Wanting to move beyond the limitations of my old Craftsman tabletop router table and my trusty PC 690 router, I am looking to move up to a more substantial router and table. I'd like to put a new router in the
33" wide right-side table extension of my contractor table saw. I think that the experience of the helpful wReck-ers in this group might prove valuable.
- What are folks experience with this strategy vs. a separate router table? Does the dual use of the table extension real estate cause any significant conflicts or PITA restrictions? My shop, like many others is a bit crowded.
- Does the existing 3/4" particle board need to be reinforced, like with another 3/4" layer of MDF?
- I am looking at two router strategies: a. Milwaukee 6525-20 router with a Woodpeckers aluminum router table plate b. PC 7518 router with a router lift (Woodpeckers Precision Router Lift, Jessem Mast-R-Lift)
On item 2., I'm leaning toward the Milwaukee+plate vs. the PC+lift. My reasoning is that the Milwaukee seems to be a somewhat better table router and already has top surface adjustment capability. I am hoping to avoid going under the table for bit replacement by using offset wrenches from the top. Will this work? This option is a lot less expensive, too.
Does anyone have experience with any of these options that they'd like to share?
Thanks for the help.
Bob