Von Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 Since I got great suggestions on my drill press table, and since I'm currently a very slow woodworker waiting for Spring with little new progress to show, I'll cover another old project. I build this about 15 years ago. It's the Norm Abrams router table with a commercial Bench Dogs Tools ProFence. I bought a top because I was nervous about my ability to make one. I don't think I'll ever build myself a version 2, but this is due for some modifications. The top on this thing is plenty big. In fact, I often store various things behind the fence more or less permanently. The major thing I wish I had done differently is the upper drawers, which are meant for storing router bits. By my quick count I have storage for 72 1/4" bits and 132 1/2" bits. I have a tiny fraction of that, as you can see, and unless the rate I'm acquiring new ones picks way up, I'll never reach capacity. In retrospect, I wish I had just made drawers and then could fill them with whatever (including router bit organizers). The plexiglass front is really only useful so I can see that I've forgotten to turn on dust collection (my shop vac), otherwise it being clear isn't all that helpful. What I would like to do is move the power switch, which you can see on the right side on the first photo above and which I run into with my clamp rack frequently, to the front somehow. The bottom drawers are great. No complaints. What else should I consider changing? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted April 1 Report Share Posted April 1 Very well done. Other than relocating the switch, maybe to the other side, I don’t see room for improvements! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted April 1 Report Share Posted April 1 I agree that the table looks pretty solid as it is. I like to be able to hit the power switch without releasing control of the material on some machines. A paddle, lever or kick board I can hit is usually my answer. I can hit the router table with my hip. The tablesaw with my toe or knee. The edge sander with the front of my leg. Just food for thought. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Von Posted April 1 Author Report Share Posted April 1 On 3/31/2023 at 10:18 PM, gee-dub said: I agree that the table looks pretty solid as it is. I like to be able to hit the power switch without releasing control of the material on some machines. A paddle, lever or kick board I can hit is usually my answer. Good point! I was thinking to move it just to make the table more narrow and I hadn't thought of the safety aspect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted April 3 Report Share Posted April 3 I agree on an extra drawer or two vs bit holders, I changed my fence on mine last year 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Von Posted April 4 Author Report Share Posted April 4 On 4/3/2023 at 6:41 PM, pkinneb said: I agree on an extra drawer or two vs bit holders, I changed my fence on mine last year What are the two doohickeys on the front of the fence on either side of the bit? Work hold downs of some sort? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted April 4 Report Share Posted April 4 @pkinneb, from the one pic of your router table, it would be interesting to to see the rest of your shop. I’m impressed. Care to give us a tour? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post fcschoenthal Posted April 4 Popular Post Report Share Posted April 4 On 4/3/2023 at 8:51 PM, Von said: What are the two doohickeys on the front of the fence on either side of the bit? Work hold downs of some sort? Those are Jessem "Clear-Cut" router guides. They not only hold the piece down, but against the fence as well. I have them on both the router table and my tablesaw. Not inexpensive, but well worth it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post pkinneb Posted April 4 Popular Post Report Share Posted April 4 On 4/3/2023 at 9:23 PM, Coop said: @pkinneb, from the one pic of your router table, it would be interesting to to see the rest of your shop. I’m impressed. Care to give us a tour? Sure but I have to clean it up first LOL 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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