I recently got around to moving my router from a standalone router table to an extension on my table saw. The reason for the move was to give me some added floor space with the elimination of the router table.
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This was a move that was planned for some time but like most things of this nature the time was never right until now. I had always had the extension on the table saw and had often thought about it but the deciding factor was when I was able to pick up the router fence addition for my table saw’s Accusquare fence for half the cost on Kijiji. This now allows for fast and accurate alignment, a big improvement over the old one. I also installed a miter slot for a miter gauge, featherboards, etc.
In addition to the router table top I also enclosed the router with a cabinet that has two drawers near the bottom. I use one drawer for my router accessories and the other for the table saw accessories. I also installed a switch on the outside of the cabinet to remotely turn the router on and off.
Here are some more photos of the new router table:
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

My original concern for combining the table saw and router was when there was a need to switch between the two. However, I have found that this was not a problem since realignment with the Accusquare fence is pretty quick. One problem I did find is that since I have a right-tilt blade on the table saw I have to remove the router fence assembly from the table saw fence when making 45 degree cuts. Once again though, I have found this to be rather painless after I did it a couple of times.
The enclosed cabinet and the vacuum attachment plate on the router fence adds greatly to minimizing the mess of shavings and dust, two features that I never had on the old router table.
Another bonus for this change, and this is a biggie, is that to get to the router I no longer have to pull the router table out, which would always require me to move something from in front of it. Now it is as handy as the table saw. 🙂
Back to the shop…