pagel Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 I'm trying to decide between one of the several complete router table/stand/fence packages out there (leaning toward JessEm) or simply buying a lift and making my own table, stand and fence. I would obviously save money building my own, but given time constraints and wanting to start and finish a bunch of projects over the next three months, there's a big premium for having a complete system that I can use now. Time is of more value to me than saving dollars for now, so I'm wondering if the $900 or so that I would spend on a complete package is worth the time saved from having to build my own. Has anyone purchased one of these complete packages - JessEm, Kreg, Incra, Bench Dog, etc. - and wished they had built their own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texfire Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 I don't have either but I'm holding off on either choice until after I see what Delta's "sub-$1000 midi shaper" looks like before I do. Until then I have hand held routers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southwood Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 I built "Norm's" table. By the time I was done, I could have bought a real nice package. Not trying to tell you which way to go, but building ain't all that cost effective, if you get all the bells a whistles. I do have what "I want" and not a manufactures idea of what will work for me, but what could I have built during the time I was building "Norm's"? You could always get a package and use the top section later on a cabinet that you design and build. If I ever need or want another one, that is what I am going to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pagel Posted June 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 @Southwood - my thoughts exactly. I'll be able to modify and expand on the JessEm package in the future, but for now I'll be able to use it right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southwood Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 Well don't forget to post on how you like it, once you get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STL Woodguy Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 I went half and half on my first router table (my very first 'big' project), I built the table but bought a Kreg fence. The table came out 'okay,' far sturdier tabletop (and cheaper) than any of the brand tables, but the base was a little wobbly as the cuts weren't so accurate (I only had a jigsaw to work with back then). I bought the Kreg fence as I didn't trust my accuracy at the time, and liked the bells and whistles. Anyway, later on after I had my table saw and other things, I badly needed to consolidate working space. So I built a brand new router table top to attach to the unused wing of my table saw, which I finished much faster - and accurate - this time. I still used the Kreg fence, but I lost the micro-adjustability as it now attaches to the table saw fence. I could probably make a jig or something to remedy that, but honestly it's just faster to lightly tap the table saw fence to micro-adjust the router fence forward or backwards. Anyway, though it still works fine, I kind of regret buying the Kreg fence because I could have built something just as functional now. Only back then I didn't have a table saw to cut accurate pieces, hence the dilemma. So in that regard, what I'm saying is that if you don't have the resources or time to make your own router table and you need it NOW, that pretty much decides on buying the table package. Otherwise if you do, I think building your own is absolutely worthwhile. They can be made stronger (and much less expensive) than the barebones store tables, and can teach you a ton about woodworking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vader Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Hello, does anyone have any updated information or new ideas/suggestion on a router table package? I'm looking for one with adjustable fence (for jointing), front switch and above table lift. I was interested in the Freud FT3000 but hear that is no longer available (Oh well). I prefer to not take time to build one and am an average woodworker, not professional by any means. Any suggestions from previous experience would help out. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Garrett Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 I bought the Incra Combo #3 with the Mast-R-Lift II and Clean Sweep and couldn't be happier. Have the Kreg system, but wasn't happy with it so I switched to incra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 I built Norm's table as well. It turned out really nice, but financially I could have bought a really good set up. I love the idea and have the satisfaction that I built it myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDave Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 I had considered building mine but ended up with the General International table. I wanted to get to work as soon as possible. I will be making plenty of shop furniture so no need to go that route for me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinF Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 I'm going to be making my own, I just need to get some plywood. I've already made a bench top table, I just want something a bit more convenient, and I don't really need something else taking up room on the bench! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 I looked around at all the big name packages. Ended up building my own, that sits exactly where it was intended to fit and cost a fraction. All in, I've got less than 100 bucks into mine. Thick melamine top, birch ply cabinet, miter and t tracks, dust collection, personal storage Configuration. I'm known to build things pretty quickly but it took maybea total of 5 hours in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missioninwood Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Check out an article on FWW called the No Frills Router Table. There's no need to spend $1800. I tell folks when it comes to the router table to spend the money on the lift. Just my opinion. miw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 I built my own but I wish I built the base and used someone else's top. I bought a fence but I wish I built that as well. If I were going to buy a whole package I would go for the jessem system. I have used benchdog and jessem and the later is far superior. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 I built my own router table top following my own specs and I'm very happy with it. The router plate is Woodpeckers, Incra LS fence and Kreg's t-track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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