Editorial Review

This tool makes humans as close to foolproof as we can get, at least when it comes to measuring, cutting and installing trim without a flaw. We love that it’s a solid piece, with nothing adjustable on it, so you know its 45- and 90-degree angles are always true. It takes the gymnastics out of measuring, too, whether screwed to your workbench or temporarily tacked to the working wall with 6d finish nails, because of the built-in tape measure hooks. Even tricky inside-to-inside miters are a snap. Perfect 3/16-inch reveals on windows and door jambs are guaranteed every time: Just line it up and draw your guide with the pencil holes. Though it’s marketed for casements, we’d keep it in the toolbox for all kinds of jobs. Imagine installing baseboard up to door trim and lining up the Trim Loc for a perfect cutline every time. We think it’d be the perfect gauge for squaring saw blades, too. This little tool will save you time, money and lots of frustration.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Solid polymer
• 8 tools-in-one
• Install trim faster and more accurately
• Eliminate measuring errors, reduce waste
• Save time and money

Reviews (16)

Works great but a lot of money for plastic
Unlike many of the reviewers who bash this tool, I have actually used it and have made "perfect miters" with it.I am a professional woodworker and I do use it.It is handy for marking a reveal around door jambs and for making a perfect 45 degree reference line in the corners.The only problem I have with it is I was expecting it to be be metal and it was plastic.I have seen them in metal in stores and other reviewers referred to them as metal.The plastic works fine.It is just a lot of money for plastic.

Very handy tool for hanging trim
Not being a professional trim carpenter, this tool really helped me do a good job trimming doors and windows. I read the negative reviews calling the tool useless--and it may very well be to an old pro. If you make your living trimming out houses, you're probably beyond this. I agree with the complaint about the lack of instructions. It took me a little while to figure out how to use it. Just examine the pictures and practice with some scrap, and you'll soon be rolling right along.

Agree with pointless
This is a gadget.How much it will help you probably depends on your skill level. I do not know of a single pro-trimmer that uses this thing. Most pro-trimmers do not even use a tape measure for installing casings anyway, so this "toy" only adds a step. I highly doubt it will give you "perfect miters every time" so do not expect it will.Perfect miters are elusive to the best of us at times and it takes experience, skill, an accurate saw and a good blade, and a few installation tricks to to get the "perfect miter" that won't open up. Given that this tool ranks #4 in sales must mean something, but I would not expect it to deliver on all it claims it can do for your casing work. Bench Dog is makes some excellent products but I am not so sure of this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Measuring & Layout Tools   

Subjects:  1. Jigs    2. Featherboards    3. (Feather Boards)    4. Routers    5. Tables    6. (Routertables)   

Features

• Made in the USA
• Safe, easy way to change 10-inch table saw blades
• Protects both hands and saw blade
• Helps eliminate the chance of cuts, chipped teeth, and bent blades
• Made from plastic that's tough enough to handle the abuse in any shop

Reviews (7)

Waste of money
I use my push stick and sometimes a leather glove.

Let's Fess Up, How have we been changing blades?
I must admit, I have been using a screwdriver to lock one of the teeth on the table saw blade. All the time I am exerting pressure, I am thinking, "This has got to be bad for the blade. I hope I don't slip and chip a carbide tooth." I was lucky, no chips, but the process was capable of at least a ever so slighty, bending the blade. The other alternative was to use 2x4 and let the blade bite into it. The problem is that works only one way.I did the vise grip on the blade, without touching the teeth method as well.
I am sure their are as many ingenious ways, people have come up with locking the blade, as their are different types of blades.
So now here comes Bench Dog, with an ideal solution. Why not make a hard plastic holder, that sits on top of the blade, protecting you, and the blade in one step. It holds the blade both ways, and still allows you to use a wrench on the locking nut. Bench Dog wins a lot of awards, for their superior engineering. Ok, so it is made out of plastic. I don't know what else would do, surely not metal, against metal carbide teeth. I'm glad to give them most of the purchase price for the design, and leave a little left over for the cost of the material.
This Blade Loc is ideal for blade changes. Highly recommended for your safety, and the blades.

good product,buta bit pricey
This is a tool that anyone who owns a table saw should have
one. Although it can be bought cheaper at grizzly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blades    2. Table Saw Blades    3. (Tablesaws)    4. Saws    5. Table Saws    6. Table Saw Attachments   

Features

• Blade changing tool for 10-inch saws
• Protects your blade and your hands
• No need to remove the blade guard
• Includes Feather-Loc featherboard

Reviews (4)

Cheaper to buy individually
You can buy these individually on Amazon for $28.00 and change.

Bench Dog is A Pedigree
I have Bench Dog's RT-250 table saw extension, router table, and it is built like a rock. I bought a few of their featherboards, and this combo kit as well. I needed to find a better way to change the blade on the table saw. What I really want to talk about is the featherboards. This one comes with the 3/4" Miter Track adapter. What that is, is a thick piece of aluminum, that is open in the middle. When you tighten the knobs on the top of the featherboard, it pulls the 3/8" headnut up into the adapter, spreading it. Snugs it into your miter track real nice. Technically if you have some wax or oil in the track, you will have to tighten it well.
By undoing the nut, and removing the adapter, it doubles as a 3/8" T-track featherboard. That is a common size track, and has the advantage of creating a track-tunnel, that the head of the nut will not come out of, no matter how hard we try. :-)
So what about home made featherboards? I'm sure there are those who have featherboard making, down to a science. My personal experience, is that the ribs are either too thick, and resist the workpiece too much, or too thin, and break readily. These Bench Dogs are none of that. Strong, yet gentle, firm enough to hold onto a 2x10 if you wanted them to. Easily adjustable, with just the right amount of tension, and yet finely adjustable for even the smaller pieces of work.
The other big advantage is that they are right there, in the work area, where you want them. No far reaching clamps. You can use one or two, on the table, both as an infeed, and an outfeed guide. Additionally, you may want to have one on the infeed, and outfeed above-on your fence. An inexpensive 3/8" T-Track will give you that kind of pressure and security that these tracks allow. Helps prevent kickback, from a workpiece lifting slightly off of the table saw. It lifts, an 1/8", and gets trapped between the fence and the blade, and out of nowhere, you get a piece of what is now scrap, snapping into your belly. It only happened to me once, but now I stand off to one side of the saw. You may notice that the safety hold downs that come with the better saws, are designed to achieve just that. This featherboard, will take care of that for you.
When routing, I use them. All it takes is a slight lifting of the material, and you have a noticeable defect in the workpiece. With these you get great results every time. You are almost tempted to pause. It holds it that true. If it wasn't for burning, I would go answer the phone, in the middle of a run. :-) Just kidding of course, but you get the idea.
These are substantially made. You could run them over in your car, and it wouldn't hurt them. Will definitely last a long time, and should never wear out.
The big advantage is the amount of set up time you save. It is easy to get the right amount of resistance out of them. Just right, so it ever so slightly slows the work, while maintaining just the right amount of pressure to keep the work true. I was unable to achieve that myself. Bench Dog featherboards keep that artistic posture flowing. Highly recommended.
What about Bench Dog? They are the winners of several accolades, not the least of which is editors choice awards. Once you start to experience the super engineering, and durable quality of the line, you'll know your bitten by the dog. Then you will want to write crazy long reviews, and give it to everone else. :-) Buy them, you won't be sorry.

Helpful to have- but not perfect
I have owned these accessories for about 4 months now, and they basically work. I questioned how long the Blade-Loc would stand up to a sharp saw blade and that is, essentially my problem. I believe that already after only 12 or so changes from rip to crosscut to my beloved Forrest it is now slipping regardless of the pressure I put on it. It still works if I use the front stabilizing wedge in the tooths of my blade - but why pay the money - right? Well that brings to me to part that I am rather pleased with in the featherboard, that works very well. The ABS plastic is smooth enough that the work moves along effortlessly and the split prong w/ tapered bolt setup for the miter slot works great. The feathers are definitley rigid enough to hold the ever dangerous kick backs and is both easy to adjust and remove. The featherboard is great, Blade Loc not as great. Since it comes in a combo pack and I am still using the Blade Loc ( although not exactly as intended ) I can still recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jigs    2. Featherboards    3. (Feather Boards)   

Features

• The ultimate panel cutting and routing accessory
• Protects your hands with a solid aluminum barrier
• Accommodates all raised panel bits
• Reduces fatigue by holding down the panel
• Includes 20" section of T-Loc t-track so you can mount it to fences of your own design or to other fences

Reviews (3)

Great for cutting plywood on table saw
I had to mount the Panel-Loc to a 2x4 fence because the fence on my table saw is too tall to allow the Panel-Loc to hold down thin plywood. It works much better than a featherboard for ripping plywood. It would be 5 stars except for one problem. You cannot see the base of the fence to ensure that material is tight against the fence.

Great product
I got this as a gift from my daughter last year but didn't have a slot in my router fence to use it.Finally got around to making some MDF fences with the right slots and found out this is a great product.I've always had trouble keeping the part I was routing down against the table and tight against the fence.This solves the first problem and helps with the second.It gives you a uniform depth by keeping downward pressure on the wood.It is easy to setup, takes about 5 seconds to set the proper pressure on the wood.

Two disadvantages keep me from rating it as 5 star.I tried routing some rail and stiles and found they were too thin and slipped under the guard.The second problem is when you want to adjust the router bit depth of cut, you can't see the bit so you have to slip the guard out of the way, adjust the depth, and then slip the guard back.This is fairly easy but annoying.
Even with these two disadvantages, this is the best product I've found for router applications.I especially like the fact that the bit is fully encased and dust collecion is greatly enhanced.

This thing deserves the design of the year award
I had bought the Bench Dog PL400 a while ago, and unfortunately it sat in the tube it ships in. Well I broke it out, and after using it, I am sorry that I didn't do it sooner. It is great. It will fit any type of fence with the standard T slot. The attaching nuts are included and the easy to turn and fasten tightening knobs do the job well.
The great thing about this piece of equipment is that it does such a great job of holding down your workpiece. If you have a 3, to 6 inch panel or greater, it will perfectly keep it mated to the table. That is in part due to the hard rubber strip that extends below the bottom. The cast aluminum plate is substantial. I was tongue and groove routing, 88 inch long boards, and when I got to the end of the board, the PL400 had no problem keeping it true to the table, even when I let go. So I had 3 inches of an 88 inch piece of cedar being held straight, and under all of that pressure, it was still flush for the bit.
The safety advantage is second to none. Since it completely covers the router bit area, it protects you from an exposed bit. It actually covers an area a few inches away from the fence.
It is usable on your table saw, router table, or anything that has a T-slot. No T-slot, no problem, it is shipped with an included T-Slot aluminum channel, so you can convert your fence to a T-Slotted fence. If you added a wooden riser-extension to your fence, this would attach right to it. It is not predrilled, so you can custom apply it to your needs.
I highly recommend it. Easily adjustable for just the right amount of pressure. It does the job more completely and uniformly than single featherboards. It removes and installs in about 30 seconds. It doesn't shift on you when larger stock is trying to move it.
If I was cutting different size pieces all day long, I would use a featherboard, because it allows you instant access to the bit, for setup changes. If I was making runs of lots of boards, I would use the PL400, because the 20 second additional set up time, is more than worth the benefits and advantages.
I plan on keeping mine handy, and using it a lot more from now on. Hope this helps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• 2-inch bit hole
• Made from super-strong phenolic composite
• Plate thickness is 3/8-inch
• Fits all Bench Dog router tables
• Accepts all Porter Cable, Bosch 1617/18 series, Dewalt 621/625, Makita RF1100/01 series, DeWalt 616/618, Milwaukee 1.75 to 2.25 hp models/5625-20, and Fein RT1800.

Reviews (2)

I am very pleased with this product.
I use this ProPlate in my Bench Dog cast iron router table wing.So far the only router I have mounted to it is the DeWalt DW618 fixed base model.

Though it took some head scratching and studying of the paper template provided, I eventually figured out which holes to use to mount the plate to my router.My belief is that if Bench Dog says this plate will fit your router (with the predrilled holes), then it will fit.My main confusion was that my router's clear base mounts with four screws but the ProPlate only uses three screws to mount to my router.Once I realized this, putting this plate into use was a snap!

I highly recommend this product for its quality, performance, and decent price.

Caution to prospective buyers.
I purchased the Bosch 1617EVSPK router kit and the Bench Dog P-PC200 phenolic plate at the same time.I need the plate for a special jig.Bench Dog claims the P-PC200 plate is predrilled to fit all Bosch 1617/18 routers.I spent at least 1 hour trying to fit the plate onto the plunge base and was unsuccessful.The hole pattern on the plunge base matched a set of holes on the paper template included with the plate, but the plate was not predrilled with those holes.I called Bench Dog twice, and they kept telling me it should fit.Fortunately, Tool Crib was kind enough to let me ship the plate back at their expense.

The quality of the plate appears fine, but I am rating the plate only 3 stars because of Bench Dog's package claims and the technical support I received from them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• Rated for 15 amps
• The perfect auxillary switch for your router table
• Mounts anywhere on your table

Reviews (3)

Sweet Switch
I've been working on what I wanted in a router table for awhile and decided to built my own router table into the right extension of my tablesaw which I built to my specifications.
I wanted to use a switch and a miter slot and when I stumbled upon a BenchDog aluminum extrusion for the outer edge this was the perfect switch for it.
Although I struggled with the price and thought about other options I went with this.
You can bolt it to that piece of aluminum and you can move itslide and turn, depending on what side of the table you're going to work on. That was an added bonus for me.
So far so good. I have a router table that look like it was purchased. But then it was wasn't it, I just put it together and routed a hole where I wanted the plate to go. Could just buy the thing all done and saved some time? Well I did use better supporting material making it match my equipment and there's something about making your own stuff that's more satisfying. So much for saving money building yourself. But if I really was interested in saving money I could have just bolted the router to a piece of plywood and clamped it in a vise.

Good switch, but...
It's a good switch, but didn't install as I had anticipated.
I had intended to mount it on the bottom miter track slot, as per instructions.According to the specs for the switch, 'all new Bench Dog router tables come equipped with this slot'.However, the new Bench Dog RT150 ProTop I just purchased did not come equipped with this slot!I did not want to mount it on the fence.It was pretty easy to come up with a good alternate mounting solution.But, if I had known this, I would have purchased a less expensive saftey switch locally.
I guess the 'new' RT150 they sent me wasn't their newest.

Nice switch for a high price.
Like all Bench Dog products the quality and ergonomics of this switch are top notch. And like all Bench Dog router table accessories the price of this switch is a little steep. (Hence the 4 stars)
Installation was a snap and I love the option of either mounting it high on the router fence or low under the miter slot.
Use of the switch is straight forward and I like the safety button you have to depress in order to turn it on.
Sure beats squatting down to turn on the router! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• 3.6-inch bit hole
• Made from super-strong phenolic composite
• Plate thickness is 3/8-inch
• Fits all Bench Dog router tables
• Accepts all Porter Cable, Bosch 1617/18 series, Dewalt 621/625, Makita RF1100/01 series, DeWalt 616/618, Milwaukee 1.75 to 2.25 hpmodels/5625-20, and Fein RT1800.

Reviews (1)

Nice, But....
This is a flat and sturdy plate for the fine BenchDog table. The lack of interchangeable rings is a real weak point, however. I've had to purchase two seperate plates with different size openings and then alternate my router between them. That's a real hassle when you are busy and in a hurry, not to mention expensive. The new aluminum plate is supposed to have different sized rings, however I have not yet seen it available.
-This product would have merited a "5 Star" rating were it not for this oversight in design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• Made from clear Lexan
• Plate thickness is 3/8-inch
• Fits all Bench Dog ProTop router tables
• Accepts all Porter Cable routers and Porter Cable guide bushings

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• Fits Bench Dog'sRT400, RT450, and RT500 routertops
• Enclosed cabinet for noise reduction and storage
• Accepts 2-drawer option (DB400), sold separately
• Accepts Cab-Loc, leveling casters, sold separately (CB400)
• Euro hinges make door adjustments easy

Reviews (2)

Bowing side panels
After 6 months of average use, both side panels, where the Bench Dog Cab-Loc wheels are installed, are bowed in about 1/2 inch. The demo unit at the local Woodcraft store showed the same bow, but not as bad. The length of the casters on the inside of the cabinet is too great to support the weight of the cabinet. Woodcraft didn't seem interested and suggested I contact Bench Dog. I have not heard from them as to a fix for this problem or if they will warranty this product. If they don't respond, I will have to add braces under the cabinet for support. That's what you get when you buy particle board.

Unbeatable Price and Performance
Given Bench Dog's reputation for quality router accessories, the price of this cabinet took me aback.It's extremely solid, and stands at a very convenient height for repetitious work (about 36 inches with a top and levelers).There are some very nice accessories (wheels, drawers, etc.) which make this one of the best router table cabinets (if not the best) on the market.

With a bit of work one can fit many routertops to this base, but if you but top, fence, and table as a package the price is hard to beat, and overall quality is impressive.The door hinges are commercial cabinet hinges, for example.Much heavier grade than the usual hardware associated with particle board.If you want to work with the doors shut, and opening is provided for a air cleaner hose.

If you've been wondering what to do about a permanent router table take a good look at this cabinet.I think you will find it extremely suitable.

[Part I of 'How to Build a Really Expensive Router Table'] ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• Enables Makita RF100/01 series and other round router motors that are 3.2" in diameter to be used with ProLift Ni

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• Advanced design means no marring to your workpiece
• Feather-Loc is a featherboard with lots of travel
• Unique miter gauge slot allows quick removal
• Easy set-up feature
• High tech polymer ensures it will maintain its original shape

Reviews (8)

A great idea!
I have been using one of these feather-locs on my DeWalt DW746 tablesaw with great success.The "feathers" have just the right amount of stiffness to hold my stock tightly against the fence without leaving scratches.I also love how easily adjustable this tool is.As for downsides - if you use any sort of spray-on saw top protectant (I use T-9), it will make your miter slots a bit slippery and take away from the effectiveness of this tool until you clean and dry the miter slots.However, when the miter slots are clean and oil free this thing holds just fine.Coincidentally, I have the Bench Dog cast iron router table wing on my tablesaw and this featherboard doesn't work nearly as well in that miter slot as it does in my tablesaw slots.Go figure...

Anyway, this is a good tool that in my opinion is slightly too expensive.If it were $19.99 or less I would give it five stars!

clever but over-priced
I bought this to use with a $200 Craftsman 10" table saw only to discover that it will not fit the Craftsman miter slot (evidently, Craftsman elected not to make the slot a standard size on their cheaper models).So if you are wanting to use it with a Craftsman table saw, unless you know the miter slot size is adequate, don't waste your money.I have a Bench Dog router table that I will use this featherboard with, so it wasn't a total waste.However, it is way over-priced for something that is made almost entirely of plastic.

Does its job
It does what it claims to do.Locks into the channel and guides the workpiece nicely.As to its longevity...we'll see.I'm a bit skeptical of the plastic's ability to survive continued abuse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jigs    2. Featherboards    3. (Feather Boards)   

Features

• Extruded aluminum fence
• Includes top, fence, pre-drilled router plate, and cabinet
• Fully adjustable miter track with 3/4-inch miter gauge t-slot and accessory t-slot
• 22-by-16-inch laminated work surface
• Accepts most routers

Reviews (44)

Supposed to be nice ...if they would ever ship it.
Don't expect this anytime soon if you order from Amazon.I've been waiting almost a month and they just keep moving my shipping date back.So if you actually need one sometime soon, head to Woodcrafters or another store with units in stock.If you just want it by the end of Summer Amazon might get the job done.

Weekend home remodeler and new router user.
I was going to build my own router table as many experienced carpenters recommend, but could not justify it when I spotted this table.I would spend almost as much on materials to build a nicely equipped table.Plus, since I am just develping my skills as a carpenter, I am not sure it would come out well

The fence and quality of materials of this table are usually found on much more expensive pieces.The cabnet is made from 7 (or more) layers of birch face ply finished very nicely.(No, it's not chip board as another writer mentioned.)The plate that came with it is of the quality sold for $40 alone.It was drilled perfectly for my PC router.

I am not sure why others had problems, because it went together perfectly.I just followed the directions, leaving everyhting lose until the end.I am very excited by this product.

Rock Solid, Made in the USA,
I just recently purchased this router table from amazon. First, you cannot beat free shipping and no tax. (Means a lot when you live in NY that taxes the creepers out of you).
Table Pros:
1) Rock Solid - An earlier review said this table was made out of chipboard. (False) This table is made with laminated ply, which is probably just as solid as solid wood. (You probably wont come across a table made of solid wood these days..the reviewer needs a trip back from cloud 9.
2) MADE IN THE USA - This is a HUGE plus for me..if you're reading this from the US it should be a huge plus for YOU.
3) Directions - The directions weren't the best I have seen, but I was able to get the box built in about an hour. I am network security professional, not a carpenter. If your a carpenter, and cant put this box together in under an hour, lets just say I wont be hiring you to build my next house.
4) Ordered the unit on a Monday, had it within 4 days. (Not bad for free shipping)
5) Good luck trying to find a better product at home depot, Lowes, or sears.
Cons:
1) This unit could use a means of measurement. Nothing that a good imagination couldn't fix.
2) Miter gauge?? I thought I read somewhere that this unit came with a miter gauge. (It doesn't)

ALL in ALL this is a great unit. Made of rock solid laminated wood, not chip board, or china tin foil. I would recommend this unit to anyone who is interested in a router table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Tables    3. (Routertables)   

Features

• Mounts to almost any right-tilt 10" table saw
• Accepts Feather-Loc featherboards, Panel-Loc, and fence riser options
• Fully adjustable miter track with 3/4" miter gauge t-slot and accessory t-slot
• Flat, square and true fence stows away when not in use
• Includes cast iron router top, fence, insert plate, and hardware

Reviews (21)

great fit for my unisaw!
like most of the reviewers I have a very small shop which was one of the main attractions of this piece but after using it I wouldn't use anything else even if I had the space. Another reason was, it is probably the easiest way to install a prolift onto a unisaw, originally I was going to install it in the right extention table.first the casting is very nice, thick, heavy, and all edges are crisp but not sharp, the overall finish is impressive. the fence is also a surprise, the extrusion is thick(3/16ths) and solid, the harware is nice and it is a joy to use. The dust port works well and with the accessory slots the fence is very versitile. I can't comment about the router plate because I used the prolift. the installation was a breeze, the table was exactly the same depth as my unisaw top and fit snugly between the rails of the biesemeyer, I didn't even have to remove them.the instructions were clear and more than enough and the the installation was quick, about an hour(if you don't consider this quick you have issues), it didn't even need shiming, please look at the pictures I posted of it installed on my 1954 rockwell unisaw. Now the performance,man is this thing solid, the table weighs 55lbs the prolift with Porter-Cable 7518 router weights 34lbs together thats 89lbs, now attach that to an already 400lb unisaw and that puppy isn't going any where. vibration is like nill and it really translates into a super smooth cut and the prolift gives you so much control.The flatness of the table when used with the prolift make the cut super consistent.You can also bring the biesemeyer over and use it as a guild or a stop, it great.only two minor gripes, one the hard anodised aluminum miter slot works fine but I wish it were just a slot in the cast iron and two when used with the prolift the clearence for the blade angle wheel is a little tight on the unisaw (see my pictures).Overall I say BUY IT and a prolift it is well worth the money and the wait.Again even if you have the space for a dedicated table I still think this works better, besides that is space that could be filled by another machine I mean really! also made in USA big plus.

Fantastic router table, but a bear to fit to my Grizzly
The quality manufacturing, great instructions, fence, dust port, miter gauge slot, fitting my DeWalt DW618 router, and no need for extra legs to support it earned the ProMax five stars.

I had to subtract a star because it didn't fit my Grizzly G1023S tablesaw without 30 minutes of grinding with a Dremel and a carbide bit to open up the mounting holes about 1/8". Trial fitting a hefty chunk of iron gets tiring. Also, despite a pile of hardware options, I had to buy three 3/8" x 1.5" course-thread grade-5 bolts.

Anyone buying this router table extension could do all this like I did, but in my mind, five stars has to be perfect. For folks with other brands of tablesaws, I'm sure the ProMax is five-star perfection.

Absolutely the best router table.
I ordered this cast iron router est. for my table saw in Sept. and the only complaint is that due to mfr. problems I did not receive it until Dec.
This is is an absolute must have if you have a small shop and want the solid accuracy of a cast iron router table.
I operate a small furniture and cabinet shop and had a deluxe Rockler router table in the past and needed more space. I opted to get rid of the dedicated table and since installing the Bench Dog table on my saw I could not be happier.This piece of equipment is extremely precision made and has a clearly superior fence design over anything on the market. Sure this is expensive and currenty hard to find but coupled with a powerful router a lift and an assorment of bits it rivals even most shaper tables on the market. I see Amazon has since discontinued carrying it most likely due to the supply problems and complaints from customers trying to get it. They made the unfortunate mistake in lowering the price which was great for the buyer but in turn they could not supply the demand due to few units being rec'd from Bench Dog. I'm sure once the supply is back at peak production you will see it return to Amazon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Tables    3. (Routertables)   

Features

• The ProFence features a bit guard, dust port, adjustable subfences, and clamping system
• Enclosed cabinet reduces noise and provides storage
• 24-by-32-inch high-pressure laminate top and insert plate accepts all routers--and Bench Dog's ProLift
• Accessory miter gauge track is adjustable, and includes a T-slot for featherboard mounting
• The ProFence is made from one piece of precision-machined aluminum--rated best fence by Fine Woodworking

Reviews (11)

Top of the Line General Purpose Table
This is my table of choice, and has become the m]basic for my version of the world's most expensive router table.Not because of what you get here, but what can happen to a routing addict when they get carried away.If reviewed the component pieces seperately, and on my original purchase I included the base wheels and bottom drawers, but needed accessories in my view.

This is a good, solid table which while do all basic operations perfectly.It is easy to assemble with little opportunity for a mistake, although the instructions are a bit vague at times.You aren't likely to feel dissatisfied once it is in use, either.

My real issue with the set is that the fence is really the weakest part.It is adequate, but lacks lock-in precision.I need all the help I can get, and eventually put in an Incra fence.But I have a use for small repeatable operations such as finger joints require.

No precision fences are cheap, but there are less expensive variantions than the Incra, so I would recommend shopping around a bit before you bought the complete package.For the price, however, this is as nice a professional table as you are likely to find.

Extremely easy to assemble
Just got my Bench dog ftb400 yesterday.I am very much a "do it your self" kind of guy and I hesitated to buy a pre made table. I am very pleased with the fit and finish.Yes the cabinet is some sort of laminated particle board, but it is quite substantial.My top is true and the fence is as good as everyone says it is.Some one gave bench dog flak about a phenolic plate and called it plastic.Phenolic is not just plastic it is layers of fiber impregnated with resin, very strong stuff.Assembly was a breeze, about three hours.This product was well worth the money to me.

It's really expensive, overpriced
I bought the the RT400 table and fence at Austins hardwood, and the cabinet at Woodcraft.I thought I would just make my own cabinet, but time became an issue, and the table mounts were made to work on their cabinet.Easy to assemble, and no damage like the other reviews, Very accurate and straight.You can mill alot of wood on this baby.I bought the orange feather deals for the fence, well worth it.This is one heck of a machine base with the right router and plate system.Very stable with low vibration, dust pickup works great.I'm still having trouble with the price of the total package, but I guess you have to compare this with a real (cast Iron) table saw in the $1,500.00 range.BenchDog thought of almost everything.The cabinet drawers and wheels as a add on irk me.Talk about grinding the last dollar out of everyone.Greedy Bas????s.The price at Amazon is a good deal.I evaluated the others like the Freud table, cheezy - a joke, and the Bosch, too small, as well as others.

This is a professional piece of commercial equipment that will deliver professional results if your good enough to use it, and have the creative vision and inspiration to make cool things.Or just a good set of blueprints for a millwork order. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Tables    3. (Routertables)   

Features

• Three integral bit hole sizes: 2-inch, 2.6-inch and 3.7-inch openings
• Blanchard ground steel insert plate has electroless nickel surface
• Change your bits and set your bit height from above the table
• Cast aluminum housing is finned for motor cooling
• Acme column threaded 8 tpi for fast adjustments

Reviews (6)

THE BEST
I installed mine in the promax cast iron table and I'll tell you with a PC7518 you can't go wrong.first of all, the prduct description is wrong about two things, one the top is steel on the newest model not cast iron but who cares the plating and machineing are beautiful and two it weighs 22lbs (34lbs with pc7518 installed) not 12lbs.it's solid and smooth.my boss bought a woodpecker PRL and there is no comparison the benchdog is just a beautiful piece really the pictures just don't do it justice.The best part is that it uses a real acme lead screw for height adjustment which will probably never wear out, not some generic 60deg screw thread which is not more accurate, just go take a look at what they use in a bridgport mill.the heft, accuracy, and superb quality of this piece make it worth every penny (and the wait).

Best Router Lift Manufactured !!!
After a great deal of research and review on all of the various router lift products on the market, I decided on the Bench Dog ProLift Max. By far I believe that this is the most solid built and most reliable model available. The quality and construction of this lift are excellent and its engineering and performance are certainly worth every penny. The nickel finish on the top plate and insert rings are a nice touch and provide a frictionless surface for your material. The setup and installation are very straight forward and effortless. I choose to install this product with Bench Dog's cast iron table top in a free standing cabinet of my own design with the Porter Cable 7518 router motor. This combination has provided me with one of the stoutest most heavy-duty router tables imaginable. The weight and heft of the cast iron top and the solid steel plate provide a routing surface free of chatter and vibration.

The lift mecahnism is very smooth and accurate and comes with a crank handle, 14mm socket and a calibrated ring that allows you to keep track of your up/down adjustments of the bit height to with extreme accuracy. It is so nice to be able to change the bit at the top of the table instead of having to remove the plate and motor assembly or doing it from underneath the table !!! Not to mention that the lift provides the maximum bit height to large profile router bits which standard plates can not accomodate. This is a very nice piece of equipment and I highly recomend it to any woodworker who demands the best from his/her tools !!!

I also looked at the Jessem Lifts and although they make very quality products, I feel that the Pro Lift's threaded steel rod will be much more reliable in the long run than the rubber belt on the Jessem lift. I think that the nickel plated steel is a much better and more durable surface than the plastic or aluminum plates found on other brands.

Taming the Monster
I actually made the decision to purchase this router insert for a logical reason.I wanted to use the Porter-Cable 7518 router (more about that in another review), and that router is a pain to work with in with a standard insert.The ProLift is designed to work with a 7518 right out of the box, and solves the big problem of using a 3-1/4 horsepower router in a table - secure and accurate settings.

The first thing you notice taking the ProLift out of the box is that is a solid 12 pound piece of cast iron, chrome steel and bronze.Actually setting the router up is quite simple, other than wrestling with allthe weight.Three different bit inserts need to be leveled, and then all that remains is setting the ProLift into it's final resting place.

Turning on the router reveals that the ProLift is in complete control of the 7518's power.Vibration levels are minimal and height adjustment is almost fun.This is an ideal combination, even if it is an expensive one, resulting in a table that is capable of an extensive variety of tasks.

[Part IV of 'How to Build a Really Expensive Router Table']
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers   

Features

• Rated best fence by Fine Woodworking
• Built in jointing
• 2-1/2" dust port included
• Front and back t-tracks for mounting accessories
• Accepts Feather-Loc featherboards, Panel-Loc, and fence riser options

Reviews (2)

Don't Fence Me...
I bought this fence as part of a package that included the table and top as well.The basic structure of the fence is heavy machined aluminum (with front and back t-tracks) using MDF for the running boards.Clear plastic parts form the bit guard and dust port.One of the nicer features of this board are a pair of metal bars (or shims) that fit into one of two pairs of slots these allow for offsetting oun side by either 1/32 or 1/64 of an inch for light horizontal jointing.

The fence uses a cantilevered gripping system to hold the fence in position, and thereby lies the only rub in this design.Because this gripping system has to be loose enough to avoid binding it's a bit sloppy and setting up takes concentration.I found it more precise to make the fit tighter than recommended.It still to concentration to set the fence, but stayed a bit truer.This was a surprising design decision (to me anyway) and I'm likely to replace with one of Jessem's one fine day.In the meantime, it will work better than almost very fence I've seen.

There are countless accessories for this fence - hold downs, risers, you name it.Changing the MDF boards is easy enough to justify having a set of zero-clearance boards.For it's price, this is a very fine fence.

[Part III of 'How to Build a Really Expensive Router Table']

a topnotch fence
I built my router table and decided on the RT400 top and this fence. What a good choice. This fence works very easily and has all the bells and whistles. I am very happy with the quality of this product. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers