Picture, if you would, a 4'x8' router made of T-slots. The gantry on this router is a straight beam on raised sides that can be removed (No donut style gantry). Each long 8' side is a rectangle that is very solidly anchored together. The only thing holding the two 8' sides together is 3 horizontal metal beams.
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Assuming that the gantry can be removed for storage:
What might be the best, most accurate, way to have the 3 horizontal beams collapse or be removed (So you could store the router table against a wall and thus save space).
1. I thought of hinges. But, it would take 3 hinges per beam. Hinges are not precision at all and have allot of play. The gantry needs the extended distance to be very exact. Hinges might not stand up to the weight of a sacrificial top and the boards your cutting. And, there would have to be a way to lock them in place. Not a very good or accurate design.
2. I thought about making the 3 horizontal beams into rectangles. These would then just slide down in holders attached to the 8' sides. But, I have no idea how to make precision holders.
3. Any other ideas? Has anyone ever made a collapsable router table? Do you think it could be done with any accuracy?
Yes, I know it's silly. I should just give up my parking space in the garage. Or, as an alternative, use an electric hoist to move it to the ceiling (This machine will only weight about 350 lbs.) It's just a thought.
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