Non SS router table mounted to a SS

[Ed in Tampa]

The Shopsmith Pro Table has it all and works famously. Jim

Jim
I take from you comments you have the Pro Fence table? If so I would like to ask a few questions.

I have and many other do also have concern about the material the table is built from. I think it is particle board some say it is MDF. can you tell me exactly what it is made from.

My concern in either case is both are prone to moisture damage if any part of the material is expose to the atmosphere. I know the Pro Fence table is edge covered with I think vinyl but my real worry is where the plate sets in it. Those edges need to remain perfect and I think they are left open to the atmosphere. I know here in Florida exposed particle board begins to break down in a few year unless totally protected. MDF does a little better but even it fails if it absorbs enough moisture.

Also a router table must be perfectly flat or it begins to make real interesting shapes in the cuts. How thick is the table? Have you noticed any sagging?
Both MDF and particle board seems to constantly change, by that I mean they will sag and from the effects of gravity and when you suspend a heavy router from them I would think it would happen even quicker.

I'm thinking of a table surface either from phenolic coated Baltic ply or solid phenolic or some other material, but I await your answer to my questions. I typically over engineer and worry about things that never seem to happen.
But I also don't want to spend money just for the sake of spending money.


Thanks in advance
Ed

[fjimp]

Jim
I take from you comments you have the Pro Fence table? If so I would like to ask a few questions.

I have and many other do also have concern about the material the table is built from. I think it is particle board some say it is MDF. can you tell me exactly what it is made from.

It feels like an extreemly dense Particle Board with an MPF laminate on top and sides. Thickness is 1 1/8".

My concern in either case is both are prone to moisture damage if any part of the material is expose to the atmosphere. I know the Pro Fence table is edge covered with I think vinyl but my real worry is where the plate sets in it. Those edges need to remain perfect and I think they are left open to the atmosphere. I know here in Florida exposed particle board begins to break down in a few year unless totally protected. MDF does a little better but even it fails if it absorbs enough moisture.

The inside edge where the insert goes is not coated. I have used a mallet to bang the insert in and out numerous times with no noticable negative effect.

I keep my tables in a wall rack in one corner of my shop where they are always very dry. Admittedly I do one other thing I have never heard anyone else comment on. I have a dehumidfier operating in my shop full time. I find it needs emptying once every two or three months.

Also a router table must be perfectly flat or it begins to make real interesting shapes in the cuts. How thick is the table? Have you noticed any sagging?
Both MDF and particle board seems to constantly change, by that I mean they will sag and from the effects of gravity and when you suspend a heavy router from them I would think it would happen even quicker.

Once again I stress that the size and thickness of this table and storing it verrticalle with no pressure points pressing against any part of the table make it unlikley to warp. I really do like this table.

I'm thinking of a table surface either from phenolic coated Baltic ply or solid phenolic or some other material, but I await your answer to my questions. I typically over engineer and worry about things that never seem to happen.
But I also don't want to spend money just for the sake of spending money.

Prior to this I had a craftsman steel router table. The top bing thin stamped steel was never flat and it was too small to allow easily working on a project without creating uneven cuts. This table when mounted on my 520 is idea. I especially like having the rails and the rip fence that can mount on main, router or auxilairy fences or even in between.

Forgive me please I would say more but just had a call that our daughter is trying to get to her green mountain (Lakewood west of Denver)colorado home and there is a forest fire threatening the area. I feel a need to learn more. good luck on your search. Jim

Thanks in advance
Ed

My message in blue within quote area Jim

[shydragon]

I bought the Incra ultra router system. There are some issues, still trying to work them out. The router table is made by Woodhaven, MDF. The cutout is not sealed. The predrilled holes for the insert levelers were in the wrong place. It took over a month and half to get the router table, so I didn't want to wait another 1-1/2 months for another, so I drilled holes in the proper place. I do have a deflection, I only have an 18" true straight edge, so I was unable to figure out how much. I will have to set up the dial indicator to determine that. In their literature, they say they are allowed .001 per inch. So far, I have been unable to get it to lay flat inline with the main table on the front side. It is sticking up on that corner approx 3/32". I had to quit for now, to get other things done. But, will get back to it eventually. When I'm finished, I will post pictures, including whatever I found wrong with it.

[a1gutterman]

Hi Jim,

Regarding this part of your post;

I keep my tables in a wall rack in one corner of my shop where they are always very dry. Admittedly I do one other thing I have never heard anyone else comment on. I have a dehumidfier operating in my shop full time. I find it needs emptying once every two or three months.

Check this thread out: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=1220&highlight=dehumidifier Where were you when I needed you?:D

I use, IMHO successfully, a dehumidifier in my shop 24/7, 365 days a year. I have great results, again, IMHO.

[fjimp]

Tim,

My apologies I have no excuse for missing that thread. I have used one for so many years due to guns being stored in an area adjacent to my shop that the tool is the only saving grace from rust. I apologize if I hurt anyones feelings. Jim

[a1gutterman]

Tim,

My apologies I have no excuse for missing that thread. I have used one for so many years due to guns being stored in an area adjacent to my shop that the tool is the only saving grace from rust. I apologize if I hurt anyones feelings. Jim

Hi Jim,

Didkn't hurt MY feelings none. I was just referring to the fact that more positive posts regarding dehumidifiers wood have been helpful.