General adds heft, stability to router tables

General International’s booth at the AWFS fair was filled with new machines, but the star attraction was the manufacturer’s new cast-iron floor and bench-top router tables.

“Aside from the fact that cast iron is a very stable material that won’t noticeably expand, contract or warp, the added weight makes for a work surface that stays put and won’t need to be clamped or bolted down when working with larger heavier stock,” says General product manager Norm Frampton.

“What we feel sets our design apart is the router mounting system. With its four-post design and chain drive height-adjustment mechanism, users can expect rock-solid, flex-free routing regardless of the size of bit or depth of cut, as well as very smooth and precise height adjustments.”

The tables feature a universal router mount to accept any size or brand of fixed-based routers without the need for shims, reducer collars or special adapters, according to General. Leveling and tool height is adjusted above the table, while an independent locking mechanism will prevent tool creep.

Frampton also touts the dust containment features. Dust is collected at the fence and from beneath the table, exiting through a 4” port and a single connection.

The cast iron obviously adds some weight to the router tables, with the bench-top version tipping the scales at about 120 lbs. and the floor model at about 185 lbs.

The tables will be sold as a “deluxe” package, including the lift, fence, stand and dust-containment kit.

General will also offer the lift as a stand-alone purchase. The company designed the router lift on a standard 11-3/4” x 9-1/4” plate so that it can be used with tables from other manufacturers.

The router tables will be available in December and sell for $900 to $1,100.

Contact: General International, 760 Jessica St., Murfreesboro, TN 37133. Tel: 888-949-1161. www.general.ca

This article originally appeared in the October 2011 issue.