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 

Self-Clamping Trim Router Bench Edge Table

My Milwaukee trim router came with an extra base plate. It is 5.75" in diameter and has an extra set of mounting holes around the perimeter. I suspect it fits their larger routers using those holes.  It can replace the stock one and add capability to hold guide bushings, or mount on a jig for cutting circles or ellipses, or install into a small router table.  This is the clamp on router table I designed for it. 

14" square

The side brackets slide into tapered dovetail slots on the underside of the top.  They slip over the edge of my workbench easily but clamp down tight with a turn of the cam dowel between them. You can glue the brackets in, but there is no real need. They are snug in the dovetail slots and had to be tapped in the last inch or so.  They won't be easy to remove intentionally. 

Side Brackets

I came up with the clamping dowel idea used here when I made a cargo box for my electric motorcycle.  It clamps the cargo box to the cycle frame beam. This router table is a good application of that idea. 

Cam dowel clamps the router table tight to my bench. 

Ends of the 1" dowel have an offset 3/4" section. Pull the smaller dowel handle toward you and horizontal to release the cam and remove the router table from the bench edge. 

Render from my CNC Software

A dust shroud came with my Milwaukee trim router.  Having the router mounted in a table is a good opportunity to put that shroud in place, hook it up to my dust vac, and see how well dust/chips are collected as it runs. I oriented the router so the shroud opening is forward for easy connection to my dust collector hose.  

Dust Vac Connection

The 14" square top greatly extends the support surface. A fence can be clamped to it for straight guided edge cuts or cuts parallel to an edge using bits with no guide bearing. 

Quick release fence.

All plywood parts except the fence were cut from a 16" x 25" inch rectangle of Baltic Birch 12mm plywood. The dowel used is 1" diameter and 8.25" long.  Offset ends are 3/4" diameter.  I used my CNC to cut the ends, but this could be done on a lathe using offset centers. 

I know I'll get plenty of use from this clamp on trim router table.  Advantages of the design:

• No floor space is needed. 
• It is easy and quick to install and lock onto the bench edge.  Easy and quick to release and remove.
• No other clamps are needed to hold it on the bench.
• The fence is quick to lock down or release to reposition or remove. Flip over the cam levers  to lock or release it. 
• It extends the uses for a trim router.
• The battery powered Milwaukee trim router means no dealing with plugging it in to use.  

I stow it under my bench when I'm not using it.

Comments and Questions are welcomed and appreciated.  No ad links in your comments please.

4D