Final Cabinet Build and Table Top Attachment
The router cabinet is not complete, but I'm getting close. With the table top installed it is now functional.
Here's where I left off the other day
The main carcass assembled, so my assembly bench is now free for other projects-specifically 3rd cabinet for entertainment center.
Table Top Placement
I have a two inch overhang in the front for clamping if needed. I had originally considered pushing the top back 10" and adding a sliding table. However with a coping sled this seemed redundant.
Cabinet Back Design and Assembly
The back of the cabinet will have a port to connect dust collection from below, router fence, and track attached jigs as well as storages.
Side View of Cabinet
Here you can see the overhand, table top and back where the jig table top will be attached
Jig Attachment Top Planning
I had left some of the initial design just roughed out so I could get a feel for how the cabinet would work before fishing out. Here I'm testing out how I'm going to attach my jigs. Currently my jigs are mounted on boards with t-track knobs and screws so these slip into place on my assembly bench to be locked down.
I had liked how this approach worked so well I had basically made all my jigs-Kreg Pocket-hole, Euro-Hinge, Router Box, and Router Mortise-mounted with the same idea. Since I'm centralizing all my router functions to this table I wanted to capitalize on the same idea.
Back Shelves
The back of the cabinet is basically dedicated to storage of large jigs and a working surface for box joint and mortise work. Here you can see three shelves for the jigs and the eventual placement of the dust collection port
Router Table Top from above
Here is view of table top from above. As you can see I still have a bit of work to do before this project is complete. However, its complete enough that I can put a router in the router raiser, attach a dust collection hose to the fence and cut away. Most likely I be using the router table to compete the router table. Still to go is:
- Jig Attachment Top
- Front Drawers for routers, bits, and sealing off under router dust collection chamber
The dust collection chamber is planned to be sealed with a Face Frame door (a new skill to develop) that will have a Plexiglas panel and a one-way air intake port. Considering two options for the intake air port: a router flapper value made from pond liner scrape or a Dryer vent placed in reverse with a mess to cover the outside
Testing placement of Mortise Jig
Just to be on the safe side I tested out placement of the Mortise jig to be sure it would be comfortable at the new height (Assembly bench is 6+ inches lower than the router cabinet)
Next Steps
- Jig Attachment Top -this will be two 3/4 inch MDF boards glued together like the router table top, cut into two sections over right and left back shelves, then routed to accept the t-track to tie-down jig fixtures
- Front Drawers for routers, bits, and sealing off under router dust collection chamber-Top Drawers for bits and bit sets. The drawers on left will be for 1/2" shafts and the drawers on right for 1/4" bits and bit sets.
Looking at how or if I'll label bit slots. Saw some interesting YouTube videos on letter and graphic transfer I may give a try later.
- Side Canvas Tool Pouch. Saw a Stumpy nubs video on using tool pouches from Rockler mounted on side for additional tool storage. I've a Husky (Home Depot) pocket wall I'll be using for same which will hold: tap measure, wrenches for router, marking tools, depth gauge, etc. I use these around several of my work stations in the shop along with clear plastic shop traveler pouches that hold machine tool documentation close at hand
In the meantime while I work out the details, it back to WEPs for the next few weeks, and planning for anniversary. Was hoping to finish entertainment center for anniversary present.