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The review of router tables and lifts<\/strong> in the Fine Woodworking<\/a> Tools and Shops issue (#237, Winter 2014) prompted me to again think about the subject. I have to admit, after reading about all the nifty gadgets, I was tempted to complicate<\/strong> matters and foul up my happily working simple system, which is described here<\/a>, here<\/a>, and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Naaah.<\/p>\n I recently added a T-track system<\/strong> instead of F-clamps to lock the fence<\/strong> in place, and a while ago upgraded to heavy-duty locking casters,<\/strong> but otherwise the setup is the same. There is no removable plate, no router lift, no above-table height adjuster, no fence microadjuster, no miter gauge track, no above-table bit removal, and no insert rings. No shoes, no shirt, no problems.<\/a><\/p>\n So, how does this home grown model “Easy 2” stack up against the models reviewed in FW<\/em>?<\/strong> Let’s look:<\/p>\n Price:<\/strong> At a total cost of about $180, which includes the extra Bosch base<\/a>, the Easy 2 is $470 less than the “Best Value” and $920 less than the “Best Overall” system in the review.<\/p>\n Flatness:<\/strong> The E2 has an intended crown<\/strong> of .003″ over the full length of the table, and, owing to the lack of an insert ring, a deviation of less than .001″ in the critical area around the bit opening. This beats all the models tested with the possible exception of the Festool, which has a .002″ dip. I agree with the author that a slight crown<\/strong> is preferable to a dip. I disagree, however, that a dip as high as .030″ is acceptable for quality work.<\/p>\n The Big Easy achieves this fine accuracy by employing the wonderful flatness tolerance of stock MDF plus shims.<\/strong> Here is the undercarriage of the table with supports across the width of the table near the router base, along with blue tape shims, aka “microadjustments.”<\/a><\/p>\n Fence:<\/strong> The E2’s continuous<\/strong> fence is flat and square within .001″. A split-fence<\/strong> attachment is easily installed and removed with finger knobs.<\/p>\n Here is a rear view of the fence locking system:<\/strong><\/p>\n Dust collection:<\/strong> With simple fittings available from Rockler, the E2 is probably as efficient as all of the tested models except the two with enclosures.<\/p>\n Bit height adjustment:<\/strong> The Bosch microadjustment dial easily allows at least .004″ adjustments with no discernible backlash using a dial that can be zeroed out at any time.\u00a0Each of the easily visible increments on the black dial is equal to the thickness of a typical sheet of paper.<\/strong><\/p>\n I do not have a device to measure vertical alignment<\/strong> as described in the article, but this is not likely to be a significant issue because the router base, which has been flattened on a granite surface plate using sandpaper, attaches directly to the MDF that is manufactured to excellent tolerances of flatness and thickness.<\/p>\n It is necessary to squat<\/strong> to reach under the table to attach the router motor and to make height adjustments. I do not mind a bit, but for those who prefer to avoid the latter, Bosch makes the router base<\/a> usable with a simple hex key to allow height adjustments from above.<\/strong><\/p>\n My intent<\/strong> is not to disparage the fine products reviewed in the article, but rather to demonstrate that there is a different, simpler<\/strong> way for those who might prefer. This router table system works<\/strong> – it allows me to build what I want.<\/p>\n![\"IMG_1092_edited-2\"](\"https:\/\/www.rpwoodwork.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/IMG_1092_edited-2.jpg\")
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