The router is a very helpful tool in woodworking. This tool can be used for various tasks, such as molding, making angled cuts, creating cabinets, and many other applications. It’s hard to imagine building anything complicated without one.
A router is possibly the most beneficial equipment a woodworker can obtain.
Most people use routers as handheld tools. Using a router mounted in a table, rather than just a router, is a more secure choice, and it allows you to make cuts of a different kind. If you hope to construct a router table independently, you have arrived at the correct location.
Great features of the DIY Router Table
A handheld router is tremendously adaptable and capable in its own right. If you flip it over and install it beneath a table, the router can complete a different set of duties. I made this homemade router table to be secure, reliable, and convenient to assemble and operate.
The joinery is simplicity itself. Just butt joints and screws—no miters, no fuss. But don’t get me wrong. Simple doesn’t mean second-rate. This table is designed to be durable and can handle many years of wear and tear, providing the highest quality and most features of any manufactured model.
Double dust collection
Vacuum inlets in the cupboard and barrier offer a draw that is both higher and lower than the router bit, which makes this router table one of the Tidiest units offered.
Super storage
A large, profound drawer provides you with the capability of organizing all of your routers and accessories in one easy-to-access location. Bit holders that are attached to doors made out of wood remnants with holes drilled in them allow you to discover the correct bit immediately.
Safe, convenient switch
The external switch enables you to turn on your router without having to open the door of a cabinet. By using your knee, you can shut off the power when making stopped cuts, allowing both hands to be free to steady the item that is being worked on. It is not necessary to use the switch on the router. However, you can if you would like.
MDF for stability
The majority of the box, top, and fence is composed of MDF, which stays level when unpacked. MDF is also heavy. This router table is robust due to the extra weight, and it also minimizes router vibrations.
Fully adjustable fence
You can alter the gap up to 3 inches in width with the adjustable fence panels. Two clamps are used to secure the fence in place—an effortless, speedy, and dependable approach.
Rock solid top
The top is a thick sandwich: 3/4-in. MDF between layers of 1/4-in. hardboard. No matter what is traversed over it, the item will not twist, droop, or bend.
Tough work surfaces
Wood is shockingly rough and can wear away finishes and other surfaces. The laminated surface and fence of this router table will remain smooth and glossy for an extended period of time. The laminate is optional, though. Omitting it will save you around $30 and a few steps in the construction process.
Movable but solid
These hard plastic furniture glides make it effortless to push this router table across the floor. Unlike caster wheels, the glides won’t be unsteady or expensive for you.
Choosing a Router for a Table
There is no wrong router for a table. Throughout the course of time, I have witnessed a whole array of routers that have proved to be remarkably effective when used with a table: large, small, fixed, and plunge types. It has been stated that most experienced woodworkers choose to use a fixed-base router when on a table. All concur that large is preferable; most experts deploy a 3-horsepower unit.
If you are looking for a router, it would be worthwhile to look into getting a combo kit that comes with a motor, a static base, and a plunge base. You can attach one base to the table and swiftly shift the motor to the other base for when you need to use handheld routing. Also, consider a model that allows above-the-table height adjustment. You can use a shaft to adjust the height of the router by running it through the top of the tabletop. Very precise and very convenient. This option is available on certain models from Craftsman, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Ridgid, and Triton. For additional ideas on what to consider when buying a router, take a look at our review of Midsize Routers.
The Tabletop
Attach multiple sheets of hardboard to the top and bottom of the MDF board. Glue on the bottom layer first, as shown here. You can affix the components of your appliance by using an MDF platform, 2x4s, and clamps as indicated or by putting a heavy weight on the assembly.
Think of the top like a sandwich. The MDF core is the main component and the 1/4-in. hardboard is the supporting structure. Start by adhering a piece of hardboard, sized 1/2 inch larger than the desired outcome, onto the MDF core (as depicted in Photo 2). I connected the elements together by utilizing a slab of MDF as a base, 2x4s, and clamps. I would strongly advise you to make a trial run with all of your clamps in place before actually starting this complex glue-up.
For a simpler approach, use weights. Spread the hardboard on a secure and level surface, spread glue across it, and place the MDF core on top of the glue. Then set weights on the MDF—lots of weights. Six individual 5-gallon containers of water will fit comfortably between the two slices of bread and add a hefty amount of burden (just watch out to avoid any messes!).
Once the adhesive has completely set, cut the hardboard (Photo 3) down to size and route a hole through both the hardboard and MDF, making use of your router platform to determine the size of the gap. The hole in the tabletop can be centered, as demonstrated in Figure A. However, I prefer additional reinforcement in front of the cutting tool. Therefore I positioned the hole 8 in. away from the rear of the tabletop. After you have cut the opening, place the tabletop in the center of the cabinet and draw a line around the gap on the cabinet top. Make a hole in the top of the cabinet that is bigger than the hole in the tabletop by at least 1/2 inch. Now place an extra sheet of hardboard on top of the tabletop. But don’t cut a hole in it. The top section of the hardboard creates the workspace and serves as the foundation for the router.
Once all components are in place, put on the hardwood edging and finally cover the entire tabletop with the plastic laminate; as per Photo 4, rough-cut the edges of the table with a chamfer bit in order to prevent bits of the fragile laminate from breaking away. While you’re laminating the top surface, start laminating material for the sides of the fence as well. If you have an abundance of laminate, create additional surfaces that can be utilized to replace broken ones in the future.
Now you’re ready to install the router. Employ a hole saw to make a hole big enough for your biggest router bit with a drill. Create pilot holes and drill screws in order to attach the router base to the top of the table (Photo 5). When drilling countersunk holes in the laminate to fit the screws, do it slowly and carefully. There’s only a hair more than a quarter of an inch of material left; if you drill too much, you’ll be in a lot of trouble. With the router base mounted, the tabletop is complete. Position the item in the middle of the cabinet and secure it with screws that are inserted from the interior of the cabinet.
DIY Router Table Ideas
We have assembled some outstanding plans for making your own router table.
Creston Wood Router Table Plans
This router table appears very useful. It has ample room for your router. And lots of workspaces too.
But it also has great drawers that could be used to keep tiny miscellaneous items. It gets even better since there is no charge for the plans. You can have it for the cost of the timber and the decorative elements.
Router Table Pressure Jig
This table has a unique feature to it. When forming pieces close to the edge, this pressure jig will provide the desired amount of pressure and make it simpler to perform end cuts.
If you require this distinct capability, you have found the right place. By taking advantage of these complimentary plans, you’ll soon have what you require.
Quick and Easy Router Table
If you’re not an experienced woodworker but still require the usage of a router sometimes, then this product is probably ideal for you. This is a basic router table accompanied by an open area beneath it for storing items.
The table also features a convenient drawer underneath, which is ideal for storing items. If you desire an easy accompaniment to your router, this product may fit the bill.
Jane’s Router Table
Jane was the originator of the concept behind this router table. She contributed to the basic build.
This individual was able to get a good price on a router and then make some adjustments, resulting in the finished item. It might strike your fancy too.
Patrick’s Router Table
If you admire Ana White and her work, it should be no surprise that she can provide you with all of the necessary components you’ll need for your simple abode or mini-home. We personally love her around here.
There is no shock that she has come up with a fantastic idea for assisting you in constructing a fabulous router table. It has ample storage and workspace. Hopefully, you’ll love it as much as we do.
Wood Smith Router Table
This product has an uncomplicated design that is perfect for those looking to buy something easy. This could be a good starting point for someone who is just beginning with carpentry.
There are no drawers or other add-ons. It is still a neat and tidy appearance for a router table. A novice would be proud to claim they had constructed this.
One Project Closer Router Table
If you require visuals in order to construct something accurately, then this guide is the perfect choice for you. No matter what, you will be captivated by all the particulars included.
If you are looking for plans that will enable you to construct a basic router table, this is the place to be.
The 3-in-1 Router Table
This router table isn’t just a router table. It can also be constructed to house a jigsaw and a circular saw.”
For people who are carpenters or who have good carpentry skills, this table would be a great addition to their lives.
American Woodworker Router Table
The main attraction of this router table is that they are striving to copy every feature that one would find in a router table purchased from a store.
If you want a well-crafted fence, a stable top, and a storage cupboard, then it seems you have found the perfect router table. It is asserted that constructing this table will cost you much less than purchasing one from the store.
Wall Mounted Router Table
If you’re familiar with me, you know my deep enthusiasm for Murphy-related things. Do you have a similar interest? Fold-up beds, foldaway desks, and now a foldaway router table.
If you’re not interested in the hassle of keeping track of another piece of gear, you’ve come to the right place. This router table, which is attached to the wall, is both efficient and small in size.
The All Around Router Table
This router table can either be basic or more advanced. It is up to you, your abilities, and your wants in relation to a router table.
If you want a basic router table and nothing more, these plans are the perfect solution. If you would like to have a storage cabinet below, these plans will enable you to do that as well. It is all you need in one location.
Table Saw Router Fence
Do you have a table saw? Well, if so, then you are in luck. After you go through these plans, you will discover that you are already halfway to having your very own router table.
The awe-inspiring nature of these plans is demonstrated by including a router fence that can be securely affixed to a table saw. Therefore, you can have two tables in one.
Cheap and Easy Storage Router Table
Are you on a budget? No worries, because so am I. Do you have a shortage of storage space as well? Well, aren’t we all?
You may have stumbled across an ideal router table if you want something inexpensive yet not taking up much room.
The DIY Router Table
I am very fond of this router table, as well as the accompanying article that provides instructions on how to construct it. I am fond of this article because it not only guides me through creating something but also shows me the end result. It gives you a boost of motivation to take on a fresh task.
I’m a fan of the design of this project, as it’s extremely basic. Not everyone wants an extravagant router table. This is a great choice for people wanting something simple.
