Shaper/Router Fence Suggestions

[HardRock]

OK, I posted a while back about needing a fence for an old shaper I acquired........everyone resoundingly said "build it!".

I finally got off my rear last night and got started. I'm using MDF 3/4" so far. Fence is about 7 3/4" tall with about 6" base. Nothing is glued yet, so lets have some suggestions. I was thinking the mdf doesn't have very good wear characteristics, so what about a laminate or something on the face?

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/uasracer/DCP00636.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/uasracer/DCP00635.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/uasracer/DCP00637.jpg

 

[Steve D]

Yes, laminate would be a good addition but laminate both sides. That will not onle provide protection but keep the fence face flat.

 

[DaveO]

You could also consider a tempered hardboard on the face, it could be replaced easily if damaged. I would attach with either hot glue/ hide glue or small countersunk screws. And then cover the rest of the MDF with a poly to prevent it from sucking up moisture. But a laminate would be your best choice, possibly a little more difficult to do but better.
Dave

 

[hpetty]

I'm working on my never-to-be-complete router table and plan on building a laminated fence similar to your out of MDF. I've already cut out the pieces, but not applied the laminate.

I have a little more white laminate than I can use. If you need a small piece let me know. (I can also provide you with some glue). I'm not too far down the road from you if you will PM me I'll give you some directions.

 

[HardRock]

Thanks all,

I've been thinking on it some more and was thinking of doing two sacrificial sliding "boards" on the face of the MDF. This would allow to open and close the gap around the different sized cutters. For the laminate, I was thinking plain old cheap slick formica, it's durable, and easy to work with. I'll probably be getting a good bit shortly as I got kitcken counter tops to do.

Would there be any advantage in using a cabinet grade ply for the sliding boards, or should I just stick with the MDF? This is the first time I've used MDF, just heard about it alot on NYWS........was also considering planing down some good dry red oak to about 1/2 - 5/8 and using it for the sliding boards, which would be best.

I've still got to figure out how to clamp it all up nice and square too for gluing.

 

[Steve D]

MDF has a lot of uses and a lot of faults. One thing very positive about it is that it is very flat and dimensionally stable. Two very good characteristics for a fence.

 

[DavidF]

I'd go MDF every time. I have never bothered to finish with anything, but mine are normally exposed on all sites so tend to stay in equalibrium. If there was laminate on one side then DaveO's suggestion of a sealer finish may pay off

 

[D L Ames]

MDF has a lot of uses and a lot of faults. One thing very positive about it is that it is very flat and dimensionally stable. Two very good characteristics for a fence.

....and if I remember correctly according to this and this you can even make gravy out of it.

D L

 

[Ken Massingale]

You may want to consider Corian for the sliding faces:

It's fairly cheap and very flat. Tuff too.
I posted contact info for the lady I buy it from in the Power Tool forum under this thread:
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1097

ken

 

[D L Ames]

Thanks for reposting that link Ken.:icon_thum That seems like a great source for Corian and I agree, it would be a great surface for a fence. Certainly worth considering.

D L

 

[Ts Wood Butcher]

Hey Hard Rock I made a fence just like that a year or so ago. It works great. I used Melamine for adjustable faces and they side Like a dream. Here are a couple of pic's. Man I did realize the shop was that nasty, but if work I guess it shows. Good luck.

 

[D L Ames]

Tony, welcome to the site. That's a great looking fence you made. I like how you made the lower portions of the fence adjustable. It also looks like that Melamine is holding up very well.

When you get a chance, please feel free to drop by the "Who We Are" forum and tell us a little bit about yourself.

D L

 

[sapwood]

Nice Woodbutcher! That's pretty nifty :-D

Checked out your website and you have made some nice stuff. All in all the site looked good, but I noticed a lot of spelling errors. No criticism intended, but I would encourage you to review that.

Anyway, we're glad you joined us. And as D L suggested, don't forget to post on the "Who We Are" form.

Sapwood

 

[Ts Wood Butcher]

Yeep I haven't had a chanceto get my editor... (the wife) to go over yet.
Thanks for al the nice words. I have a couple of other thing shop made that I want to share with you., but I'll start some new threads.

 

[HardRock]

Thanks all for the additional info. TSWB, yours may be the one I saw somewhere and got the idea for mine. I saw Ken's on woodnet maybe, Corian seems really nice. Supposedly, there a gy around Statesville that has remenants of solid surface and stone counter tops.....supposedly, he'll recut to specifics quite reasonably. Once I see first hand, I'll post info back here.

TSWB, I really like the way you left the top half of the fence solid and just have the sliders for the max height bit. I had already cut some sliders, full height, but I think I'll re think that now as I dont see having an 8" tall cutter in there.

BTW, I learned a good lesson when I went to glue it up, good tight dry fit is too tight with glue......next tim I'm gonna open up those dado's a little.