Mulecabinet Router table and Freud SH-5 Fence (Pic’s)

[Big Johnson]

Well I finally got all the components I ordered from Mulecab… UPS had lost the fence package and finally got it re-routed to me…

The router table seems to be a pretty good value for the $129.00 including shipping for a beginner or hobbyist but maybe not for a harder core user… I am pretty pleased with the quality but the setup was a bit on the cumbersome side…

It seems to fit the Ridgid TS2424 tablesaw very well with the fence rails slid to the right as a TS3612 would be… The thing I didn’t like about the setup is that it had no holes in the aluminum framework of the router table, nor very good instructions on putting the table together… The holes not being there really didn’t bother me as much as the lack of information or tips on how to mount it to the saw and adjustments would have assisted… This info was just not there so if it had not been for my years of experience in laying out parts and fabricating; I may have had a hard time… I have dimensions for anyone who purchases this table and would like to know of my hole placement for reference… The other thing I noticed that could be difficult for some would be drilling the 3/8” thick clear plate… It takes a lot of time and patients and if one was un-sure; I would recommend taking it to a machine shop to get the hole placement right for your router… You only get one shot when drilling the holes, so check it closely…

Below are some of the pictures I have taken of the setup… If anyone would like to see more photo’s or wants additional info, please don’t be shy… I will test drive the setup a little more before commenting on its performance…

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000697.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000698.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000699.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000703.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000704.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000708.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000715.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/iambigjohnson/Big%20Johnson/Router%20Table/IM000716.JPG

Sorry about the long download...

[ 04-15-2003, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: Big Johnson ]

[RevEd]

That sure is a beauty!!
Now I have some questions.
How do you like the Freud Router?
Any thoughts on the Hitachi M12V?
Can you lift the router through the plate hole? From the picture perspective it looks like the handles on the router are wider than the plate hole.
Again it sure looks nice. smile.gif

[Big Johnson]

RevEd,
I love the Freud router!!! I really can't comment on the Hitachi M12V, but have read many good comments on it... I am kind of a Freud nut so I typically stick with them...

The router doesn’t come up through the top of the table but lifts up from the bottom a few inches and then you tip the plate and router and run it down through the table, through the provided grooves in the MDF, and remove the router/plate from the bottom... it is very easy and slick... You can change bits from the top side from what I have noticed so far... I can take removal pictures if you would like...

See the 3rd and 4th picture above and maybe you will see what I mean...

[UO_Woody]

Looks sweet Rob!

I'm curious about the weight on the fence rails. I have 2 of the FT2000's and I know they are pretty heavy. Do you plan on making a solid insert for the router opening when the router is not in use? I also removed the handles off both my routers as they are permanently mounted.

[KellyC]

Sure looks nice Big! I'll have to get you to send me your hole locations and such when I get ready to mount mine....looks like you got it in there perfectly.

[MikeL]

Big,
That is a very nice looking unit. I was wondering if you took the springs out of the plunge base of the router? I hear, and it makes sense to me, that this makes adjustment much easier?

Mike

[Big Johnson]

UO_Woody,
“Do you plan on making a solid insert for the router opening when the router is not in use?”

Maybe… Do you think I need to… I’m not sure… I haven’t thought that far out yet… What is your opinion???

KelleyC,
I would be glad to share any useful info on setting up the RT that you would be interested in…

Jake,
I sure wish Ridgid could team up with these guys and make this a Ridgid option… The table would look great in Ridgid Orange…


MikeL,
Haven't taken the springs out yet but I think I'm gonna... It is very hard to adjust otherwise...

Check out this link: http://www.routerworkshop.com/mark1.html?list=ME05--

[Big Johnson]

MikeL,
Well okay I hadn't take the springs out an hour ago, but now I have... It was so simple you wouldn't believe it... Took me a whole 5 min. from start to finish... I think it was the best thing I ever did... It is ton's easier to adjust now... I used the link I posted above to do it...

[Tim89s]

That's a nice setup. Where do you get those router table inserts for the 3612?

[Hardly Workin]

Wow what a nice set up. I wonder why this type setup is more desirable than a Router/Shaper? I saw one of them at Lowes, a Delta unit. It was about $200 and has the motor built in. No bolting and unbolting your router, and it looked to be a decent unit. Nothing like the qualtiy of the Ridgid stuff agreed, but it was a lot cheaper than this setup shown here. Do they not do as good a job or is it undesirable for other reasons?
The book i ordered on woodworking shop setup, lists the acquisiton, the hunt for shop tools and perfect setup as a cultish pursuit. I doubt this is it. I would appreciate hearing back from you why you chose this unit, over the router/shaper tables from say Delta.
thanks

[Big Johnson]

Tim89s,
I got the router table from a company on the internet called Mule Cabinetmaker... There web address is: http://www.mulecab.com/index.asp

The link to the exact table is here: http://www.mulecab.com/products.asp?mnu_Products=3&x=9&y=1

The link to the Freud Fence is here: http://www.mulecab.com/accessories.asp?mnu_Products=3&x=9&y=1&Access_ID=7

Hardly Workin,
The reason I went with this type of table over adding another piece of equipment is to conserve space... I am getting filled up with equipment and wood working product in a hurry... I try to run as lean as possible by using my space wisely... I would love to have a dedicated shaper but to get the quality that I would want would cost me at least a grand or better and the smaller units don't have the horse power from what I have heard to run the big cabinet bits that I plan on running... I can’t speak for the Delta you mentioned because I know nothing about it… The Freud FT2000E router has quite a bit of guts to it and with the Mule Cabinet 8"x8" clear plate I can still run the router by hand if I need to... I might out grow the 3-1/4hp Freud in time... My whole shop is on wheels for portability so I can move things around and it is starting to get a bit cramped... I am considering on adding another 20' square to my existing space and at that time I will be in the market for a 15" or so planer/molder and a 3hp to 5hp shaper...

Hope that answers your question... smile.gif

[UO_Woody]

Rob,

Sorry it took me so long to respond. For the solid insert when router is not in use, yes. I made one for mine and glad I did. It's a catch all and mini work bench most of the time. My plate is quite a bit larger than yours, but for the hanging weight I'd say it would be a good idea.