Tables and Frames

Subframes as essential elements of workshop equipment

Mobile machines are kept in a storage rack or cupboard, from which they are retrieved when needed and placed on the workbench, which saves space but usually not practical in the long run. For more convenience, we recommend that these machines are each provided with their own base frame.

• Cutting and mitre saws
• Pillar Drills
• Smaller bandsaws
• Planers and thicknessers
• Belt and spindle grinders

In the case of the router table, the underframe is even an indispensable component that makes many of the functions possible in the first place. With all the above examples, you will ask yourself how often you use the machines. Depending on this, the decision can be made in favour of a stationary workstation with an appropriate base or a mobile solution in which the base is equipped with appropriate castors so that the machine is only pushed to where it is to be used as needed. Different jobs also require different working hands. You should also take this into account when choosing a base, or opt for a height-adjustable base that offers greater flexibility.

The various work tables and underframes at a glance

Underframes for router tables

The underframe is an integral part of a router table, which shows its full advantages in combination with a built-in router motor and router lift. The fence with  stops is mounted on the table top, the safety switch and the connection for the dust extraction system are mounted on the frame, and the corresponding routing unit is mounted under the worktable in the frame.

Underframes for workbenches and assembly tables

In most cases, you will not want to carry out manual work on the floor of the workshop. For many tasks, the classic workbench is the best solution. It is usually equipped with a stable, heavy base frame made of solid wood. But workbenches without front and rear tongs and multifunctional tables with or without a perforated worktop also play an important role in the workshop. They come into their own where the workbench reaches its limits or needs to be protected from dirt or damage: When working with the hand-held circular saw, when sanding (manually or mechanically), when gluing during the final assembly of a piece of furniture and similar tasks. A work table with an underframe for working with surface agents (varnishes, oils, stains) is also often useful. For workpieces of different sizes, a lifting table can be useful whose underframe is designed as a scissor mechanism and allows stepless adjustment. We recommend the RUWI lifting table, which is based on very high-quality workmanship and material quality - Made in Germany.

Underframes for cross-cut and mitre saws

The cross-cut, pull & mitre saw can be described as a semi-stationary machine. If possible, you should provide it with a fixed underframe in the workshop and attach work tables at the sides so that the often long workpieces can be laid down in a stable manner. If there is not enough space in the workshop for this, there should at least be work tables that can be attached quickly. Alternatively, we recommend the Bora Portacube cross-cut saw stand. This not only allows the cross-cut saw to be moved quickly in the workshop, it is also easy to transport for mobile use on the building site or in interior work.

Underframes for surface and thickness planers

Small combined planers benefit greatly from sturdy stationary bases, as they are relatively often used to process heavy or unwieldy workpieces. Vibrations from a light underframe have a direct effect on the surface finish. We recommend the extremely robust KREG Universal workbench for work with a jointer or thicknesser. Planers that are not attached to an underframe also pose a safety risk - they can tip or fall over.

Underframes for pillar drills and drill stands

Precise drilling with a drill stand or pillar drill is made much easier if the machine's work table is relatively high (almost at eye level). Depending on the height of the machine or drill stand, a base frame should be chosen that is higher than a normal workbench. The height-adjustable KREG Universal Workbench can be adjusted to 787 - 991 mm and is therefore ideal for drilling with pillar drillings.

Ready-made underframes and self-build solutions

With our in-house sauter base frames and the Kreg base frame KBS, we offer a variety of prefabricated systems in different sizes. Most applications can be covered with these. However, if you need a very unusual format or another special solution, we also offer an extensive range of components for self-build. The only limits in this case are your imagination and ingenuity.