The Garage Workshop - 10 minute Tool Review - Trend CRT/MK3 Router Table
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- Опубликовано: 19 янв 2025
- Hello Fellow Woodworkers!
Welcome to this weeks' edition of The Garage Workshop!
In this weeks’ video I review the Trend CRT/MK3 portable router table from Trend.
Watch as I construct the table and then adapt a novel approach to using a router other than Trends. I also give you my honest opinion on whether this table if worth the money.
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Your review of the T8 router was excellent! Probably, IMHO, the best you have posted to date. Everything about it sounds fab' , except the 100db plus noise level. Okay, I get it, with a shopvac on the go, every operation will be unpleasant, and require ear defenders, but, as you point out, it is not the same as a chop saw, where the loudness is intermittent, but relatively constant.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to share.
I've had one of these tables for a few years now and use it regularly. Most often nowadays with those pieces in the that you didn't know what they were for (at approx 13:40). Just in case you haven't figured it out yet, they are to offset the out-feed side of the fence to use the table as a jointer. If you loosen the cheek of the out-feed fence you'll see a number (four I think) of square openings which you slide those rods into - one top, one bottom. They're not all the same dimension so you need to check you find a matching pair (don't ask me how I know 😁). Tighten the face back down and it will be a few mill proud of the in-feed side of the fence. By moving the fence in relation to the router bit (a straight bit of some kind) you can joint the edge of a board square and flat. Brilliant for joining several narrower boards into a wider board. Search on 'using your router table as a jointer' for more detailed guidance. Great video by the way.
Thank you so much for the comment...I had worked it our but ionly recently!
I can see a router table build coming soon. Great video, as always.
Yep!...Thanks Mark :)
I have this router table, and it's excellent. I'm also like you and need to think about how this integrates with the rest of my workshop as it is a bit of a pain getting it out and setting it up every time I need to use it. I'm thinking some fold down brackets, but allowing space for the router underneath needs to be considered.
A couple of points. The lead on pin isn't to do with the power socket. A lead on pin is used for safely routing curves and can be used when using templates. Trend have a good article on this in their knowledge base on their website.
Also, the 2 rods that you weren't sure of. They're edge planing rods. Great to have if you want to use your router table as a surface planer/jointer - saves you buying another tool! The rods go in the slots on one side of the fence (to essentially make that side protrude more than the other side), you then feed through your workpiece and edge planes it down pass by pass. A great addition in my eyes.
Also, the dust extraction port that you weren't happy with. I'd disagree that it's too big. Routing produces A LOT of chippings and saw dust. You need a decent size dust extraction port to accommodate that waste. A smaller port would mean clogging and blockages would happen a lot more. You can adjust the fence to allow the opening of the fence to allow for more waste if necessary.
Good review though. Have a play with it some more, then do another video in a few weeks to see how you've been getting on with it.
Hi Matt...Thanks for the feedback...perhaps too big was the wrong statement I meant an inconvenient size for my shops vacs :)
I have one of these . for the extraction i cut the neck of of a plastic bottle to use as a reducer to the vacuum cleaner .
Fab idea Gordan...thanks...I did think of a bicycle inner tube...
Great review as always
Thanks Mark!
hey Roger....I have a plasticy router table which Ive had for year which I bought secondhand.....I tried to use it but find the set up challenging particularly getting the height adjustment.....think I might (in the future (as with all my jobs) make a box with a height adjuster so I can lift the bit height accurately
That's a great idea Adam!
Hi Rog, good review of your new toy… 🖖🏻
Nice table, I do like Trend stuff, always quality… 👍🏻
Just got hold of a new (to me) unboxed B&Q cheapie complete with Router that I need to get to grips with… ✅
Cheers, Rog… 🐍
Thanks and I have to say i love it!
Hi Roger, hope your well. That router table look a good bargain and comes with a NVR switch ans socket. Solid and sturdy well made, but I like the idea to have it integrated in to a workbench. As always a great video, Take care
Yeah I am really happy with it Shaun...it's a nice bit of kit!
Had mine separate for a while but just felt too in the way everywhere when not in use. I ended up doing what you said, building it into an enclosure. Sat in a workbench one end with my table saw the other.much better.
That sounds a good idea...thanks
I bought one of these on Prime Day too! I’ve also got the same Bosch router as you and was wondering how to fit it. Im reluctant to drill holes in the top plate so was intrigued to see your solution. You also mentioned adapter plates being available although I’ve not been able to track anything down. Do you have a link? I also read on Amazon that you could use the Unibase as an adapter although trend say it’s not suitable.
Hi Nitrama...I did find an adaptor plate on a website but to be honest it was so expensive I may stay witha wood based solution or get a cheap sheet or steel or aluminium and make my own. I will contact Trend and see what they say and let you know.
Did you consider the router tables by Lumberjack. They have two. One has a built in router motor for £200 and another with cast iron table but no router motor for £250. I wonder how they compare to the Trend one?
Thanks for the feedback...I did look at it but wasn't impressed when I saw it at Maker Central
I have this with a Dewalt 625 and it’s pretty good, only problem I’ve found is that I purchased an upgraded mitre gauge from Rutlands that for some reason doesn’t fit the track so I may have to change that, otherwise it’s done everything I’ve asked of it.
Very useful Phil thank you!
Did you find a better solution for attaching your router, I have just got my bench and have the same router as you, but don't want to give up 12mm of travel 😮
I got the Trend in the end which was a slight cop out :(
Hi Roger, I have this same router table but have it set down in cabinets (similar to what you would do with a mitre saw). It is also attached to a Trend T35 extractor and a Trend T11 router. A pricey initial set up but I have not regretted it at all. I have had it for 7+ years now and something I still love using. I'm sure mine came fully assembled??
Hi Steve...what's the Trend T35 extractor like?
@@thegarageworkshop4791 Hi Roger, I thoroughly rate, first dust extractor I got and never gone wrong. We also use it for cleaning up the shed as the hose is super long. I also use it for blowing out tools Etc as this works very well. I would definitely buy again.
How do you go adjusting the height of your router?
I will just use either the bit in the router or the plunge function
@@thegarageworkshop4791 true. I have that router in a bench and setting the height for me is a battle as the springs for the plunge are very stiff and when pushing against them I lift the whole table. Maybe it’s just me.
I use a car jack, fitted under the router, works a treat😉
@@iantivenan4841 Yeah I have see that on a few videos on RUclips...may try that
I’m incredibly surprised how much the Sauter lift costs. It came up in many videos a year ago. EUR 486.19 for the OFL2.0 That is more than many of the nicer brands available in the US.
The lift mechanism did worry me...I am happy with the jack for now though
Saved us a few hours of confusion; the manual is not good !
Thanks Leon