Compact Router Table Build

[sams93]

I am a relatively new woodworker (18 months) and after trying to flush trim some small handles on the palm router from a small template I realised that I needed a router table. I only have a 6x8' shed as a workshop so space is at a real premium. I therefore set out to make a compact router table which I could store under the bench when not being used. I found some plans on woodsmith which I liked, and set about modifying them to meet my needs. I wanted as big a table as I could get from the space I have, and I wanted it to be able to store my most often used bits.

Here is the finished piece:

I'll post some details in a reply to this thread.

 

[sams93]

So the hardwood parts are Sapele. I got hold of a big chunk (5" x 3.5" x 15") from a local wood workshop and decided that as I have been trying to learn to resaw I would try and mill it into what I needed - which went successfully. I made it into some 3/4" planks, and some 1/4" thick pieces for the edging. I made the edging oversized and then flush trimmed it to the tables, before giving it a 1/8" roundover. The router table actually made itself as I pre-did the roundover for the underside of the edging on it before glueing on.

The rest is made of 1/2" baltic birch ply, I laminated 2 pieces together to make the table and extension tables to keep them extra sturdy. Joints are either glue + screw, rebate, or dado. The edging is just glued on, and where two pieces of edging meet it is mitred.

The extension tables swing up on piano hinges, and then the support wings pull out and there is a recessed magnet which mates with a magnet on the underside of the extension table to keep it in position. The support arms double up as accessory and bit storage areas.

The main table also lifts up to allow me to access the router and change bits etc. As it happens the dewalt palm router is very easy to adjust depth on using the 'screw' mechanism and so I don't need to lift the table to do that.

There is a hole in the back for dust extraction hose and the power cord.

I decided late on to add the facility for a starting pin to the table top - just a 8mm threaded insert. I might add another in a different position at some point later if I need to.

It is finished with 4 coats of a water based satin alkyl varnish, which I then polished so it is silky smooth.

It fits neatly under my bench and I am delighted with it. I do need to come up with a system to keep the loose whiteside bits in their packets in place on the top shelves.

There are 2 T-Tracks ready for a decent fence which is the next project...

 

[sams93]

More photos.

I have been really impressed with my Clarke CBS355 3 wheeled hobby bandsaw. Using some 4TPI blades from Tuff-Saws to resaw the big sapele chunk. Then my very cheap Titan planer thicknesser (screwfix) did a good job of milling the planks square and to thickness. I resawed to 10/8" on the bandsaw as I wasnt sure how much i would need to plane off to get them smooth, probably I could have sawed to just 1" but I have learned for next time.

 

[artie]

My new Katsu arrived today, so I intend to manufacture some form of table.

I hope it turns out as well as yours.

 

[TRITON]

That looks a superb compact R/T. well done.

 

[MikeK]

Very impressive! It's more like fine shop furniture than a tool.

 

[Bingy man]

Absolutely stunning, practical and a good way to not overcrowd a small w/ shop .

 

[robgul]

Looks great - almost a piece of furniture!

My rather basic home-made portable router table is pretty simple - the small scissor lift (about £7 from Banggood) works as a router lift, adjust and lock-off the plunge. Since the pic was taken I've inserted some T-track for featherboards in the table and fence - and there's some dust extraction with a home-made hood behind the cutter. Works for me for the uses I need.

The whole thing stores under a bench and simply clamps to the top - with the table at abuout my chest height. The cheapie router stays mounted in it . . . I have 5 other routers

 

[Dynamite]

Thats absolutely fantastic Sams93. I can only dream.!

Kind Regards...Rob

 

[mikej460]

More photos.

I have been really impressed with my Clarke CBS355 3 wheeled hobby bandsaw. Using some 4TPI blades from Tuff-Saws to resaw the big sapele chunk. Then my very cheap Titan planer thicknesser (screwfix) did a good job of milling the planks square and to thickness. I resawed to 10/8" on the bandsaw as I wasnt sure how much i would need to plane off to get them smooth, probably I could have sawed to just 1" but I have learned for next time.

Very impressive, so much so that, when you are not routing, you can wheel it into your house and put the telly on it

 

[sams93]

Haha thanks! I have just finished the fence for it which has a 'micro adjust' function that I saw on another set of plans - I'll post some photos later

 

[sams93]

So the fence is finished. It is just of plywood construction. There are two thumb knobs to allow coarse movements up and down the T-Tracks.

The large knob to the rear allows fine adjustment of the fence back and forwards, overall there is about 1/2" of movement this facilitates. The small knob simply locks it in place once the adjustment is made. I thought this would be useful when trying to dial in precise adjustments.

I have put up 2 videos to show the function but im not sure how well they came out - I'll try and take a better one at some point.

I saw the design on a woodsmith plan and adapted it for my table, I will try and find the link.