500 Table as a router table?

[tdorey]

I upgraded to the 520 table and have an extra 500 table. I was thinking of using it for a router table? Mount the router under the table, use the round insert or maybe cut it to receive a router plate?

Any idea on how to attach the router? just counter sinks some bolts?

[algale]

A 500 table will not fit in a 520 carriage.

[tdorey]

Ah, yea I didn't think of that. I do have the 500 carriage as well, I could add that on the left side of the headstock and have two carriages. I know its a bit of a hack but always trying to conserve space.

I like the idea of having a metal table top and fence with the router.

[tdorey]

I just read that if a second carriage is added, the Headstock won't reach the Bandsaw.

[JPG]

I just read that if a second carriage is added, the Headstock won't reach the Bandsaw.

Did you also read how to get by that?

[tdorey]

I did read about the extension that was made.

After seeing some of the wood inserts made to go between the table tubes, it may be less work with same result. Using the old 500 table is an option but maybe more work than its worth.

Thanks.

[JPG]

If you do not need the tilt function. the trunion can be removed and the table mounted without the carriage.

[cooch366]

It's not a 500, but you get the idea.

I picked up a used 510 cheap, and cut 18" tubes, removed the headstock and used a shorty as a router station. I also use the other end to store my band saw when not in use. Plus I now have a spare headstock.

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[tdorey]

Exactly what I was thinking. It looks like you attached router to plate and then have the plate sit in the table? how did you cut the table? How is insert sitting in table top?

My extra 500 table has a round hole for disc sander and I was think of just attaching to table and use the hole instead of the insert you have. Cutting table seems like a daunting task.

Great job by they way.

[cooch366]

Exactly what I was thinking. It looks like you attached router to plate and then have the plate sit in the table? how did you cut the table? How is insert sitting in table top?

My extra 500 table has a round hole for disc sander and I was think of just attaching to table and use the hole instead of the insert you have. Cutting table seems like a daunting task.

Great job by they way.

Thanks, I used 1/4" aluminum plate and had a local machine shop mill out what I needed to fit it in. Not really a big deal. In milling it there is enough support in the table to support the plate and the router. I then drilled the plate to match the screw holes in router and countersunk the plate to fit flush. A couple of things to keep in mind that I found:

I centered the bit so that I could use a shaper fence ( be it modified with the wood blocks and fences.

Beware that on the 500 table you have the cross member / support to factor in, your router will need to clear it on the underneath.

My original plan was to mill / fabricate the plate the same size as most standard router lifts. That way in the future if I wanted to add it I could remove the plate attach the router and insert the lift. Unfortunately in my case I had a mis communication with the machine shop and it is not the size I wanted by it still functions as I wanted, I just don't have the ability to add a lift in the same space.

Hope this helps, Good luck with it... Steve