Do you intend on becoming one of the greatest wood carvers of all time? If your answer is yes, you most certainly look up to the greats like Grinling Gibbons and Tilman Riemenschneider. To create better carvings than they did, having the best router table that gives you absolute control and precision while you use your router to make the most intricate cuts. In this guide, we’ll consider the benefits, features, and factors to consider in order to select the best router table for your needs.
What is a Router Table?
The router table, an essential tool in the shed of every woodcarver, makes cutting with a router easy, safe, and fun.
This unique table is designed for mounting a router. On this table, a normally handheld router is placed upside down from under the table. It features a hole through which the cutter or bit for the router sticks out.
What are the Benefits of a Router Table?
Among the many benefits of the router table, here are a few you probably didn't know.
One of the most important benefits of the router table is that it simplifies your project while speeding up its completion. Angles that would have been difficult to work from can now be tackled with ease.
The range of angles from which you can position yourself to use the table makes it perfect for trying out new techniques and gives your carvings a more professional look.
In addition to making your carving professional, the router table also makes your wood carving workshop complete.
Lastly, with the best router table, the time it would take to clean up after carving is now significantly reduced since many of the best router tables feature an impressive dust removal system.
What is the Best Type of Router Table to Buy?
The best type of router table to buy depends on your expertise in wood carving, the size of your workshop, and the project's size. The amount you are willing to spend to take your workshop to a world-class level also plays a role in the selection process.
There are two major router tables;
- Tabletop router tables
- Standalone router tables
Tabletop router table
The tabletop router table is recommended for newbies to woodworking. They are sturdy but do not have legs of their own. This means they have to be used on top of another table. Also, they are usually more portable than their standalone counterparts.
Standalone router table
This router table is the best for large-scale wood carving. They have legs that can be adjusted to a height you prefer. The downside to this router table is that it is heavy and difficult to transport.
What Are the Important Parts of a Router Table and How Do They Influence the Selection Process?
The Table Surface
Choosing a flat and stable table is ideal because the table's flatness and rigidity will determine the quality and perfection of the project before and after it is completed.
One of the ways to determine the flatness of a table is by performing the marble test to determine the flatness of the table. The best table tops are made using quality cast iron to reduce vibrations.
The Base Plate
This is also known as the mounting plate or insert plate. It is an essential part of the router table as it allows the router to fit into the hole on the tabletop. Crucial factors that make a great base plate include the quality of the base plate material and the design. The design of the base plate must be compatible with the router.
Some of the best base plates are made using aluminum or phenolic resin. The best base plate will also have a sufficient number of holes that align correctly with the router.
The Fence
When cutting your workpiece, accuracy is essential. To get the precision you desire, your mounting table must be equipped with a sturdy fence that is easy to use, sturdy, and adjustable.
You will be faced with the option of having to choose between either a single-piece fence or a split fence.
The split fence
is suitable for more advanced jobs like offsetting the infeed and outfeed, removing material while cutting stress-free. It, however, might be tricky getting the two pieces of the split fence to align perfectly.
On the other hand, the Single piece fence poses little difficulty to set up as there is no alignment issue. It is not suitable for complex projects.
T-slots and Miter
T-lots are essential, and all the best router tables have one. They are useful for holding a variety of accessories like the miter gauge and are sometimes called a miter slot.
Features to look out for when choosing the Best Router Table
Size of the Table
The size of the table will determine what type of projects the table you select can conveniently support. A router table can have a surface 22inches long and 15 inches wide. Other tables can be as long as 36 inches with a width of 24 inches.
You should have no issues working with wooden boards within 6-8 feet in length with the table sizes above.
Compatibility of the Router with the Table
Always check and ensure that the router you own is compatible with the table you are about to buy. It will be a waste of time and resources to buy a table that cannot be used with your pre-owned router. To avoid this buying mistake, look out for tables that feature multiple base plates. This will make the router table suitable for whatever hole pattern is on your router.
Do not buy all-in-one plates, also known as universal plates. Their holes have less structural integrity and are compromised.
Build Quality of the Router Table
Quality router tables are built to last. They feature an MDF top that is at least 1 inch thick and is protected using melamine coating. Melamine coating will prevent the MDF top from soaking water and swelling up.
Also, go for router tables that are warranty-covered. This way, if you get unlucky and buy a table with defects, you can return the product to the manufacturer.
FAQs
What is a good size for a router table?
The best router tables have the following dimensions, length 22 inches and a width of 15 inches. Another good size for a router table is a length of 36 inches and a width of 24 inches.
Can you use a router table as a jointer?
Yes, a router table can be used as a jointer for joining edges. It is, however, not suitable for face jointing due to its narrow design.
Does a router table fence need to be squared?
Yes, the fence has to be squared to the top of the router table. A squared fence reduces the risks of having joints that don't fit.