Shop evolution #4: Router Table #3: Putting in the plate and installing the fence...

So I got the Mast-R-Lift in place and did some tweaking of the leveler screws to get it flush with the top.

Next I needed to think about the fence. I know that I will be able to use my TS fence, but I have this Rockler fence floating around from my old drill press table. As far as I can tell, this is the same as their router table fence just a little smaller. I think it will work fine for my purposes and I can always modify it later if need be. Here I routed the channel for the T bolts that mount the fence.

Normally I would rout a larger channel on the bottom to not allow the T bolt to turn. But once I laid out the lines I realized that it is close enough to the edge so that the side piece will trap the T bolts. This was great and allowed me to just rout one channel in a few passes and I was set to go.

Finally, I attached the dust collection to the fence from the drill press set up. I mounted the router and made a few test cuts and I think this fence will serve my needs very well. This is a major step up from my old table as I had one of those Router Workshop set ups.

I have drawn up some preliminary plans for a “cabinet” of sorts that will allow me minimal bit storage but mostly it will enclose my router and allow for some dust collection. I will probably build in some angle supports for extra support so that there is not so much weight on the TS rails.

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