Dn

Dan

03/08/2006 9:20 PM

Harbor Freight router table

Anyone have any experience with these Harbor Freight router tables, on
sale for $180. might be worth a look:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?categoryid=621&pricetype=S&categoryname=WOODWORKING%20%20ACCESSORIES

TIA

Dan


This topic has 3 replies

k

in reply to Dan on 03/08/2006 9:20 PM

04/08/2006 12:41 PM

I have no direct experience using it, just looking at it in the store,
but here are a few observations:

(1) The included router is only 720 W (6 Amps at 120 V), which is more
like 3/4 HP, not the claimed 1 HP. For table use, you'll probably want
something beefier, like 13-15 Amps. I can't tell if you could fit a
larger router to the table

(2) I can't tell the size of the table opening, which is important for
larger bits. Of course, for larger bits, you'd want a more powerful
router.

(3) A total of 180 little bolts, nuts and washers to assemble the
stand? It would just about as quick (and more solid) to build your own
stand out of plywood.

(4) Finally, even on sale, it's not that cheap. Harbor Freight has some
good bang-for-the-buck items, but I don't think this is one of them.
For the same money, I'd suggest that you either:

(A) Buy a good router, like a Hitachi M12V, and build a simple table
and fence, or (B), if you already have a router, get an Incra fence
package. I think either of these will be more satisfactory in the long
run.

TE

"The3rd Earl Of Derby"

in reply to Dan on 03/08/2006 9:20 PM

04/08/2006 9:11 PM

Dan wrote:
> Anyone have any experience with these Harbor Freight router tables, on
> sale for $180. might be worth a look:
>
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?categoryid=621&pricetype
=S&categoryname=WOODWORKING%20%20ACCESSORIES
>
> TIA
>
> Dan

I made my router table out of an old floor standing Televison cabinet,had
to strengthen a bit though and the bottom drawer was used for storing
various bits&pieces of router acessories with additional trays added above
in the cabinet itself with ample room to remove the router for cleaning.

--
Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite


EP

"Edwin Pawlowski"

in reply to Dan on 03/08/2006 9:20 PM

04/08/2006 7:51 PM


"Dan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Anyone have any experience with these Harbor Freight router tables, on
> sale for $180. might be worth a look:
> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?categoryid=621&pricetype=S&categoryname=WOODWORKING%20%20ACCESSORIES
>

IMO, it is rather poor quality and useless for any serious work. If all you
ever wan to do is build a bookcase, maybe it is the right tool for you. If
you have any desire to do even semi-serious woodworking, build a real table.
It does not have to be fancy to out perform this one.


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