How to Build Benchtop Router Table
Introduction: How to Build Benchtop Router Table
A benchtop router table is a must if you are a DIYer, working on a job site, or off of a truck. I love my full-size router table, but they can get costly. With the benchtop router, you can connect it to the top of the bench or to the side of a worktable. In this post, I’ll show you how easy it is to build one on your own. Keep in mind this is built for a cordless trim router, but it could be used for a 1/4 trim router or even a full-size router. This is a compact router table that is lightweight and stable.
Check out the plans here!
Supplies
(1/2) Sheet of plywood 3/4in X 48in X 48in
(10) 1 1/2in wood screw (assembly)
(4) 1in brackets
(8) 3/4in wood screws (for the brackets)
(2) 2in 1/4-20 screw (for router fence)
(2) 1/4-20 wing nuts
Optional: 4 (1 1/4in) machines screws for the router base
Wood glue
Furniture finishing wax
Tools Used
Table Saw (optional)
Circular saw
Router
Drill
Speed square
Clamps
3/8’’ <PERSON> Drill bits
1 -3/4’’ Hole saw
Step 1: Build the Benchtop Router Table Sides
* Countersink the holes and install the screws securing the bottom to the sides. Be sure to apply wood glue and use two to three screws in this location. Repeat this step twice.
* Apply wood glue to the legs and line them up to the back. Then clamp the parts.
Step 2: Add the Back to the Benchtop Router Table
* With the back clamped to the legs, mark the location for the screws.
* Countersink the holes deep enough to plug after the screw has been installed.
Step 3: Plug the Screw Holes
* Plug the hole using a dowel rod that’s appropriate to fit the holes drilled.
* Use a flush-cut saw to cut the dowel off.
Step 4: Make a Bit Holder for the Benchtop Router Table
Adding the bit holder is optional, but I felt it’s pretty convenient for your most used router bits.
* Cut a small piece of wood with a 45-degree miter on both ends.
* Space the router bits apart to your liking, drilling a hole straight down while holding the bit holder at an angle.
* Apply wood glue to the top side of the bit holder and the sides.
* Fit the bit holder within the opening and let the glue dry.
Step 5: Transfer the Holes From Your Router Plate to the Router Tabletop
* Remove the base plate from the router, then use it to mark the hole for the tabletop’s router base.
* You can use a <PERSON> bit or a paddle bit to drill out the center hole.
* Mark the mounting holes for the router base, then countersink the holes.
* I did this in two stages. I drew the larger hole first, so the head of the screw sits below the surface of the table. Then I drilled a smaller hole. 493
Chances are your existing screw in your router may be too short to go through the plywood and into the router base. So you will more than likely need to replace these screws.
Step 6: Route the Slots for the Benchtop Router Table
This benchtop router table will have a fence to go along with it. I figured you could go about this one of two ways.
* Option 1 build a fence and clamp it to the top of the router table.
* Option 2 route in a slot, use a screwing a nut and keep the table and the fence as a self-contained setup.
* To do this, you need to route in two places, one on each end towards the back of the router table. To route the slots, it depends on the screw you choose to use. I used a 1/4 -20 (2) inch screw in this case paired with wing nuts. On the first pass, I used a 1/4 router bit of or one that’s the size of the screw. This went all the way through. Then I made a second pass making a larger slot for the head of the screw. Once routing is done, the screw should sit lower than the surface of the plywood. Keep in mind these holes are routed from the bottom of the router tabletop. These screws need to face up. 599