Installed dust collection, and used the cast iron router table

Without a proper connection for dust collection, I had to postpone firing up the router table until I resolved this. It was quite simple: Using a 2-inch, long-radius connector, and 2-inch PVC pipe from the home center, I was able to connect to the existing 4-inch dust collection system. The following summarizes my experience:

1. Installation of the router was easy, as the four clamps provided under the table are adjustable.
2. The router is held in place very well, as the clamps lock the router in place solidly.
3. I used the DeWalt DW618 router under the table. The easy start on the router somehow feels “gentler” on the cast iron table, than on the old plywood and MDF router table/cabinet.
4. For this initial test I used approximately 6 feet of semi-rigid corrugated flex hose, connected to the existing20-foot run of 4-inch flexible dust collection hose.
5. The test consisted of making deep 45° chamfers on two edges of an 18-inch black walnut board, and estimating dust dust collection efficiency.
6. The video shows a considerable amount of chips being taken to the dust collector. The clear port on the dust collection adapter worked great!
7. A very small amount of chips accumulated on the fence, a few chips managed to land on the back of the fence, and very few landed on the router bit guard.
8. Chips on the floor: I estimate that about 50% of the heavier chips landed on the floor. This is a significantly larger amount than I normally observe on the old router table.
9. I attribute this difference to two factors:
• Lack of bottom dust collection – the router itself was contained within a compartment in the old table, and
• The table was located only 3 feet from the dust collector; the 2-inch semi-rigid flex hose collected chips and dust at the fence, and the router compartment was connected using 4-inch hose.

In a follow-up test I will connect the dust collection to a ShopVac using only the short length of semi-rigid flex hose. This will allow a better estimate of the effect of the long run of 4-inch flex hose on the amount of chips that accumulate under the table.

Your turn: