best table insert?

[measure once...cut twice]

I am looking for a good material to use for a router table insert. As it stands I am going to be building two tables. I've magaged to find ~1/2"x12"x24" inch acrylic for only $20 or am I better off with a 3/8"x12"x24" phenolic (garolite grade xx) for a cost of $25. Now cost is going to be a big factor for me, so I will be cutting costs wherever I can. Is it really worth the extra money to get the phenolic sheet? or are the two products fairly comparable?

[imported_Darrell]

At the prices you are talking about, it might be better to just purchase an insert. For example, click this link to Northwest Power Tools (http://www.northwestpowertools.com/routers/table/rm3509.htm). They have a Rousseu 3509 insert for $29.

This is a highly recommended insert and the one that I use. It has removable inserts so you can match the opening to the bit size. And it includes a starter-pin which is needed for freehand bearing work.

You can skip the template and save a few bucks, (you will need to make one for you home made insert as well).

Advantages:
-Ready to go, no fabrication needed,
-Removable inserts
-Smallest opening can accept standard PC router guides
-Includes starter-pin

Cons for building your own:
-Needs fabrication
-Need to purchase and install a starter pin
-Bit opening is fixed. Must build several inserts
-Not much savings at the prices you mention

I'm sure there are lots of other inserts of similar price and features.

[Marcus]

I've used the Rousseau for a while now and love it. Only thing you need to do is give the red ring a light sanding with 100 grit to make it easier to get in and out.

[imported_ByteButcher]

A commercial plate like the Rousseau is nice for the multiple bit openings and other goodies. If you want to go really cheap though, just laminate some thinner acrylic. I got some 1/8" acrylic for free and glued it up with some plastic model cement to make 3/8". This made some inexpensive, sturdy router bases for edging and large bits.

[woodslayer]

I remember a discussion some time ago and someone stated they used this stuff with favorable results as an economic alternative for router table inserts, I kept the link but have never used the product or source.

Woodslayer

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=UHMW&product%5Fid=UHMW+Cut+Sheet&MSCSProfile=95385A1F52DEA1A229D5B37542054464437A04 4E41BF85D12 5B8C986FAE3286125BEA3ED9C414087C9439A7B521534A7A7A D60FB40BA15B6030E33904334FFAAF124A952C0254D69C8905 12B2A87646B169E6924DC85E510C91095815DC6526FCD89114 1707157D0BD9567BCE794BE3798525 4AFED4D5ED683FA652D9852D0B859D5BF9C79BF14DC (http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=UHMW&product%5Fid=UHMW+Cut+Sheet&MSCSProfile=95385A1F52DEA1A229D5B37542054464437A04 4E41BF85D125B8C986FAE3286125BEA3ED9C414087C9439A7B 521534A7A7AD60FB40BA15B6030E33904334FFAAF124A952C0 254D69C890512B2A87646B169E6924DC85E510C91095815DC6 526FCD891141707157D0BD9567BCE794BE37985254AFED4D5E D683FA652D9852D0B859D5BF9C79BF14DC)

[imported_ByteButcher]

Thanks for the link Woodslayer! That stuff appears to be good cutting board material and I've been looking for a 24" long piece to slice up standard size paper stock for my large format inkjet printer.

P.S. I should have added where I found free acrylic. It was from a trophy/engraving shop. They sometimes make mistakes on signs and they just throw it away.