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woodezine - Volume
V - Issue I - Spring 2007
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Several
New Router Tables
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Bacalar Bay Engineering has just introduced several new models to complement their Progressive Router Table (tm). The new machines run the gamut from about $400 to $1500, depending on the tabletop, fence, motor and bit raising mechanism (none, mechanical or pneumatic). All of the company's machines include their very sensible hinged tabletop, an optional factory-installed Hitachi router (you can use your own and save some money), shipping to the lower 48, and a safety shut-off switch when the top is opened. |
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The new entry-level machine, the MRT01F (shown at right), comes in two configurations. The first and least expensive has an MDF top that is coated with genuine Formica brand plastic laminate. The factory-installed router is attached to the underside of the tabletop in the traditional manner and the hinged top opens and locks for great access to the router. It uses a stabilizing bar that is controlled by a threaded knob to lock the top at the most comfortable angle. |
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| This is a substantial, heavy-duty, well-built router table. It comes with Bacalar Bay's standard heavy-duty fence (shown below with the MRT01P model's phenolic top), or can be ordered with a state-of-the-art Woodhaven fence for about another $100. |
| In between the manual tables above and the company's flagship line of pneumatic tables, Bacalar Bay now offers two crank-controlled models, the CRT01F (Formica) and CRT01P (Phenolic). The Formica-topped model is shown below, and the arrow points to the hex head bolt that controls vertical travel. A small circular photo shows how the crank looks from above. |
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When Bacalar Bay Engineering introduced their first pneumatically assisted router table at IWF 2006 in Atlanta, their booth buzzed with intense activity for the entire week. The machine, called the Progressive Router (below), has an air cylinder that raises and lowers the bit, and six positive stops along the way that allow a user to plow deep cuts in several passes, without ever shutting down. Small production shops and schools love the machine because of its safety features, and also because of the easiest bit changes in the industry. Just lift the hood. No more bending. |
| That table is now into its second generation, offering an optional solid phenolic top, Hitachi router with reostat control, stabilizing bar to catch the lid at any angle between zero and ninety, and the improved factory fence with split guides, or an optional upgrade to the Woodhaven fence. This is a production machine for shops that make cabinet doors, flooring, moldings, wood parts, architectural elements, windows and other millwork items. In fact, window factories like it because they can mill small custom runs without having to set up and program a CNC. Schools like it because a student can place a workpiece on the table, hit the foot pedal to plunge up into the work, make a stopped cut, and retract the bit below the tabletop, before sliding the part safely away. It saves, time, fingers and nicked parts. |
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For more information, contact Larry Fiscus directly by calling 612-325-1795, or send him an e-mail. |