The Big Think

The router table is almost done. I’m currently working on the top and taking a long time to finish it. The precision required to make the plate inset is awesome. I did a dry run on a piece of scrap MDF yesterday to work out the kinks and it took me almost three hours to make a cut. The plate has to fit in the hole perfectly flush with the top. In addition, the plate should not wobble AT ALL. When I finished my dry run the hole was oversized by almost .005″…Too much. I could probably shim with a piece of thin paper but the whole point is to get it PERFECT.
Yesterday I laminated 2 3/4″ hunks of MDF together (took every one of my 25 clamps) and got ready to apply the countertop laminate.
Today I’ll apply the laminate with contact cement and trim it to size. I may also get around to making the dreaded cut. If I make the hole too big I’ve got to start all over.
Next I have to cut the slots for the miter gauge and tracks for fence adjustment, trim the sides with walnut, and build the fence. Then I have to work out the dust collection system and wire the whole thing up with a switch. THEN I’ll be done. Probably another week of work.