Router Table Top & Fence: DIY vs Buy [Guide]

The performance of a router, a crucial woodworking tool, is significantly enhanced by a stable and accurate router table top and fence. Rockler, a leading supplier of woodworking tools and hardware, offers pre-fabricated solutions, but many woodworkers consider building their own. A key consideration for those contemplating a DIY approach to a router table top and fence is the precision achievable with a MDF core, a common material choice. This guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of both constructing a router table top and fence versus purchasing a commercially manufactured system.

Structuring Your "Router Table Top & Fence: DIY vs. Buy" Article

Crafting a comprehensive guide comparing DIY and purchased router table tops and fences requires a structure that informs, compares, and helps readers make the best choice for their needs. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. Introduction:

• Start with a hook. This could be a relatable scenario: "Tired of struggling to make accurate cuts with your router hand-held? A router table can transform your woodworking, but deciding whether to build or buy is a critical first step."
• Briefly define what a router table top and fence are and their basic functions. Explain why these components are essential for precision woodworking.
• Clearly state the article’s purpose: to guide readers through the DIY vs. buy decision for router table tops and fences, considering factors like cost, skill level, required features, and available time.

2. Understanding Router Table Tops and Fences:

• Router Table Tops:
  • Discuss essential characteristics of a good router table top: flatness, material (MDF, phenolic resin, cast iron), size, and mounting options.
  • Explain the role of the insert plate in providing a level surface around the router bit.
  • Briefly mention features like T-tracks for jigs and featherboards.
• Router Table Fences:
  • Explain the fence’s purpose in guiding workpieces accurately.
  • Detail the different types of fences: split fences, adjustable fences, and simple straight fences.
  • Highlight essential fence features: adjustability, perpendicularity to the table, dust collection port integration, and the ability to attach featherboards or other accessories.
  • Discuss materials commonly used for fences: wood, metal, and composite materials.

3. The DIY Route: Building Your Own Router Table Top and Fence:

• Advantages:
  • Customization: Tailor the table and fence to your specific needs and workspace constraints.
  • Cost Savings: Often cheaper than purchasing a pre-made system, especially if you have access to materials.
  • Skill Development: An opportunity to learn and improve woodworking skills.
• Disadvantages:
  • Time Commitment: Requires significant time for design, material acquisition, and construction.
  • Skill Requirements: Needs moderate to advanced woodworking skills, including accurate cutting, routing, and assembly.
  • Potential for Errors: Mistakes in design or construction can lead to inaccuracies and frustration.
• Key Considerations for DIY:
  1. Design: Research router table plans online or create your own design, considering dimensions, material choices, and desired features.
  2. Material Selection: Choose appropriate materials for the table top (e.g., MDF with a laminate surface) and fence (e.g., hardwood, MDF, or aluminum).
  3. Accuracy: Emphasize the importance of precise measurements and cuts to ensure a flat and square table and fence.
  4. Hardware: Source appropriate hardware, such as T-tracks, knobs, and fasteners.
• Step-by-Step Overview (Optional): You could provide a simplified overview of the building process, such as:
  1. Cut the table top and fence components to size.
  2. Route the opening for the insert plate in the table top.
  3. Assemble the fence and attach it to the table.
  4. Install T-tracks and other accessories.

4. The "Buy" Option: Purchasing a Router Table Top and Fence:

• Advantages:
  • Convenience: Ready to use out of the box (or with minimal assembly).
  • Precision: Manufactured to tight tolerances for accuracy and flatness.
  • Features: Often includes advanced features like micro-adjustments, integrated dust collection, and durable materials.
• Disadvantages:
  • Cost: Typically more expensive than building your own.
  • Limited Customization: May not perfectly fit your specific needs or workspace.
  • Potential Quality Variations: Quality can vary significantly between different brands and models.
• Key Considerations for Buying:
  1. Table Top Material: Evaluate the table top material (phenolic resin, cast iron, MDF) based on durability, flatness, and cost.
  2. Fence Design: Consider the type of fence (split fence, adjustable fence) and its features (micro-adjustment, dust collection).
  3. Size and Compatibility: Ensure the table size is appropriate for your workspace and the table is compatible with your router.
  4. Insert Plate Quality: Check the insert plate material and its adjustability for maintaining a perfectly level surface.

• Table: DIY vs. Buy: Feature Comparison

  Feature	DIY	Buy
  Cost	Lower (typically)	Higher
  Customization	High	Low
  Skill Required	Moderate to High	Low
  Time Investment	High	Low
  Precision	Dependent on Skill	Generally High
  Features	Limited by your design and abilities	Potentially advanced (micro-adjustment)
  Dust Collection	Requires separate design and integration	Often integrated

5. Factors to Consider for Your Decision:

• Skill Level: Be honest about your woodworking skills and experience.
• Budget: Determine your budget and weigh the cost of materials and tools for DIY against the price of a pre-made system.
• Time Availability: Assess how much time you can dedicate to building a router table.
• Required Features: Identify the essential features you need for your woodworking projects (e.g., fence adjustability, dust collection, T-tracks).
• Workspace Constraints: Consider the size of your workspace and choose a table size that fits comfortably.
• Router Compatibility: Ensure the router table is compatible with your router model or plan to purchase a compatible router.

By following this structure, you’ll create an informative and helpful guide that empowers readers to make the right choice for their router table needs.

So, whether you decide to build your own router table top and fence for that custom feel or opt for a pre-made setup to save time, remember the most important thing is safety and precision. Get out there, experiment, and enjoy creating some awesome projects with your router table!