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Build Your Own Router Table
You can build your own router table from our router table plans as one of your beginning
woodworking projects or build several to speed up the projects that you make to sell.
In my shop I have a lot more router table tops than I do router table bases. When I set up my machines and jigs
to build a standard item I simply switch router table tops with the router already attached that's ready
to go. (This only works for standard items that you make a lot of.)
A variation of this method is having the tops already set up and just adding the router. Storing extra
router table tops with the fences and stops already set will save a lot of time when you're building an item
every now and then and don't want to tie up a router. When storing these tops I write on the router top what
project it's for, the bit to use and the height of the bit.
Some tips to think about...
Match the router table top to the job to be done. The majority of the tops that I use are made from
laminate countertop cutouts. Some have the router table fences permanently attached for one particular job.
The router bit hole should be close to the same size as the router bit. You can easily cut this hole
by mounting the router base to the underside of the table and then slowly plunging the bit up through the top.
If the router bit you need to use for your project can't be used to make the center hole then use one close to
the same diameter that will work.
Match the router to the work. You don't need a 3 hp plunge router to make 1/8" roundover cuts and you
can't use a 1/2 hp light duty router to make deep or wide plunge cuts. Always buy the best routers you can afford
and match them to the work to be done.
Make your tops double thickness. When you build your own router table top you should use a double layer of
substrate around the router base. This reduces vibration and results in a smoother cut. The bottom layer surrounds
the router so you don't lose any router bit up and down adjustment. A double layer also keeps the surface flatter.
I also like to use a hardwood edge trim around the edges of the top. I use 3/4" x 1-1/2" oak or hard maple mostly
because that's what I have a lot of in the shop. This heavy edge trim helps keep your router table top from warping.
When I glue the top laminate down I lay the laminate over the trim. This keeps the top smooth with no bumps. I've
also found that if I slightly chamfer the edges it keeps the edges from chipping and looks better.
This is just a few things I've learned from my own shop. When you build your own router table you may have totally
different needs so your tops my need to be built differently. Hopefully some of the features I've listed will be
helpful.
Here's a step by step way to build your own router table top.
More Plans, Books, and Router Table Parts
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Bill Hylton's Ultimate Guide to the Router Table, Book |
| Finally, the missing owners manual for the router table comes to light. This volume by Bill Hylton, noted author of routing reference books and articles, opens up an exciting world of woodworking possibilities with comprehensive information and advice on getting the most out of your router table. Hylton shares his secrets on how to build your own router table and jigs for perfect joinery, profile cuts, making raised panel doors and more. 128 pages.
Bill Hylton's Ultimate Guide to the Router Table, Book |
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New Yankee Workshop Deluxe Router Station Plan & Video |
| Here's Norm's latest New Yankee Workshop plan for a deluxe router station
as seen on the popular PBS show The New Yankee Workshop. Plan features all the measured drawings and patterns you’ll need to build your own router table.
PLUS, step-by-step video will take you through the building process to ensure your project's success. Hardware kit (sold separately) includes all hardware components needed to make this do-everything router station. Extra-large router plates also available.Build this project with Rockler’s hardware kit and components! New Yankee Workshop Deluxe Router Station Plan & Video |  |
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Jigs and Fixtures for the Table Saw and Router Book |
| This book packs 26 of the most ingenious jigs and fixtures from the pages
of Woodworker's Journal into one comprehensive volume. From Tenon and Box Joint jigs on the table saw, to Sliding Dovetails and The Ultimate Router Table,
this book will allow you to get the most out of these two fundamental tools.
Each project is accompanied by full-color, exploded drawings, expert step-by-step instructions to build your own router table. 160 pages.
Jigs and Fixtures for the Table Saw and Router Book |  |
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Router 101, New Yankee Workshop DVD | | The router is
one of the most versatile tools in any woodworking shop, and who better to show you how to build your own router table than Norm Abram? In this 2-Part series,
Norm walks you through all the essentials of both standard-base and plunge routers, from simple procedures like routing hinge mortises all the way to making
beautiful raised panel doors. He also shows you how to make time-saving jigs for routing precision dadoes, mortises, perfect circles and inlays, and shows you all the features of commercial router tables as well as the finer points of his own router table. This two-part series, contained on one DVD, includes Parts I & II. Router 101, New Yankee Workshop DVD |  |
| Bosch Router Base | | Includes: Base, mounting hardware, chip shield & hex adjustment wrench with rubberized grip. Specifications: Part Number: RA1165, Used on Model No. : 1617 / 1618 series routers & motors Sales Pack Quantity: 1 Screw Head Size: 4-Hole Pattern: 4M 3-Hole Pattern: 10-24 Bosch Router Base |  |
| Rockler 18'' & 24'' Aluminum Miter Bar | | Set up your jigs for smooth-sliding action on table saws, router tables, workbenches
and more! These solid aluminum bars have nylon set screws in the miter bar that
adjust in or out for a perfect fit in any standard 3/4'' x 3/8'' miter slot. Available
individually in 18'' or 24'' lengths. Rockler 18'' & 24'' Aluminum Miter Bar |  |
| Miter Slot Hardware Kit | | Make your own jigs and hold-downs!
When you build your own router table you may want to add a hardware kit. Excellent for attaching featherboards, hold-downs and special
jigs to your table saw, router table, disc sander or any other tool with a
standard 3/4" wide x 3/8" deep miter gauge slot. Miter Slot Hardware Kit |  |
| T-Track Bracket for Rockler LED Work Light | | Designed to support our magnetic LED Work Lights, this bracket slides freely and
locks in place on T-Tracks throughout your shop. Great for adding light to operations
on router tables, drill presses, benchtops and more. Stainless steel plate. 5/16'' T-Bolts (compatible with all Universal T-Track). T-Track Bracket for Rockler LED Work Light |  |
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