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This week, I have been making the mobile insert table for the router. You can see in
this picture, the router table insert is in position. I have propped it on two adjustable
roller stands. I can't use it this way but it gives me an idea of proportions and allows
me to measure it accurately in position.
I am ripping some more "manufactured" lumber to 1 1/2" square.
These will be legs on my mobile table.
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Let me discuss
"mobility" a second. I have added all sorts of casters to cabinet tool stands
that I have built. They always allow me the portability I need, but rarely am I happy with
their locking capabilities. Some, when locked, still allow movement and the expensive
locking ones are expensive.
When I move the table saw around, I am always impressed how the mobile base
works so effortlessly — even with the 400# load. Finally it dawned on me: use
the very same mechanism.
Delta has just that...a mobile base kit. I have seen it in catalogs, but this
is the first time I have had a chance to use it. I will tell you right now — it is
great!
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The instructions
call for 1 1/2" wide hardwood stock. The store clerk just said "it works with
any '2-by' lumber." I am sure it would, but the frame must be solid and square. I
used the glued up 3/4" hardwood ply stock I had made. It is exactly 1 1/2" thick
and fits the mobile base corners like a glove.
I am marking the holes for the bolts.
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I used the drill press,
but you could certainly use a hand drill if you are careful to keep the drill
perpendicular. You cannot drill the board in place in the steel corner. The back side of
the hole is square to receive the carriage bolt head.
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I did say that you need to
read the instructions first. I didn't read the part about not using the hole that I did on
the left. It is impossible to fit both of the these carriage bolts in place. The heads get
in the way of each other.
So when I was swearing out the manufacture's designer, I read the
instructions and saw that they don't use the hole at the left.
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Having drilled the holes, I
decided that I could do it if I just ground off one side on the head of one of the bolts
— took a second and works fine.
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You can see that I have the
sides locked in the corner brackets and am now drilling for the lift mechanism.
I have clamped the piece on the frame and am drilling through the holes.
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I tighten the bolts.
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The last step in the
assembly is to add the wheel with a shaft that is secured by two hog rings that are
pressed into place.
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I have my mobile base. Now
it is time to built the table to support my 2' X 4' router table top that I made in the
first installment of this story. You can see that the corners have "trays" where
a machine is meant to rest. I thought of making the table so that legs would fit in these
trays...but then came up with a better idea.
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