Ultimate Router Station
Introduction: Ultimate Router Station
Hey guys! In this Instructable I’ll show you how I added tons of storage space to my router table to create the ultimate router station! I added enough room to store over 100 bits as well as quick access to commonly used tools as well a big storage drawers for router and accessories. Basically everything I own for my routers in one place!
Keep reading and I’ll show you how I did it!
If you like this instructable be sure to check out my most popular instructables below:
5 Pro Tips for Making Cutting Boards
How to Make an End Grain Butcher Block
How to Make a Slab Flattening Mill
The Ultimate Table Saw Fence
If you like this instructional content you can also find me at:
My Website (full tutorials, plans, videos): https://mwawoodworks.com
My YouTube (all my build videos): https://youtube.com/c/mwawoodworks
My Instagram (behind the scenes stuff): https://instagram.com/mwawoodworks
My Pinterest (things I find inspirational) : https://pinterest.com/mwawoodworks
Supplies
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS PROJECT:
►2-Sided Tape - https://amzn.to/3yha6ly
►True Position Drawer Hardware Jig - https://amzn.to/3ePbWSJ
►Mag Switch - https://amzn.to/3ePbWSJ
►18" Drawer Slides - https://amzn.to/3ePbWSJ
►1/4" router bit for locking rabbet joint - https://amzn.to/3ePbWSJ
►Black Edge Banding - https://amzn.to/3ePbWSJ
►Power Switch with Paddle - https://amzn.to/3ePbWSJ
Step 1: Final Pics and Tour
I was able to squeeze just about every square inch of storage space I could get out of my Woodpecker router table. I added a HUGE bottom drawer for storing handheld my handheld routers and accessories.
There's a 4" drawer just below the router dust box for my coping sled and larger router bit sets.
On the right, I added a small drawer to hold my most used tools (collet wrenches, plate inserts and router lift tool)
And finally I added this awesome slide out bit storage that has room for 100+ router bits in 1/2" and 1/4" shank sizes.
Everything I own related to routers can be stored in this router station! Score +1 for shop organization!
Step 2: Prepping for the Build (really, Deciding What I Want to Do LOL)
One thing I need to do before I get started is measure how much room I have under the dust box. I want to squeeze in a shallow drawer here to really maximize the storage space in this cabinet. I also measure for my side panels and the bottom drawer as well.
And now I can remove the dust box to get it out of the way.
I also need to drill a few screw holes to help me mount the panels.
Once all that is done I can begin cutting my cabinet parts.
Step 3: Cutting the Side Panels
Since the top and rails of the router table are black I wanted to find a way to make the whole cabinet black. At first I considered painting plywood because I really didn’t want to use black melamine. I’m really not a fan of particle board, but then I found something I’d never seen before at my local plywood dealer.
It’s called shelf liner and its got a melamine like coating on top of a plywood core. 493
This fits exactly with what I was thinking for this project.
The first step here is to cut the side panels of the cabinet and doing this at the MFT is pretty simple. I need four panels total.
The only other thing I need to do to these is cut notches on two corners and these allow space for the bolts that connect the frame of the router table. To do this I like to set up a mag switch to act as a positive stop. I just set the fence into position and I can knock these cuts out fast and each one is the same. To get the short side of the notch I just reposition the fence and the magnet and keep on cutting.
Step 4: Installing the Side Panels
These fit in really nice with those notches cut out. I cut the back
panels out of ½” ply. And for the top panel I needed to make an access for the dust collection as well as some air vents for the router. 599