a router-based thicknessing machine

[Bob Hammond]

Hello, it's been a very long time since I posted here, but I thought some folks might like to see my latest contraption for thinning down stock before final dimensioning with a handplane or sanding.

The router slides side to side on the gantry made with L-shaped aluminum rails. The gantry moves back and forth. along the precision linear bearings. The table board is baltic birch ply with phenolic faces. The working area is approximately 20 x 18 inches, and up to 1-3/4" thickness without adding riser blocks under the rails. The cost of the parts (less the router and bit) was about $120.

If I wished to thin a backplate or soundboard,I would first place a piece of MDF as a spoilboard and run the router all over it to establish a plane. Then I would place the soundboard stock on the spoil board and run the router over it. After that, I would finish up with a handplane or sander.

[Peter Wilcox]

Hmm, that's just a hair more elegant (but not cheaper) than the sled I made years ago (and never used after I got a drum sander.)

[Bob Hammond]

I almost did things as you did, but I decided it was worth the time to make a more permanent one. The linear bearing with the rails cost about $35. It's the plywood that was the most expensive part.

[Paul Rhoney]

I have been so very intent on getting a new thicknessing sander, that I had forgotten that you can just make one of these things. While I don't know which way I'll go still, I appreciate how very nice you have made yours, and I encourage you to keep up with the quality tool-building.