RTR lift location in table

[PeteM]

I've finally decided to make a router table, and incorporate a lift (probably Jessem Rout-R or Mast-R).  Most of the prefab router tables I see have the router centered on the table.  This would seem too waste a lot of the surface area behind the router bit.  What bit clearance do you have on your table, and would moving it back a bit improve the use?

Edited May 25, 2019 by PeteM

[Gerald]

My top is rectangular and I have maybe 14 inches behind and 18 to 22 in front. That is on the long side of the rectangle. If you some jigs like the Incra you may need more space behind the bit. I like my size as if doing many small pieces I can stack them on the table to stage the work.

[Michael Thuman]

Depending on the diameter of the bit such as panel rasiers that are up 4" that means you have to have a hole 4.125" min and that behind the fence realestate is used up.  

I built Norm's table and it has been working fine for years.

 

[Gunny]

I have two router tables.  One built into my table saw assembly for larger work, the other is a pull out cabinet/ drawer mini router table for smaller work.  The cabinet build is about 1/3m of the way back from the front edge.  My thinking was as the space is limited I left that larger back open to be able to accommodate larger pieces if needed.  For my tablesaw I have a EZ router raiser lift, for the mini I made my own using drawer slides and a lab lift.  Took some work but I enjoyed the challenge. If you are looking for ideas the mini router table build is here  https://thepatriotwoodworker.com/forums/topic/24091-mini-router-table/?tab=comments#comment-172198

 

   

 

 

[Kevin Beitz]

My router table is a little different....

 

 

[Gunny]

25 minutes ago, Kevin Beitz said:

My router table is a little different....

Well that is a interesting approach.  Tell us about it, how you did it, why you decided to use this method.  Always interested in a new idea.

[1fizgig]

Yes please, that would be interesting!

[John Morris]

2 hours ago, Kevin Beitz said:

My router table is a little different....

Now that's a horse of a different color! I love it!

[Kevin Beitz]

I found this tool at a surplus liquidator covered with years of dust.

The tool was never used. It gas a funny name. "10 Fingers Router".

Ten Fingers Corporation Texas. RAMR-S model.

 

 

[Gene Howe]

Here's what I use. Shopsmith calls it an over arm pin router. The picture is a bit misleading. Although a router can be mounted under the table and used as a router table or, mounted in the arm as a pin router, both at the same time would be problematic. It's a lot of fun to use. 

 

Edited October 8, 2019 by Gene Howe

[Kevin Beitz]

I got one somewhat like that from the junk yard. The only thing that was 

wrong with it was a 90% gear was broken. So I made one.