31-1/2" x 23-1/4"x 1-3/4"
I have seen some cast iron tops around the 1-1/2" thickness mark. If you are going MDF\Phenolic, don't forget to add some thickness for the tracks, if you add those. At a minimum, I'd say 1" thick table, but that's just my opinion.
Take a look at the INCRA site for their measurements: INCRA Router Tables
Their table tops are made out of "1-1/4" MDF substrate with a high pressure horizontal grade phenolic laminate top and bottom."
Hope this helps.
31-1/2" x 23-1/4"x 1-3/4"
I have seen some cast iron tops around the 1-1/2" thickness mark. If you are going MDF\Phenolic, don't forget to add some thickness for the tracks, if you add those. At a minimum, I'd say 1" thick table, but that's just my opinion.
Take a look at the INCRA site for their measurements: INCRA Router Tables
Their table tops are made out of "1-1/4" MDF substrate with a high pressure horizontal grade phenolic laminate top and bottom."
Hope this helps.
I built a Router Table many years ago. It's still flat! I used two sheets of 3/4" MDF face glued together then laminate on BOTH top and bottom to keep it flat. I also added edge banding to clean it up. Your idea of phenolic ply on top of the 3/4" MDF sounds like a good one to me.
What you described (HPL and MDF) makes a great top. I will likely do that, since using the scrap butcher block doesn’t seem to be getting any recommendations. And I can’t find any local suppliers of phenolic plywood or sheets.
I’m new to this forum and it’s really amazing to be able to get input from other woodworkers from across the state.
I checked out the incra table tops. They look like a top tier ready-made option. Thank you for your tips and recommendations!
I’m in north western Winston-Salem.
I used a sink cutout backed by 3/4 plywood for the top of my router table. At the time, I bought the cutout for almost nothing at a big box store. I have not seen them since. The cutout is high density particle board with laminate tightly attached. Nice material if you can find it but it is not huge. Big enough for me. I wrapped it in maple, just for appearance.
If you are up for a ride I have some phenolic pieces. Not sure what size they are but I would part with 1 fairly cheap. If interested let me know and I'll get some measurements and a price. I'll pm the info if you respond to this thread.
Not far from me. Over in Pilot Mtn.
Post up pictures when you get it put together. I'm always interested in seeing how others set up their tools
I need about 24”x32”. Where are you located? I may be up for a trip depending on distance and ‘the deal’. Lol. Thanks!!
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