: I'm gearing up to build my first stripper. I need a way to rout the beads and
: coves on the strips. I don't have a router table. I have a Craftsman
: router. Should I buy a cheap Sears router table? What about those
: Router/Shapers that already have the motor built in. They seem like good
: values. Is there something I need to know about them? Please advise.
: Thanks!

The problem with router tables (unless you drop a bundle) is that they make
adjustment of the router depth much harder. AND you can only mill one edge
at a time, which makes perfect centering of the profiles very hard.

The ideal set-up is to mill both profiles at the same time. This allows you to
adjust the cutters for a perfectly centered cut on each edge.

You can only mill both edges simultaneously with two routers.

I can't think of any other cutters that take off less material than bead and
cove cutters. You don't need a router table or a 3 hp, 1/2" collet router.

All you need to do to use a router without a table, is to make a wooden U shaped
frame to screw to each router and clamp to a bench top. Some routers have handles
that can be removed and used to screw into or you can apply a thin plywood base plate
over the router bottom to screw into. Most routers come with an adjustable fence that
will allow you to screw a feather board to, to apply downward pressure on the strips .

See my set-up here, http://www.LaughingLoon.com/shop.tips.html#anchor1439433

So my suggestion is that you take the money you were going spend on a router table
and buy a second router. Buy a low cost router WITH a adjustable fence.

All the best,
Rob