I’ve basically finished my router table.

The stand is a simple construction of 2×4s. I plan to install some casters on the legs and put in some plywood to serve as a shelf. Attached to the stand you can see that I added an electrical outlet and switch. I don’t want to reach under the top to find the router’s power switch each time I need to turn it on or off.

The table top is a layer of MDF below a layer of melamine. I used a Woodpeckers phenolic plate, mainly because I could find one pre-drilled for my PC 690 base at my local Woodcraft. I used T-track as a way to hold down the fence.

The fence is just something I slapped together today from some MDF scrap I had laying around. Since I basically have $0 in the fence, I can always justify replacing it later if I’m unhappy with it or find that it gets out of square at any point. I decided to try making the fence just a little nicer than a simple flat board with a hole cut in it. I cut a 1/4” groove through the upright on each side of the bit opening (which hasn’t yet been cut). I then made some facings from the remaining MDF scrap I had laying around. (I literally used every last fiber of extra MDF that I had.) With this design I can make the bit opening as little as 1/8” or as large as 4”. It was supposed to close down to nothing, but when everything was said and done, the facings didn’t come all the way together. I can lengthen either one of the grooves in the backing face of the fence if I really want the facings to come together completely, but I doubt I’ll find a real need for that.

It feels good to have this project under my belt. A router table is something I’ve wanted for a very long time, from the moment I became interested in fine woodworking. I always thought making my own would be too difficult to do if I wanted any real measure of quality. I haven’t been able to put mine to use yet, but just getting this far makes me ecstatic. I’m very happy with how things have come together. I can still use any constructive criticism or advice that you guys have to offer.

This is just a basic endtable that I made. It took me forever to complete. Having a baby in the middle of the project changed my schedule quite a bit. Then winter hit and I had no desire to go into the garage. Finally the days grew warmer so I finished it up. This is the first project I’ve done involving glue-ups or mortise and tenon joinery. I was fairly happy with the way things came out. After completing it, I did some measurements to see how well I did on keeping it square. I’m proud to say it came out almost perfect.

It’s red oak, “Early American” stain and two coats of quick-dry poly.