Source Image: WikiHow
This tutorial explains building a router table using a plunge router and drill press. To begin, you'll need to acquire some scrap pieces of plywood. Next, cut two 2x10 boards in half lengthwise. Then cut four 2x8s in half width-wise (two at 50 degrees and two at 90). Finally, cut four 1/2" thick MDF sheets along their long edges. Once all these parts have been acquired, assemble them on top of each other in the above order.
1. How to build a router table
How to build a router table: Source wikiHow
You'll need basic tools for making a router table like a drill press, jigsaw, and handsaw. Depending on how many holes you want to cut out, you may need to buy additional bits. You might have enough parts lying around at home using a hand saw. You could skip the jig and use a piece of plywood instead.
2. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to building the project
Building a router table takes time and patience. You don't want to rush it. Instead, make the router first before doing any cutting. That way, if something goes wrong, you won't waste much time trying to fix it.
3. Measure twice, cut once!
If you're going to be precise about the measurements of the router table, then you should do it right away. Otherwise, you might find yourself with extra waste material. But if you are not accurate with your measurements, you might get two different sizes of tables, which means you'd have to get rid of one. So measure twice, cut once! And remember to plan. Don't start building the table until you've bought all the necessary materials.
Measure twice, cut once: Source Wikihow
- Start with a piece of plywood cut to fit the length of your table (in our case, we had a 4'x8'). If you don't have access to a router, use a circular saw and cut out two pieces of wood to create your base. Make sure they're parallel. Then mark where you want the two long sides of the board to go. Use a jigsaw to cut them out. You'll need some scrap material to fill the space between the two boards. I used old scraps of wood left over from framing my house. It's worth having extra scraps lying around if you repeatedly run across something like this!
- Attach your router table using screws and nuts. We attached ours to the top of the plywood using three self-tapping screws at each corner. Drill pilot holes if necessary.
- Once everything is attached to the top and bottom, drill 1/16"-diameter holes down both sides - about five per side. Leave 8". Put the bolts through the holes, threading the ends into the holes on the opposite side. Tighten.
- Take off the bit that holds your router in place and insert a router plate. Screw the bits back on.
- If desired, add a bit holder below your tabletop.
- Place whatever surface you plan to work on under the tabletop.
- Using your plunge router, start making a hole, measuring its diameter. Measure how deep you want it and multiply that number by 0.625. That should give you the correct depth for the first pass. Take your time drilling until you reach full depth.
- After placing your cuts, remove the router and replace it with the cutting tool. Repeat steps 6-7 for the second set of cuts.
- Finally, attach wheels and legs to your table.
- Enjoy!
In conclusion, this router table guide provides easy tips for perfect plunge routing. First, ensure the router table is level and squared off before starting. Next, use a straight edge to create a guide slot on the top of your workpiece. Finally, clamp the workpiece and plunge the router bit into the guide slot. Be sure to use a light touch and move the router smoothly back and forth to avoid tear-out.
