Scheppach dedicated bench router - Part 2

[UPO]

Many thanks for some interesting but disturbing reading.

I was out at H&F Brisbane a couple of week ago looking at this router table -

So what brand / model is reasonable value or similar cost as Scheppach unit as an entry level table or is it better to build from scratch ??

Thanks
UPO - Richard

[econ]

Richard, it all depends on what you want to use it for now and in the future.

I recently learnt a valuable lesson. I have several router tables, routers, dovetail router jigs
Ranging in price from cheap to how will I pay the mortgage if I buy this ? For a long time I went with the cheaper options. Whats clear in retrospect is that somehow this never results in an entirely satisfactory product. Cast iron tables that are out by few thou, router bearings that become noticeably sloppy, fences that need fiddly finger tapping adjustment, jigs that are just that little bit finicky to set up ,etc .etc etc . As I get older I want my gear to work pretty much out of the box and for this there is price to be paid. If I had my time over , I would spend big one time and not , lots of medium to low spends.

For routing tables and ancilliary routing equipment for the long haul that will hurt your bank account but only once , go to one of this forums sponsors, professional woodworkers.

In particular I highly recommend the Incra fence / jig system on any router table that is flat.

If serious routing is in your future the Incra will make you happy you made the investment . It looks complex and fiddly but if you follow the step by step onstructions , in an afternoon youl'll be routing things like dovetails , edge profiles , dadoes with unrivalled precision. Unfortunately the number of resources on the web for this product are few so its hard to appreciate its full potential.

[safari]

I bought a router table top from Professional Woodworkers together with an insert drilled for a Triton router. I made a stand with a couple of draws for storage. All up probably cost $75 less than the Sheppach plus the cost of the router but you end up with a table that is very accurate from the start without any of the hassles and you have a router that can be used for other jobs if required.

Definitely the way to go.

[Simplicity]

I Also have an incra system, yes it's expensive.
And yes it does what it says.
I only have one router table, and it was the incra from day one.
And Yeah I had to save big for that one, but it's been worth it.

[UPO]

Thanks Econ - totally agree " get what you pay for" but as just jumping into the pond, want to keep cost down if can while getting to understand what is what - mostly use handtools and the router ( just bought Triton MOF001 ) is first major lash out so looking at all options suggested.

Safari - seriously looking at buying top & insert & fence - makes a lot of sense to me

Simplicity - incra system - has serious thinking ahead

Thanks for input

UPO - Richard