Easy Shop Table Top

I am posting this as an add-on to my Easy Shop Table.

On some of my shop tables I use an MDF top that is integrated (flush) with the top frame. On others (such as my router table) I left the top frame open, and added my router table top. That is the case with the add-on top featured here.

I recently acquired some large coated MDF panels. I am not sure what it is coated with, but it is very smooth (different than Melamine). These panels were previously a counter top or shelf assembly.

Below: The original MDF panel that would soon be my table top…

I decided I wanted my top to be about 35” x 24” – I ripped the edge off of the panel, ripped the opposing edge, then cut final length with my panel cutter (on the tablesaw).

I had planned on using biscuits & glue for the assembly, but then decided upon using my Pockethole jig instead. This reduced my clamping time (none) and allowed me to use the top almost immediately.

Below: Positioning my Kreg jig for the first pockethole.

Above: By overhanging the panel, the Kreg jig could be brought to the wood (rather than the wood to the jig).

I picked up a couple lengths of Aspen for edging, and ripped them to width (2 1/8”). I cut final length on my mitersaw.

Cutting the actual pocketholes was quite easy. The jig was set for 3/4” material and clamped onto the MDF top (bottom side). Once the drill bit collar is set properly, drill baby drill!

Once I had a set of holes on one side I attached the first piece of edging (I used some glue as well). The screw in the pockethole pulled the wood in tight with no additional clamping needed.

Due to a lack of planning on my part, I had to use a seperate clamped version of the pockethole jig to drill the corners (linking the edging together). I had to add an extra piece of lumber to support the clamp.

Below: Adding pocketholes to the edging (for the corners).

I did the opposite edge, than worked on the front and back edging.

Below: The first edge is screwed and glued – note the guide clamped to the table as a backer board.

Above: The second edge is attached.

Below: The third edge goes on – center clamp was used to keep the joint tight.

Below: And now the final edge is attached…

Above: Once all of the edging was finished, I attached the top to the table with pocketholes as well.

Below: The finished top attached to one of my Easy Shop Tables

Hope you like it!

Ken C.

-- Lockwatcher, Ohio, http://www.lockwatcher.com/