router table #1: router table 90% complete

The purpose of this entry is to talk about the router table that I have been building. I don’t know how long I’ve been working on it but since I’ve only been able to work on it in my free time it has taken longer than I wanted. I started out with a base cabinet that I got from a kitchen remodel that I was working on. I built a simple mobile base out of 2×4s and casters that I got at a local big box store. I wrapped this in 1/4” mdf to make it look cleaner. I also wrapped the sides and back of the cabinet in 1/4” mdf to clean up the look and add some strength and sound dampening to the cabinet. The cabinet originally had 4 drawers but I had to eliminate the top 2 to allow the router to slip down into the cabinet. I put a set of simple doors here made out of 3/4” mdf. This area is used to house the router and collect dust. The top is made out of 2 layers of 3/4” mdf with a layer of laminate of the top and 1/2” poplar edge banding. I am using a simple woodpeckers router insert, nothing fancy here. I am also using incra miter track for my miter gauge and 2 pieces of incra t track for my fence. The fence is made out of 3/4” mdf with laminate on the face. It’s not perfect but it does good enough for me. Dust collection is accomplished with my shop vac and a collection of parts bought at my local woodcraft store. Instead of buying a router table switch I made my own. I used two boxes a switch and a simple duplex outlet and made a switched outlet. It works great. The only things left to do are make new drawer fronts for the cabinet and paint it.

-- Jason- superior twp, MI