Iteration and a Simpler Trim Router Table

Iteration wins again.  After two failed attempts to make a version of my clamp on trim router table for the Performax (or Makita or Wen or Hercules or Avid Power or Mics HP Rocky or ...) trim routers I came up with this version.  It uses the braces of the previous attempt, but a new plywood top. No insert plate, but rather a recess for the router base and 4 holes for screws to hold it securely to the bottom of the plywood top. No worry about the insert plate being flush to the top

No insert plate needed

I found another piece of 12mm plywood large enough to cut the new table top from. It has a larger center hole for better vacuum suction around the bit being used. I rotated the mounting holes so the vacuum connection would be easier to attach to. 

Direct hose connection

I also enlarged the dovetail slots so the braces would slide in easier. They were still a challenge to insert all the way, but hopefully this is the last time they need to.  A simpler version for those who don't have a way to clamp the braces vertically would be to use simple blind dados and glue the braces in. 

All that is needed is 12mm baltic birch plywood, a 1" dowel with offset 3/4" diameter ends, and a short length of 3/8" dowel for the handle.  Rotate the handle 90 degrees toward you to release the trim table from the bench.  

A hook for the chuck wrenches keeps them close at hand.    I've got 4 of these trim routers and can put a different router bit in each. I can swap them out quickly as my needs change. 

The only thing better than having one trim router table is having two.  

Now there are two.

Of course two tables each need a connection to the dust collector.

Gated Hose Splitter

I can close off either side when I'm only using one table. 

 

A side project that may be useful would be a clamp on router bit rack. A place to keep the assorted bits I have close to the trim router tables.  Perhaps with a flip-over lid to keep the dust and chips out.  

My mind now rests easy having solved all the nagging problems found with previous designs.  These tables detach quickly and store under the bench they are clamped to.  

Comments and questions are welcomed and encouraged. 

4D 

A Coin/Key Cup , Lathe or Rotary Axis CNC Project

Key Cup  

When I taught furniture design we would have our first year students each make a coin/key cup on the lathe to learn the tools and procedures needed.  A simple project.  a 3" diameter 1" deep bowl on the face.  A 1/2" outside curve on the top, and a 1/4 x 1/4 bevel on the bottom edge were required.  The edge profile between was up to the student to design.  

Profile done on the Rotary Axis

This red oak version I cut using my CNC.  The top bowl I cut with the block standing up using a moulding toolpath. The bottom bevel, top round over, and the profile between the two were all done on my rotary axis.  This project is intended to be set on your dresser or any shelf near your entrance to throw your keys or pocket change or jewelry into.

A cherry stain was added to warm up the cup.  

Cherry stain applied

To avoid screw holes in the bottom we glued the starting block to a plywood scrap with notebook paper in between.  After the project was done on the lathe the faceplate was unscrewed and removed, and then the plywood was relatively easy to split off the bottom with a broad chisel and a few taps of a mallet. The bevel cut on the bottom made it easy to place the chisel on the paper seam. 

Plywood back split off.

 Once split what was left of the paper and glue was easy to sand off the bottom.  

Bottom sanded clean and smooth.. 

The bottom was then stained and finished. A felt self-adhesive 3.25" diameter disk was stuck to the bottom. A bit of cushion and a shadow line for effect. As pocket change isn't as common as it used to be this cup can still be useful. I park my car keys in mine. An official spot where they can rest in style between car trips when not needed. 

Questions and comments are appreciated.  Please no ad or self serving links otherwise they will be deleted.

4D