Non SS router table mounted to a SS

[Ed in Tampa]

I have been trying to decide what to do about a router table for months now. Right now I use a converted SS main table that I cut and ground to allow me to mount a router. It has good and bad features and probably the biggest negative I have is the fact the router can't easily be removed from the table (pop out table insert with router) for storage.

I resist building a standalone Router table due to space requirements.

I have thought of making a table that I could mount onto the SS out of various materials, I have looked at SS tables and now I'm looking at the other manufacture's tables.

There are many tables being made out of materials that simply can't be gotten by individuals, like cast iron, solid phenolic, aluminum and etc.

What I would really like is table system that allowed me to mount an aluminum router plate (ala Rockler http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1385 )

My question: Has anyone used a commonly manufactured table from another manufacture that works fairly well on the SS. If so what is made of? How do you mount it to your SS? Overall how satisfied are you with it?

I also would like an feedback anyone has on the pro fence router table Part number 521962 now sold by SS.
Thanks in advance for any comments, input or opinions.
Ed

[curiousgeorge]

Ed,
I have the Jointech System. It can be mounted on a 500-510 or 520. You have to purchase the rails from Shopsmith. You can get the solid phenolic table with or without the insert/hole and without the fence system.

http://www.jointech.com

[Alan D]

Ed
This was posted a while back and might suit your needs. You could always get a local cabinetmaker to build the table if you purchase the parts

http://www.firechat.com/RT.HTM

Alan
Woodinville, WA

[Ed in Tampa]

Ed,
I have the Jointech System. It can be mounted on a 500-510 or 520. You have to purchase the rails from Shopsmith. You can get the solid phenolic table with or without the insert/hole and without the fence system.

http://www.jointech.com

George
Do you know if you can order just the table and insert plate? Any idea of cost?
I think the table model number is model #STT-2217P but I couldn't find it listed outside of the package.

How do the SS fence rails mount to the table? Directly or indirectly to something like angle iron/aluminum?

Can the 520 fence be used with it?

More info would be appreciated
Ed

[dusty]

A couple company's provide what you are looking for but at a price....at a real price. A know of a couple forum members who have these and their comments have all been positive. It comes right back to the old problem; you have to make a choice.

Shopsmith offers what you are asking for and maybe a little bit more. The one compromise you would have to make is the table. The Shopsmith table is made from a composite material.

Pro Fence Router Table System, 555865 - $ $356.99 (online)

Jointech offers a Complete 520 Upgrade Package that I believe also gives you what you want. This one has a solid phenolic table and table insert.

JST-SS520K -currently on sale for the amazing low price of $699.99. I think this is the system that reible has. You can view his product review on the other forum (complete with his infamous photo backup) if you like.

BTW - this kit doesn't include the rails so you'd have to spend another $90.00 (thereabout) for a set of 520 rails. The upside is the table is predrilled to accept the rails.

This is about $500 more than the Shopsmith version. What is offers over the Shopsmith is the phenolic table. Is that difference worth that much or is there something that I am missing.

Someone who has the system will have to comment. I only know what I read since I don't have one. I have the Shopsmith router table, 555995. Currently $196.34 (online) and this comes with the rails.

[curiousgeorge]

Do you know if you can order just the table and insert plate? Any idea of cost?
I think the table model number is model #STT-2217P but I couldn't find it listed outside of the package.

You are correct on the model # and I couldn't find anywhere to order just the 22" x 17" table either. I guess you could call cust. svc. at 800-619-1298. I'm sure you should be able to order one since it is an option to the system. As far as the cost, I would think it would be less than the cost of a 24" x 32"- $140. The Insert Plate (RP60) is on sale for $50.

How do the SS fence rails mount to the table? Directly or indirectly to something like angle iron/aluminum?

The table comes with an aluminum bar on the bottom that the fence rails mount to.
(see attachments)

Can the 520 fence be used with it?


I don't see why not since the table has the 520 fence rails... the same as an extension table. Although ( I'm sure you know) you will need to add an aux. face to it.

[dusty]

George;

Is that an aluminum bar or aluminum square tube that the rails mount to?

The aluminum bar is attached to the underside of the table with what looks like screws. Are these screwed into inserts inb the table? Is yes, do the inserts go in from the top (can you see them in the top).

PS You can do part number searches in Jointech's online catalog for those items for can't find.

[curiousgeorge]

Dusty,

It is an aluminum bar attached to the table into inserts that don't show on the top.