Woodworking with Router Tables

You have built a Router Table, but how about a fence?

Building your own router table seems like a good idea if you are looking to save money. Plus if you have a specific size that you need which is not really considered "standard" it becomes a necessity. Sometimes you really need a specific size table for a specific project or you have some unique space requirements or even a good deal on some other tools that make the size necessary. I faced a situation once where I wanted to bring all my tool cabinet's level with my table saw to build a unique workstation. Doing this made me need a Router Table of a unique size. Having it custom made was out of the question due to cost, so making my own becomes a necessity.

Today, you can make any type of router table that fits your router. If you have the newer "above the table" adjusting routers such as the triton or freud, you can even eliminate a router table insert. This makes the table just some laminate stock with a hole for the bit. Making this is somewhat straight forward but how about making a fence?

The fence is where the precision of the table come into play. Having a good core (aluminum or wood) is essential for your workstation. It's like building a house while the table is the foundation, the fence is like the walls, you want it straight and built right. Sometimes it pays to build a custom fence for your specific size requirements and sometimes it pays to buy one pre-made. Buying a fence saves time and time is money, and building a fence can give you some specifics like if you want a high fence for vertical profiles. Sometimes you can even buy a kit that has all the parts you need.

You will want to decide if you want a fixed fence or a split fence. Most people prefer the split fence so that they can adjust the fence wings to pull in close the bit and the bit opening. A lot of people use the new profile bearings so they really don't care much if the fence has a fixed opening or not.

Guidance

Look for the way the fence is guided along the router table. Some ride on t-track that is imbedded into the table and others ride along a clamp that clamps to the sides of the table. This usually is a preference for one or the other. A big plus is having the knobs and the bolts included with the fence if you choose the t-track version. Also look for manufacturers that sell the matching track as well. Having the matching track takes another headache out of the equation. Not all track is the same depth or height, so be sure to check dimensions before ordering.

Another good thing to look for is whether or not the fence extensions have t-track installed on them. If they do, it gives you another way to install stop blocks or other accessories you might be interested in on your fence.