Router Station

 This is probably my most prized tool in my shop. I planned for 10 years to make a router station to replace my flimsy router table. I just wanted to incorporate all of the best features I could think of. The first thing was to buy a good lift unit and design around it. I purchased a Woodpecker Quick Lift for a time saver instead of cranking on a 32 thread shaft to get the bit above the table. I had to re-bore the lift mechanism to fit my Milwaukee router which was 3 9/16" ( 1/16 larger in diameter). Then I fitted the lift with a third guide post with a lock because the two they have seem to be off to one side and not balanced. ( but the 2 posts did work just fine)
 I made the table with 8 full extension drawers and dovetailed them with my cheapo HF dovetail fixture.I also modified the lift mechanism to be screwed down to the table because it would rise when lifted and a little sawdust would drop below it and make it too high. I also drilled it out for a little tool holder to catch the bottom wrench.
 The fence is made from a hollow alum extrusion with T slots all around. I capped one end and put the vacuum port on the other. The bottom half of the fence adjusts for different dia. cutters.  It is as split fence I can adjust the gap to match the bit
 I don't have a central vacuum system in my little shop so I wired the back outlet to be "hot" when you turn on the router and the shop vac automatically turns on.
 The last shot is one of my lift-out router bit holders There are 2 for the 1/4" bits and 2 for the 1/2" bits. I'm running out of room in them too. Time to stop buying cutters!!

 I took the following shots of the 3 drawers I use to support the router and two of the gauges I made  from Harbor Freight drop indicators that I use to accurately set the height of the bit and the placement of the fence. These are very useful when using the lock miter bit.

Cheers, Jim