Customer Reviews

Bench Dog 40-031 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension for a Table Saw Includes Fence and Insert Plate

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I ordered this router table extension wing to mount on my DeWalt DW746 tablesaw (on the left side). Although the Amazon site indicated shipment in 1-2 weeks, I waited nearly two months for mine to arrive. When it did arrive, everything was in perfect condition and all of the parts that were supposed to be there were included.

As I unpacked this router table wing, I was very impressed with the quality of the casting. I wish every piece of cast iron equipment I own was finished so well! The assembly/instruction manual was ok (I have had better and worse). Mounting this wing to my saw (by myself) was not a problem. Although it is HEAVY, I followed the advice of another reviewer and mounted the center bolt first and then followed with the other two. Even without shimming it, I would say that I was able to get this wing 99% even and flat to my saw table. Once the table was flat, installing the miter track and assembling the fence were a snap. All together it probably took me 1 1/2 hours to unpack and assemble (I was being very methodical).

I am very pleased with all aspects of this unit. The only manufacturing problem I found was that one of the t-knobs used to tighten the fence down to the table was a bit cross-threaded. One quick call to Bench Dog solved that - a new one was shipped to me immediately.

I have to say that I am thrilled with this purchase, both for the great design and for the excellent quality of the workmanship put into it. I will not hesitate to buy from Bench Dog in the future.

I received the RT-250 about a week ago...This is EXACTLY 27" deep, front to back. The big advantage for me is that I did not have an extension out the side of the saw. Now I do, and it doubles as a router table. A very precise one at that... I had to use the installation kit, which is $15. ...The great thing is that I went from being able to cut only a 9" wide board on my table saw, and still use the fence, to being able to cut an 18" board, using the fence that came with the router table.
I am able to use the crosscut fence, that came with the saw, on the face of the router table also , because the slot in the router table is exactly 3/4", the same size as the one that came with the table saw.
The router table, comes with adjustable screws all along the 3/4" fence track, and they are about every 2 inches apart. You are able to adjust the play in the track, so your fence rides PRECISELY along it...The ultimate router combination with this table is the new Bosch 1617EVSPK, which is a combo pack, with a plunge base, and a fixed base, and the motor, very easily, slides out of one and into the other. Why is this so compatible? Because the plate that comes with the the RT-250 is made out of thick plexiglas. (Unless you buy the optional heavy metal one for $90) The manufacturer advises you to not leave a heavy router of more than 2 HP, installed in the plexy plate for long periods of time. If you are not using it for awhile then remove it. No problem the plexy mounting plate is held into the table with only 2 heavy screws, so for long term, you simply remove the plate. That of course leaves a big hole in the table. Something you can fall in when making table saw cuts. The solution, save the money from buying the optional metal mounting plate, and buy the Bosch 1617EVSPK. The motor is easily removable from the super light fixed aluminum base that you leave mounted. Then you have the option popping the motor into the separate and included plunge base, thereby giving you another handheld router to use. Then the hole it leaves is a little two inch one. (Approxiamately)
If you want to not change your settings, and keep the motor in the table for a long period of time, that is not a problem. Yu can remove the motor, with just the two screws holding the plexy plate into the table, and later on reinsert it, while still maintaining perfect settings. The router mounting plate is just that precise.
As a matter of fact,in keeping with Bench Dog super critical tolerances, they give you 12 under that table mounting lugs that are fully adjustable, which press against the underside of the router mounting plate, just to make sure you can adjust the plate PRECISELY FLUSH to meet with the router top face. Phew, you have to respect that kind of precision. Something hard to find in the world of tool making. I guess that is why Fine Woodworking rated them number one... It went from the worst condition tool in my shop, to the nicest showpiece...There are not linear measurements with the RT-250. At first I was disappointed. How am I going to get the Bench Dog fence parallel to the edge of the table. Then I read the directions, and I have to agree. It doesn't make any difference. The fence has to be true to the bit, not to the edge of the table. You can even loosen just one screw on the fence , and make fine adjustments with it.
(You can use a T square to make it perfectly parallel to the edge of the table. That is only neccessary if you are ignoring the router fence, and using the crosscut-t-square fence that comes with your table saw to move your work past the router bit, in the 3/4" groove/track in the router table.)
I love the included plexy mounting plate. With the Bosch fixed base which will stay permenantly mounted to it, the two large maple handles that come with the Bosch 1617, show right through the glass... What is important? The fact that you can get this table to mount precisely to the your saw. Perfectly flat, perfectly level, and smooth with the top.
Even the mounting nuts and bolts that hold it from underneath to the edge, of your saws table, are adjustable due to the adapter plate that comes with it.
The optional attachments make this even a more valuable addition to your shop. The Bench Dog feather lock, and
panel lock options, give you work tie down, and feathering capabilities you would have a hard time replicating on your own. I know featherboards are makable, but the combo, with precise fitting flanges mounting into your router table, with a simple twist of the knobs, and standard table saw grooves, make these something you will want to get for your other equipment as well. No super reaching clamps to have to contend with... Last note, the fence is easily removable, and stores quickly using the two hooks which are provided for that purpose. So if you are using it for routing, or turning it around to use it as a long distance fence from your saw blade, it is quickly and easily removed/replaced with just a twist of the two large wing nut locking knobs located on the top/sides of the fence.
If you're short on floor space, need a precise router table, and need an extension for your existing table saw, or are willing to replace the extension you have, then this is the one for you.
Have you ever experienced the frustration of spending a lot of time getting a perfect setting, then quickly cutting your piece, only to have to spend a lot more time getting your next setting, then making a mistake, and needing the first setting all over again? The solution, get multiple tables.
Set em, then set em aside. Go on to the next table. You won't lose any settings. Makes short of a lot of work. The RT 250 makes for a nice addition for that.
That is what the RT-250 is, my third table. Professional router instruction books tell you that three tables are recommended just for that reason. Yes, that and a separate handheld. That is what I now have.. precise, fine fit, and finish, make this a welcome addition to your shop. I am sure it will last for a long long time. Happy woodworking! I hope this was helpful.

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, its 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.

I bought the ProMax 40-031 cast iron router table extension because I'm running out of space in the shop and have a table saw. My saw already had a beautiful, well-fitting cast iron wing on it so I was a little skeptical that this could match the quality of what I had, but it did. Like the reviewers have already said, this extension is finely milled. It is solid, won't flex and makes a great addition to the saw since the space is sitting there unused anyway. It truly is a great idea and Benchdog has executed it well. I was impressed by the fit as well as the accessory fence. The fence is entirely outstanding all around and fits nicely on hooks provided underneath the extension to tuck away when not in use. This product really is one of those few exceptions in life where you can tell that the manufacturer thought of everything and went out of their way to make sure they got it right. I don't think there's a better table mounted system on the market and I'm not sure how this design could be improved upon.

The only pinch I have from it is the price. Admittedly, it is steep. I got mine on sale for $301 (shipping included) and after ordering I quickly realized that's almost as much as I paid for my band saw (Delta 14"). Is it worth it? Since I did buy it after all I'd have to say 'yes', but on the other hand I have to also give it a more qualified 'yes' for truly delivering all it promises- rare in products these days. When you buy this extension you never have to think about the performance of your router table for the rest of your life. This solution hits the nail on the head.

17 Jan 08 Update
After using this table for a year I'd love the opportunity to knock my rating down to 4 stars. While it does fit perfectly against my Delta, is well machined and comes with a great fence the router plate ALWAYS vibrates out of place. That is, the leveling screws ALWAYS loosen, drop and ruin cuts. I can't tell you how many pieces of wood I've ruined because of that.

To fix the problem I bought some bushings but now realize they are too small for the "2 opening in the plate. I need to either buy a special zero clearance insert from Benchdog ($25) or craft one of my own. This d@mned thing cost $300 and I have to do that. I mean, even the lame-o Skil table I took back before buying this has a plastic zci for free! I avoid using my router on this (PC 892) at all costs. I'd seriously consider getting a Rockler or Lee Valley that has a ZCI rather than the BenchDog at this point.

First of all I would like to say that this is strictly a quality product. A perfect for for my Dewalt 746. Adjusting the router bit height could not be any easier due to no cabinet around the router. Due to my getting one of the first new type shipped I had to call customer service about a couple of issues. I just started up a shop and have had to call Powermatic, Dewalt, Bosch, Shop Fox, Delta, Kreg etc.about missing bolts, nuts, etc. and Bench Dog was by far the most knowlegeable, helpful and shipped the replacement items the fastest. I would not hesitate to buy anything this company manufacturers.

I have a Ridgid 2424 TS and looked at several router table exstensions many made out of MDF and was really looking for a cast-iron exstension. Installation was a snap and did not have any problems installing it. And this is a great addition that does not take up any additional space in my garage/shop which is a big plus.

If your tight on space and looking to add a router table this may be the option for you, before buying I recommend downloading the owners manual a read over the install instructions to make sure you will not have a problem installing it or if you need the additional installion kit...

I purchased this router table in July 2005 and can honestly say that it was one of the best tools I've ever bought. Everything about it, even the way it was packed, was first rate. All necessary components, nuts, bolts, etc were carefully marked. The instructions were clear, precise, and accurate. Installation on a rather old (but reliable) Sears table saw was easy and exactly as advertised. Took no more than 1/2 hour. The qualtiy of finish is superb. I'm using this table with a Hitatchi 3 1/4 hp plunge router and it works great. Solid with minimal vibration. It is truely a pleasure to find such an excellent made in the USA tool.

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" coarse-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.

This is a very well constructed and quality product. I had to wait a long time for this item to ship, but it was well worth the wait. The table top has a superior finish and the fence is one of the best router fences that I have ever used. The fence is made of a heavy duty extruded aluminum, grips the table surface well and can accept a wide variety of accessories such as featherboards, clamps etc. The miter track is also extruded aluminum and can also accept many accessories including the miter from my Powermatic 66 table saw. I did not purchase this top to install in a table saw but rather for a stand alone router table with a custom built cabinet. After going through all of the usual headaches with other router table top materials, I thought that cast iron would be the best choice to build my own industrial grade router table. This table top combined with the Benchdog Pro Max Router lift should make for the ultimate router table that should last a lifetime ! I was very impressed with the workmanship and quality that Benchdog put into this top and I can definitely recomend it to anyone.

Benchdog does make a cast iron endcap for this table for those who wish to use it on a custom cabinet. Nobody seems to carry or stock this (including Amazon) so I will probably have to get this item directly from Benchdog or make one myself.

I've had this router table for a little over a week now and while it's pretty good, I find it somewhat overrated based on the reviews here at Amazon. The top, while flat and fairly well machined, is not as well machined as the table top of the Grizzly Table Saw I mounted it to. My other comments are the phenolic insert plate is fairly mediocre, and for this price of this table top, should have include the aftermarket aluminum plate they sell for an additional $90. Finally, the router fence is decent, but not great and the vacuum attachment does not fit well onto the fence, sometimes coming off. Overall I don't have any major complaints, but for almost $300, would have expected more.

Overall I would rate this 4 stars, but am only giving it 3 stars because it is somewhat over priced.