Table Saw Router Extension

I used to own a JWTS-10 saw with a 52” extension table. I purchased it new in 1999 and at the same time I purchased a kit which bolted up to the saw to make the extension. All I had to buy extra is some melamine to make the top and shelf. I cut a hole in the melamine top for a router plate. I cut slots in the top so my Rockler router fence could ride on top of the table. The fence need not be square to the bit. I believe the extension kit was made by Vega Machinery. They also made a mobile base, which I purchased as well.

-- Woodworking is like a vicious cycle. The more tools you buy the more you find to buy.

John White did a ‘Space-Saving Router Table’ in Fine Woodworking #216–Tools & Shops 2011 Issue.
It has an MDF top on ripped plywood frame & dust collecting fence.
If I were doing one that’s then plans I would use.

-- Just a Duffer

I have an earlier version of that saw and 12 years ago or so when I was faced with the decision you are facing I actually opted for going in this direction:

https://www.rockler.com/bench-dogreg-promax-cast-router-table-without-plate-40-102

I always wrestle with the choice of whether to build a jig or purchase a jig. For me the decision hinges on the following choices:

Is the price difference between home built and off the shelf worth it to me? Will I benefit from my own customized version of a jig or not? Is my time invested in the design, parts procurement and construction of a jig worth the time taken away from building projects that I want to engage in? That is do I want to build jigs or projects. What is the value to me for the satisfaction derived of building a well executed jig. Just a note , when I purchased the Bench-Dog table for my Jet it was a lot less expensive (even when corrected for inflation). As an example I opted to design and build a finger joint jig because I liked the challenge and am glad I went that route but as I stated I went the off the shelf route with the router top and again, for me I still believe it was a good decision.

I would offer the suggestion that when you make your decision factor in what fence you would prefer to use and how that might influence your decision, i.e. can it be built to fit or be used with the table you go with? I have found that the fence is a much more important part of the “tool” for the work I do than I originally appreciated it would be. Good Luck

-- Cheap is expensive! - my Dad

I have a Shop Fox table saw, but, it is a standard size, etc.

My first router table extension insert was the top from my Bosch portable router table. It was the same size, 27” as the space between the rails. Worked great for a while, but then I got a router lift and it didn’t fit in the Bosch table.

So, I made a full on router table, that fits int he same space. I added drawers and storage for router bits and accessories. I made mine out of baltic birch. I am sure I’ll need to replace the top eventually. But, the pre-lacquered BB ply I bought is slick and works quite well for now. I bet it’s a couple of years at least before I need to replace it.

I’ll try to remember to snap a photo when I head out tot he shop in a little bit.

-- John F. SoCal transplant, chewer uppper of good wood

I built a router table into the left side of my Craftsman contractor saw. I removed the cast iron webbed wing, and built the table to fit. I added bracing between the far edge of the router table and the base of the saw. Works great. Generally I do not use the table saw fence for the router.

The only draw back with my setup is the you really can’t sue both the router and the table saw without taking done the other.