Dump the Router Table?

[-MIKE-]

My shop/garage is all about space.... never have enough, always seeking ways to free up more.

Ever since I installed the router in the table saw extension top, I haven't used it in the router table. Now the router table sits there, collecting crap and taking up valuable space.

Most of what I used to do with a router table, I now do with the table saw. Most of what I now do with the router mounted in the saw top, is simple profiling which needs no fence. I know as soon as I do the deed and get rid of that router table, I'll find a reason that I need it again. :-) I suppose that will be motivation to build whatever I need for the table saw to replace what the router table used to do.

[Robatoy]

I made a router table extension on my TS and I use both sides of the T- fence (Biesemeier style by General). I recently unloaded a bunch of tools (mostly countertop related) and along with that sale went the shaper and router table. There is the advantage that a lot of that work can be done on the CNC, such as raised panels. Unloaded the jointer too, the CNC is much better at it.

It is kinda weird they way that went....in attempting to simplify my life it also became more complicated, but in a much more challenging way. I now have a hankering for a 5 axis machine...just a hankering so far because those are pricy!

[Doug Miller]

Hasn't happened to me. I also put the router in the TS extension nearly ten years ago. It's been six or seven years, at least, since I got rid of the router table, and I haven't missed it yet.

[-MIKE-]

You suck and I hate you.

[Larry Blanchard]

That was my experience as well. I got rid of the router table and haven't missed it.

Since then I got a different table saw so lost that router table. I installed a folding one on the end of a rolling tool table. The table holds my planer and my thickness sander on a flip top. One gets inventive with a tiny shop :-).

[Gerald Ross]

I do not use the router that much anymore, but when I do--the table has split dust (and shavings) collector and that is a help. And I don't have any other use for that big ol' DeWalt router. For freehand use I use the Porter-Cable.

[Hoosierpopi]

I built a long table (+/- 12ft) that (initially) held my RAS and 12" Miter / Chop Saw. When the top of my home-made router table warped (forgot to seal the bottom of the MDF properly!), I added a router to the bench to the right of the Miter Saw. I aligned the Chop Saw with he fence of the RAS and, when adding the Router, aligned it's adjustable (front to back) fence so it can be placed in line with or behind the line of the existing fence (as well as brought forward to "bury the bit" when needed.

I've often looked at those TS extension wings for two to four hundred dollars each and decided each time that "I can't afford one." My solution cost me some time and no money.

Works fine so far.

And, I can handle five foot long boards (or more) to the left of the bit!