A dedicated workspace equipped with a precise fence system significantly enhances woodworking capabilities, and the router table with fence represents a cornerstone of any serious woodworker’s shop. Accuracy, a crucial attribute in fine woodworking, depends heavily on the stability and adjustability offered by quality router table fence designs. Companies like Woodpeckers Inc. manufacture sophisticated router table and fence systems catering to the demands of professional cabinet makers and hobbyists alike. Effective use of a router table with fence allows for consistent and repeatable cuts, essential for projects ranging from creating intricate moldings to precisely joining components, thereby unlocking the full potential of tools such as a Porter-Cable router.
Crafting the Ultimate Guide to Router Tables with Fences
An effective "Router Table with Fence: Your Ultimate Guide" article needs a structure that balances comprehensive information with easy readability. The goal is to take the reader from novice to confident user, understanding the value and function of this woodworking tool. Here’s a suggested structure:
1. Introduction: Setting the Stage
Begin by defining what a router table with a fence is and its primary function. Clearly state the benefits of using a router table with a fence compared to handheld routing. This section should be concise and engaging, immediately grabbing the reader’s attention. Highlight aspects like increased accuracy, safety, and repeatability.
2. Why Use a Router Table with a Fence?
This section delves deeper into the advantages.
- Enhanced Precision: Explain how the fence guides the workpiece for accurate cuts, especially for repetitive tasks.
- Improved Safety: Discuss how the table and fence provide a more stable platform, keeping hands away from the router bit.
- Versatility: Outline the types of cuts achievable with a router table and fence, such as edge profiling, rabbeting, and dadoing.
- Efficiency: Explain how setups for repetitive cuts are easier and faster compared to handheld routing.
- Dust Collection: Briefly touch upon how many router tables are designed for integration with dust collection systems.
3. Understanding the Components: A Detailed Breakdown
This section breaks down the different parts of a router table with a fence, explaining the purpose of each.
- The Tabletop: Discuss materials (MDF, cast iron, phenolic) and their respective pros and cons concerning flatness, durability, and vibration dampening.
- The Fence: This is a key component.
- Types of Fences:
- Split fence: Explain its adjustability for jointing and non-piloted bits.
- One-piece fence: Discuss its simplicity and suitability for general routing.
- Adjustable fence: Detail the features of the fence with micro-adjustments.
- Fence Material: Cover material options like MDF, aluminum, and phenolic.
- Fence Features: Explain feather boards integration, dust collection ports, and T-tracks for accessories.
- Types of Fences:
- Router Mounting Plate: Discuss the materials (phenolic, aluminum) and their importance for a flush and stable router mount.
- Router Lift (Optional but Important): Explain the advantages of a router lift for precise height adjustments.
- Base/Stand: Briefly describe the importance of a stable base for minimizing vibration.
4. Choosing the Right Router Table with Fence: Factors to Consider
This section provides practical advice for selecting a router table with a fence.
- Budget: Discuss the price ranges for different types of router tables and fences.
- Size and Space: Consider the available workspace and the size of workpieces to be processed.
- Material Quality: Emphasize the importance of durable materials for longevity and performance.
- Fence Adjustability: Explain the benefits of micro-adjustments and split fences.
- Dust Collection: Highlight the importance of a good dust collection system for safety and cleanliness.
- Router Compatibility: Ensure the chosen table is compatible with the user’s router.
- Features and Accessories: Consider features like feather boards, miter slots, and T-tracks.
5. Setting Up Your Router Table and Fence: A Step-by-Step Guide
This section provides detailed instructions on how to properly set up a router table with a fence.
- Installing the Router: Explain how to safely and securely mount the router to the mounting plate.
- Leveling the Tabletop: Ensure the tabletop is flat and level for accurate cuts.
- Installing and Aligning the Fence: Provide clear instructions on how to align the fence parallel to the miter slot or router bit.
- Adjusting the Fence for Different Cuts: Explain how to adjust the fence for edge profiling, rabbeting, and dadoing.
- Setting the Router Bit Height: Explain the importance of accurate bit height adjustment and techniques to achieve it, especially with a router lift if available.
- Installing Feather Boards (Optional): Show how to install feather boards for increased safety and workpiece control.
6. Using Your Router Table with Fence: Best Practices and Techniques
This section offers tips and techniques for using a router table with a fence effectively.
- Workpiece Support: Emphasize the importance of using auxiliary fences, push sticks, and feather boards for workpiece control and safety.
- Feed Direction: Explain the importance of feeding the workpiece against the rotation of the router bit.
- Cutting Speed: Discuss the appropriate cutting speed for different materials and router bits.
- Making Multiple Passes: Explain the benefits of making multiple shallow passes for smoother cuts and reduced tearout.
- Using Templates and Jigs: Discuss how to use templates and jigs to create complex shapes and cuts.
7. Safety First: Essential Safety Precautions
This section emphasizes safety when using a router table with a fence.
- Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
- Hearing Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
- Dust Mask: Wear a dust mask or respirator to avoid inhaling wood dust.
- Proper Clothing: Avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
- Safe Work Habits:
- Keep your hands away from the router bit.
- Use push sticks and feather boards.
- Never force the workpiece.
- Disconnect the power before making adjustments.
8. Router Bit Selection: Choosing the Right Bit for the Job
This section guides users on choosing appropriate router bits. A table might be beneficial here:
| Router Bit Type | Common Uses | Material Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Bit | Grooves, dadoes, rabbets | Hardwoods, softwoods, plywood |
| Roundover Bit | Edge profiling, softening edges | Hardwoods, softwoods |
| Cove Bit | Decorative edges, coves | Hardwoods, softwoods |
| Chamfer Bit | Creating angled edges | Hardwoods, softwoods |
| Rabbeting Bit | Creating rabbets for joinery | Hardwoods, softwoods, plywood |
| Flush Trim Bit | Trimming edges flush | Hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, laminates |
| Ogee Bit | Decorative edge profiles | Hardwoods, softwoods |
| Jointing Bit | Edge jointing to create perfect glue joints | Hardwoods, softwoods |
Explain how different bit materials (high-speed steel, carbide-tipped) affect performance and longevity.
9. Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section addresses common problems encountered when using a router table with a fence and offers solutions.
- Tearout: Discuss causes and solutions, such as using a backer board or making shallow passes.
- Vibration: Explain how to reduce vibration by tightening hardware, using a stable base, and balancing the router bit.
- Inaccurate Cuts: Discuss causes and solutions, such as misalignment of the fence or router bit.
- Burning: Explain how to avoid burning by using the correct cutting speed and feed rate.
This structure ensures comprehensive coverage of "router table with fence," from foundational understanding to practical application and safety considerations, creating a truly ultimate guide.
FAQs: Router Table with Fence
What are the key benefits of using a router table with fence instead of handheld routing?
A router table with fence provides increased stability and control. It allows for more precise cuts, especially when working with smaller or oddly shaped pieces. The fence guides the material, resulting in cleaner, more consistent results compared to handheld routing. Using a router table with fence also enhances safety.
What materials are typically used to construct a router table fence?
Common materials for router table fences include MDF (medium-density fiberboard), aluminum, and hardwoods. MDF is affordable and stable, while aluminum offers durability and precision. Hardwoods provide a robust and aesthetically pleasing option for a router table with fence.
How do I adjust the fence on my router table for different cutting depths?
Adjusting a router table fence usually involves loosening locking knobs or levers. You then slide the fence forward or backward to the desired position relative to the router bit. After achieving the proper depth, tighten the locking mechanism to secure the router table with fence in place.
What are some common applications for a router table with fence?
A router table with fence is ideal for a variety of woodworking tasks. This includes creating accurate rabbets, dadoes, and grooves, as well as shaping edges and molding profiles. It’s a versatile tool for both beginner and experienced woodworkers requiring precision and repeatability from their router table with fence.
So, whether you’re crafting intricate moldings or just need reliable edge routing, a router table with fence is a game-changer. Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to choose the right one and start creating! Happy woodworking!