Table Saw Fence VS. Router Table Fence
If you have ever considered using a table saw fence as a
router fence, you might want to stop and think about it. While a router mounted
in a table saw extension table might seem like an efficient use of space and
assets, the limitations are significant.
The main concern is a router fence has two adjustable halves. This allows the router bit to be positioned
between the two halves. Most router work on a router table will be done when only
a portion of the bit will be in front of the fence. The rest of the bit will
remain between the two fence halves and usually in an enclosure that will
include a dust port.
Another concern is the mounting of the router, some folks
have cut a hole in the extension table and counter sunk the screws that attach
the router to the table, and that was it. Usually longer screws will have to be
purchased to offset the extra thickness of the extension table. There is also a
router table base plate that can be cut into the table and comes with insert
rings of different size holes to accommodate different size router bits. There
is usually a pin included that will aide in pin routing. Care must also be
taken positioning the base plate between the ribs of the extension table.
Rousseau Company makes a router base plate 3509 and Powermatic
has a Rout-R-Lift that can be mounted in the table extension. It
also comes with a removable router fence and is attached to the base plate.
The table saw fence can be used as straight edge but is definitely
limited. I have not heard of any dual
purpose fences on the market, maybe someday there will be one.
