Router Table

Basic Router Table

Don't be deceived by the simplicity of this project, as it's one of the more functional projects I've undertaken.

I started with an excellent used Black & Decker Router my dad gave me over a year ago. The image to the right is the Router mounted under a small steno table that measures approx 18" by 48" on the tabletop with metal legs, skirt and shelf.

I used a 1 1/2" hole saw to create an opening for the router bit, and drilled out 3 holes through the top from the face plate as a template. In my case there were 3 existing holes, but I wouldn't hesitate to have drilled and tapped if needed.

Initially I used a simple length of 2X2 and a couple of clamps as a guide. This arrangement is fine for cutting groves, but wasn't able to make edge cuts very well.

My initial fence was soft wood and never intended as a permanent fixture, after looking at a number of designs on the web, I settled on this split fence plan. Though I lack the walnut faced, 5 thou tolerance, lever released lead screw adjusters that one web site had. But this didn't cost me a fortune or take months to make.

The blocks pictured above are red oak from a reasonably new skid discarded at work.

Obviously I routed out the slots to allow some travel in the adjustment. The blocks are glued and screwed together to form a solid fence.

If you've browsed any of my other pages you'll note the rare site of new parts being used. I did breakdown and picked-up 4 carriage bolts and wing-nuts to allow for quick adjustment and fastening.

It did occur to me to take a standard 9/16ths nut and weld on a short handle or even cast custom wing nut in brass or aluminum. Somehow I was able to resist the temptation.

Here is the fully assembled table, with both fences. For the foreseeable future this will have to meet my needs.

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