I'm looking to upgrade from my job site table saw and small trim router table to a more professional cabinet saw and a full-sized router table. I'm wondering what the pros and cons are of having a router table integrated into my table saw compared to having them as separate units. My shop is small, so space is a factor, but my main priorities are long-term quality, accuracy, and versatility. Are there any other considerations I should keep in mind besides just space?
3 Answers
Both setups definitely have their positives and negatives. An integrated setup saves space and often gives you a better fence for the router, but you could run into issues using both tools simultaneously. For smaller shops, it’s crucial to think about how you'll position everything and the flow of your work. Also, remember that a router table and a trim router are not interchangeable; they serve different purposes in the shop.
Having an integrated router with your table saw can save space, but it might get in the way when using both tools. If you're doing a lot of repetitive cuts and routings, having the router head in the way could slow things down. You'll need to manage the router bit height frequently, which could lead to setup errors while juggling both functions.
Great point! If your workflow requires frequent switching between cutting and routing, the tools being in each other's way could create inefficiencies.
I've found that having a separate router table works best for me. It was convenient to switch to an integrated setup, but after a while, I realized it was easier to have dedicated spaces for both. Plus, it’s handy not to have to walk across the shop every time I need to change setups. Just make sure to consider your work flow and how you plan to move materials through your shop.
That makes sense! But do you ever find the extra space and equipment get in the way, too? Some say it can be a hassle with the additional setup.
Totally agree on the different uses! I've got a dedicated table for my trim router now, and while I originally thought they would be better combined, I've mostly found it useful for specific tasks.