Router tables
Router tables
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE ROUTER TABLES
There are different types of router tables. Stationary models are ideal for use in a workshop and offer a robust and stable work surface. Mobile or compact router tables, on the other hand, are well suited for smaller spaces or for use on assembly sites, as they are easy to transport.
Various factors should be considered when purchasing a router table: the stability of the construction and the quality of the material to be processed, the size of the work surface, compatibility with different routers or milling motors and the precision of the routing depth adjustment. It is also important that the router table is suitable for the accessories that are to be used.
Router tables are available in different sizes. While mobile models often offer a smaller work surface, stationary tables can have significantly larger dimensions in order to provide a good support for larger workpieces and process them well. The large, stationary bench routers are usually equipped with digital displays, swivelling spindles and integral stops with individually adjustable guide bars. You won't find this convenience on small router tables. These, on the other hand, score points with their compactness, additional mobile use of the routers with just a few conversion steps, as well as low costs and follow-up costs (extraction using a mobile extraction unit, no power connection required ...)
What work can be carried out on the Router tables?
Router tables are mainly used for work that is difficult or time-consuming to complete using the fences or guide rails supplied with Routers. It is also easier to process many linear metres on a router table. For more complex projects where high precision is required, it is advisable to eliminate inaccuracies or sources of error. More accurate stops and easier adjustability of settings via router lift and scales on angle stops produce more precise work results. It is often difficult to attach profiles to small workpieces by hand. Here too, the router table is a good helper.
What are the differences between Router tables?
Router tables come in different sizes and are made from different materials. Our Router tables have a work table made of cast iron and a base frame made of thick, bent steel plates, which are given a high-quality paint finish. The cast iron plates have a very high manufacturing accuracy in terms of flatness and are heavy, which results in a high degree of inertia. They absorb vibrations, which cannot be transmitted to stops or milling cutters and thus ensure excellent milling or working results. Magnetic stops or aids can be used for this purpose.
Durability is another feature of cast-iron worktables. The base frames are sturdily made of thick-walled, painted sheet metal, which is connected with metal frames. Different inserts (mounting plate or Router elevators router lifts) are available for mounting the respective hand router.
Durability is another feature of cast-iron worktables. The base frames are sturdily made from thick-walled, painted sheet metal, which is connected with metal frames. Different inserts (mounting plate or Router elevators router lifts) are available for mounting the respective hand router.
Which accessories are useful?
A wide range of accessories is available for the router tables:
- Router lift/insert plate
- Milling stops
- Safety stops
- Pressure combs
- Depth setting gauge for routing depth
- Angle stops
Scope of delivery usually includes a mitre fence and a rip fence. A hand deflector is also supplied. Various manufacturers offer a whole range of safety-relevant protective devices. In addition to a tight fit of the fences, it is also important that the workpiece is pressed firmly against the fence to ensure precise and consistent milling work. This can be realised perfectly using a pressure comb or spring clamps.
Magswitch offers magnetic pressure combs in a wide range of versions, which are particularly easy to position using switchable magnets. This technology only works thanks to the cast iron plate. Thanks to the T-slot in the machine table, pressure combs attached to sliding blocks can also be used.
Various measuring tools such as digital setting gauges or fixed digital displays are an ideal addition to achieve the best results with high accuracy.
Which milling cutters can be used?
In principle, all available router bits that are approved for the hand router can be used. The shaft diameter must fit into the collets of the routers. Collets and the matching union nut are available in the sizes 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm, with 8 mm being the most common size. It is important to check whether collets with the appropriate Diameter are available for the hand router being used and whether the router has sufficient Performance for the respective Use.
What is a safety switch?
A safety switch is an external on/off switch attached to the front of the Router tables. This is a key criterion for work safety. The Router table is not connected directly to the mains supply, but is supplied with power via the Mains connection integrated in the Router table. This allows the machine to be switched off quickly in an emergency. If the machine is disconnected from the mains due to a power failure, this safety switch prevents it from being switched on unintentionally when the power is restored.
Which routers or Milling motors are suitable for the insert plate or router lift?
Many different hand routers from various manufacturers such as Festool, Mafell and Bosch fit on the router lift. A data sheet is available for this purpose, which makes it much easier to select the right router. It is important to mention that the router used should be equipped with sufficient Performance. Check the list carefully before deciding to buy.
PRODUCT INFO_706573_M_L_Top router lift_E.pdf
The Router bits cutters or routers listed here fit directly onto the mounting plate without drilling and can be easily connected with screws. Mounting holes are prepared for many of the common Routers so that the respective machine can be screwed precisely and centred onto the router lift. Matériau du manche Routers can also be used, but will require appropriate adjustments or new holes.
The aluminium insert plate comes with a detailed description of how to mount your own router. As this plate is constructed differently to the Router elevators router lifts, too many prepared drill holes would weaken the Material of the insert plate too much.
Use of Milling motors on Router tables?
Milling motors are the preferred choice for stationary work on router tables, as they are reduced to the basic functions and are therefore lighter than a router. With excellent concentricity characteristics and specially sealed spindle and bearings as well as reduced noise levels, these Milling motors are ideal for installation in router tables. However, due to their design, Milling motors are not directly designed for use on UJK router tables. However, with a little manual dexterity and the right adapter plate, they can be used without any problems.
Which extraction system is used?
It is important that extraction is carried out at all, as a lot of dust and shavings are produced when working on router tables and routers, which must be extracted. Good results can be achieved with small and medium-sized mobile extraction units. For larger chip volumes, mobile extraction units can also be equipped with pre-separators. Alternatively, small, mobile extraction systems can also be used.
