Router table build, maybe

Corvus

Made one but in steel so dunno if anyone's interested to see pics and blah, if so i'll post more stuff -

http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/16_lifted.jpg

Sporky

This is aligned with my current interests.

Paul_C

Sporky said:

This is aligned with my current interests.

If you want to buy an Axminster, barely used (though covered in dust) one . . . (inc. router).

Corvus

So I have need of a small table and a clear-out of the pit revealed some idea-generating tat.
I used steel because it was all spare or reused, I like welding though not great at it, and it flat-packs away. Total cost was £3ish.

The router. Meet Ed the head. Ed's dead.
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/9_ed_table_top.jpg

I found a huge jack maybe from a 4x4, it opened up to about three feet. Jack becoming the lift, plus table top etc, made the cup thing from holesawed 3mm plate, slit & welded 'wings'.
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/1_jack.jpg
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/2_jack_chopped.jpg
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/5_cradle_with_jack.jpg

The frame's dead basic inch RHS, just took care to keep it square, hot-tacks instead of full welds. Not needed anyways. Plus with tacks it can easily be cut apart to reuse stuff later.
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/7_frame_tacked.jpg

Corvus

Table turned out nice & flat after fettling. 3mm's stiff enough for the top but can be persuaded with a #1 Adjusting Tool.
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/8_table_flattened.jpg

The router doesn't have a trigger lock so had to come up something. Digging around found a bent g-clamp, bought for £1 in 1988 ... And a frame from a headrest from a Recaro seat that was in my old Land Rover.
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/10_trigger_lock_parts.jpg
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/11_trigger_lock_ready.jpg

Testing after hot-gluing the bits together. Works fine, can't come off-
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/12_trigger_lock_test.jpg

Corvus

Lift cradle done, it unbolts to stow the whole thing away. Made a handle from a gas fitting off a dead welding gauge set (always keep Stuff), in the drill press with a grinder. Not for the H&S-conscious.
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/13_handle.jpg

Corvus

All together:
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/15_rwu.jpg
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/16_lifted.jpg
http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/17_hinge_detail.jpg

I've got the one router so didn't bother with an insert though one could be added, I came up with simple hinges instead to make it easy to change bits.
Happily it's solid as a rock, no vibes, the hinges lock it at least partially but there's no vibes to worry about as it turns out. I've got some m12 stainless coach bolts (used to make a small hammer and a 'bit' for an air hammer), could blob 'em onto the legs to drop into holes in the bench for an added hold I s'pose.

So dead simple stuff apart from the trigger lock really, the lift could've been say m12 or m16 studding, nuts in either end of steel tube or summat. Loads of ways to skin that cat.

BigMonka

Amazing project. 
Also a real masterclass in why you should never through away all those random bits and bobs in the garage!

equalsql

Wow that was brilliant. Thanks for taking time to post this up.  You've got some good metalwork skills dude

Corvus

too kind chaps, cheers muchly!

Corvus

It works nicely, the tilt is dead handy. Done some test bits + headstock, one test bit's going to be a desk holder I reckon - might make some more as stash/pick boxes...:)
Test of some "sky blue" candy - not what I hoped

http://www.alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/router_table/18_works.jpg