A router table quiets a router, helps control wood dust, and adds a little more security to routing. Provides a stable platform for intricate shapes as well as precise edging. A router table can handle 80% of your routing. It makes good practical sense to have a router table.

You can buy one through various vendors/catalogs. You’ll learn more about carpentry if you do your own. Making your own will evolve over time.

Most commercial router tables have unused space under the top. Does it make sense to use this space for your router accessories?

If the answer is yes, you can create your own unique router table. Let’s discuss some features you may want.

Features of My Custom Router Table Plans:

• Router bit storage for 36-48 router bits of various sizes.
• A router riser to adjust the router easily.
• The on/off switch is easily accessible.
• Two drawers for keys and accessories.
• Amble storage for your portable router and accessories.
• Drop down window for easy access to your fixed base router (the PC 7518).
• It has wheels to move easily.
• Almost no dust enters the cabinet.

What more could you want?

Near the router table

What to look for in a router table fence:

• repeatability
• zero deviation
• Rectitude
• Ability to square it to the top of the table.
• Chip/dust collection
• Easily clamps to table and adjusts

router board

The top must be flat and stable to do quality work. I prefer a high pressure laminate top on both sides. I find it better than melamine or other types. It makes sense to have a clean top, with no miter channel. Those things weaken the top and just collect sawdust. You rarely need them. To use a miter channel, it must be square to the fence. Is it worth the hassle?

It is not difficult to make a Top. Or you can find quality caps at a fair price without all the bells and whistles. Try to find one that is around 24″ wide x 32″ long. Positioning the router insert plate to the rear will provide more work space for wider boards.

Router table insert plate

There are many router boards available. Pressure rings for many are not easy. I broke a couple of snap rings trying to get them out. From a user-friendly point of view, they are difficult. Some of these insert plates tend to warp over time. That will not give you an accurate cut.

You can skimp on this article, but I think you’ll regret it in the end. It seems wise to get a solid 3/8″ aluminum one with inserts that are easy to change. They lay flat and are easy to change inserts. Best to have an insert that accepts PC guide bushings. A couple of different inserts from size are good for larger router bits.Woodpecker makes a high quality one.Once in a while you can find them on sale.

You can make your own template to mount a router plate. Apply double sided tape to the insert plate and mount it to a 1/4″ hard tempered fiber plate. Then use a reverse embedment bearing kit. You now have a template to make a template.

Tape or fasten the template to 3/4″ plywood or MDF. Place the bearing in the inlay kit. Then route the 3/4″ plywood (MDF). You have an exact copy of your insert plate. You can place the insert plate anywhere you like. By using a different template guide, you can cut off the 1/2″ edge to support the insert plate. Simple!

For more information on how to build your own router table, including images and tips, visit Router Table Plans