The rocker table precisely holds the bottom skin in the correct position and provides a solid base to build from. Unlike other methods that start on temporary supports before being turned over and finished without support. Boards built on a rocker table stay fully supported on the rocker table through out the entire build. This support ensures the finished board is straight and true and is free from unwanted twists.
The rocker table is required to attach the bottom skin to the internal fishbone frame in one piece with the desired bottom contours. The board remains supported on the rocker table until the top is attached completing the torsion box. If the rocker table is free from twists, the board will be straight and free from twists.
Simple Rocker Table
Building a rocker table can be as simple as a stacking of blocks of wood to the required heights and then adding wedges to support the hollows. This method works ok but I recommend taking the couple of hours to build a professional ladder style table.
Ladder Style Rocker Table
The ladder style rocker tables main advantage is the bottom contour of the rungs exactly matches the contour of the ribs. The bottom skin of the board is sandwiched between two matching shapes. This sandwiching effect ensures the desired concave, flats, and tail vee exactly matches what was intended. Learn how to build your own ladder style rocker table here.
CNC Rocker Table
If you are ordering the CNC cut framework from Silver you might consider ordering the matching CNC Rocker Table and save the time in building your own. Clamping holes have been added to allow the use of smaller clamps or twine. There is no reason you couldn’t add these helpful holes to the ladder style rocker table as well. I have switched to the CNC cut rocker tables for their Ikea like flat stacking ability more than any functional benefit. Please note that I no longer use 1/4-20 bolts to fasten the CNC rocker tables because wood screws proved faster and easier.