Automated Pimped Router Table

[Bellevue Woodshop]

I built my third router table with all the bells and whistles I had missed on the previous versions, during my years of woodworking.
This build included some automation, but the biggest improvement ( in my opinion) is the flip up trimmers.

Video in the bottom of the post!!



The router lift is built from an old sliding unit for a pneumatic cylinder.
Driven by an old cordless drill hooked up to an acme thread via belt and pulley setup.



Custom bracket to fit a butchered 3hp plunging router.





A 6" DRO for height measurement installed.



To lock the spindle when changing router bits, I added a pneumatic cylinder to press the spindle locking knob.





The lift can be lowered or raised either push buttons on the panel, or these two foot activated switches.



I wanted the control panel to have sort of an 80`s look and feel to it, so i designed it kinda retro, and engraved it on my cnc.







BUT the best part is the flip up trimmers, that has a roundover bit on one table, and a chamfer bit on the second.
These are great for quick edge treatment, instead of constantly having to switch bit in the main router.
If you want to see all of its features, and how i setup the automation on it.
Take a look at the video below:

[DIYer]

Thanks Bellevue Woodshop! We've added your Automated Router Table to our Router Tables category,
as well as to your builder page: Bellevue Woodshop's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Automated Router Table by Bellevue Woodshop

tags: table, router, pneumatic, DRO

[PJs]

Wow, that is a very impressive and well built workstation! Personally loved that you used a PLR to drive it all. They are so simple and so many things you can do with them for low bucks...and the ladder logic is simple, unlike Arduino IMHO, but I came from PLC's and micro-controllers came later. The cabinet is so well thought out but curious if you sealed the drawer from dust and chips? Definitely has All the bells and whistles and probably room for more if you think of them.

Thanks for sharing this impressive, fine build!

PJ

[Metallurg33]

I watched you build this impressive piece last fall. Watching it a second time was definitely not a waste of time. Now the only problem is where to fit my version of it in my almost endless list of things to do. Its a good problem to have! Thanks for sharing!

[Ralphxyz]

Double WOW, and I have a router table on my list.

Ralph

[rossbotics]

That's incredible, I see your invention will be the next tool of the week, keep up the great work and keep us posted, beautiful work too

[thehomeengineer]

Another great item and video thank you for sharing
The Home Engineer

[Radioman]

I think you have passed the realm of tool maker and entered the universe of a show off. I’m just giving you a little bit of a hard time because I’m so jealous. Amazing workmanship, amazing design, and just all-around super cool tool. You definitely should be proud of yourself. You’ve done some great work there.

[Paul Alciatore]

WOW! I just purchased a new router table to replace my 30 YO home made one but yours is fantastic. And those flip up trimmers..... What can I say? Words fail me. I don't know if I have room for one like that but I sure want one.

Due to limited space I will probably store my new one hanging on a wall. I have devised a way to mount it on top of my table saw: I drilled and tapped two holes in the saw table top and another two in the plastic base of the router table to store the bolts when it is not mounted. I thought I was being clever, but yours completely blows me away. I have a trim router and I wonder if there may be a way to add it to my table. Perhaps with a hand operated, mechanical mechanism instead of the air cylinder. Thanks for the idea: I will be looking into it.

[myavid76]

Wow, looks like you're ready to pump out some work. nicely done. Dave.