Do you want a quick drilling, routing, 2D and 3D milling jobs easily to be done? A wooden router table can help. However, it doesn’t need to be an expensive router table. You should be proud of yourself to build a simple to a complicated set of router table for your workshop. It definitely doesn’t look like a perfect machine but at least, it can satisfy your own needs with spending a decent budget rather than purchasing a commercial one from the store. How do you start?
In this article, you will find out about the method to build a simple and efficient handmade wooden 3D router table of maximum versatility. Surely, you can build a 3D router table as good as the other type in a fraction of the time.
You can design your router table building project in AutoCAD for a construction layout before going to cut in reality. Make a design build it simply, easily and cheaply.
What is the difference between a 3D router table and a normal router table?
The difference is that the 3D router table can make simple shapes 3D milling via a reference model. It is also can be used as a 3-axis drill press, sanding station, and a 2D router. The capacity of 3D is also known as the smooth movement capacity in three dimension space by diagonals and curves. Before, wood workers can only design carving using 2D or 2.5D. It is when two-dimension with the z-axis movement, x-axis, and y-axis stand still or only a single moving up or down. In another explanation, the result of the 2D technique is a flat one of what we cut. You can make a 2.5D design if adding up and down movements of the router on the workpiece. The 2.5D design, in general, should be assigned a depth or multiple depths for router’s movement in cutting grooves or flat pockets. You can see many applications of 2D design technique in classic carving or chiseling. It is a great way to add impression for your letter, sign design or wood decorative projects.
Meanwhile, 3D designs the project in a more natural and reader style. It demands the three axis move simultaneously while cutting. There are a lot of designs for you to take advantage using this technique to create most impressive designs. It is without difficulties and can be very cheap if you can make a machine with its full 3D capacity to create shapes with specific specifications.
There are many 3D capacities and different applications for you to choose the best works for your project.
It is recommended for you to use the Router and saw table to begin your project at home. It will give you great precision and considerable experience of woodworking. There are two requirements for the cuts. First, they need to be perfectly straight and square. Second, they should be axis parallel ad well-aligned. Moreover, bumps on bearings must be avoided. If not, there will be much vibrating with your tool.
Begin cutting, then sanding. Put everything in hand for the next step of assembling. Start with by setting up the axis metal profiles. Iron or steel is the ideal materials to make this. It is more perfect to use aluminum as it is much softer than the bearings. After that, you use glue to keep the screw stay stitching without catching the bearings. Make sure to let them be parallel and straight.
Dowels can be used to make many parts strong enough without loose out.
Start by assembling the X-axis frame. Keep in mind to prevent width in the metal profile. There are some places you need to adjust the bearings to the metal profile.
Then continue with the Y-axis frame. This frame must stay square and be able to slide along the arms of the x-axis.
The last axis is Z axis. Assemble every part together now. The universal collet hole should be very exact. The best way to do this is drilling with the right bit. The milling machine often comes loose. So, the tip here is to prevent vibration is to fasten the milling machine well.
I hope that this is somehow helpful to your woodworking experience. Those are the general guide for you with the introduction to 3D and why you should choose 3D router table with its efficient features applied into your work. There are different methods and styles to make a 3D router table. Therefore, at the beginning, you also should prepare for the right way to do it.
