Rockler router table, you know the one. Have my 3hp plunge hanging from plate for about 2-3 years. I just put straight edge across table and noticed that it has sagged about 1/4″ from edge to center.
Toss it?
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If you want to do really precise stuff you might have to trash it. Keep the plate, fence, and track and build another table. Maybe reinforce the bottom with some cleats to prevent bowing.
you might try posting your question at knots.
Webby
Edited 2/17/2008 10:45 am ET by webby
I'd see if Rockler will replace it.
I'd replace the table and keep the fence and base. You can either buy or build a new table for it with relative ease.
I'd call Rockler and see if they would do anything but I'd be surprised after a few years.
Find a way to stiffen the bottom, maybe some steel angle
Is it a plastic base or that blue metal one they sell and claim it won't sag?
I think you are right. Keep the insert and fence, make a new table. The insert is blue aluminum and is flat. It is the particle board table that sagged. I guess my mistake was keeping the router hanging over time, won't do that again. Ran a couple of 36" pieces with rail/stile bit and fit is different across the lengths. No good.
I made a router table about 25 years ago, and the same thing happened. The next one, I used a pair of angle iron across the length of the table as close to the center as the router would allow. Still using that table after 15-18 years, and it is still dead flat. Used 3/4" mdf for the throat plate; that lexan/phenylic stuff tends to flex, as well.
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I've been over to knots with this subject and the general concensous was to get the Veritas plate. Many paople have had the same problem with router plates. I plan on getting a big router and this is the plate I will be getting.
Here's the link. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=41793&cat=1,43053,43885