| Project by MikeSpanky | posted 07-30-2015 09:45 PM | 3594 views | 7 times favorited | 13 comments |  |
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I’m sure I’m not the only one who has thought of using foam to store router bits. Decided I’d share just in case some didn’t know. I built an addition to my Kreg router table a while back adding lower cabinets and drawers. Basically it’s the plan found on Kreg’s website. The four small drawers are for router bits. One thing I didn’t like was was using wood to store the router bits. So I ordered some 2” high density closed cell black foam for this from The Foam Factory (thefoamfactory.com). The piece was 2” x 24” x 24” but you can order most any size you want. Cost was about 20 dollars with shipping. I cut down the piece using my table saw, half way through then flipping it over for the rest. Got very smooth cuts using a cross cut blade.
Next I tried several ways to drill holes in a scrap piece hoping to make it look good. The first few attempts looked awful. For 1/2” router bits I thought it best to use 1/2 drill bit. They only gouged the foam. Even tried drilling through peg board using it but it still looked terrible. But when I drilled with a 1/4” bit the result was very nice. Used a piece of the peg board to line up the holes I carried on. It worked out great. I was also satisfied that my 1/2” router bits fit well too, though tight. Found this to be an easy way to guide the drill bit through foam. Thought someone else might be needing the tip.
-- There's no crying in woodworking. Just measure and cut again.
13 comments so far
exelectrician
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#1 posted 07-30-2015 11:37 PM
I have just completed the top and frame of my new router table. Now in process doing the bit storage phase. Thank you so much for the tip. I really like the idea of foam.
-- Love thy neighbour as thyself
phil7b7
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#2 posted 07-31-2015 02:23 AM
Looks like a great router table and great bit storage!
MikeSpanky
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#3 posted 07-31-2015 03:56 AM
Glad i could help exelectrian.
Phil I love the kreg table. Its been better than ever after building the cabinets around it. I think I can put 18 bits per tray. Times four that’s 72. Plus I have two sets in their own wooden cases. Prob all I’ll ever need.
-- There's no crying in woodworking. Just measure and cut again.
kiefer
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#4 posted 07-31-2015 04:02 AM
That is a nice cushy way to store the bits .
Klaus
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
HokieKen
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#5 posted 07-31-2015 12:12 PM
That’s a great idea. I thought about using foam insulation but yours looks much nicer. Very convenient having 1 size hole for both size shanks.
-- Kenny, SW VA, Go Hokies!!!
OggieOglethorpe
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#6 posted 07-31-2015 12:55 PM
http://www.amazon.com/FOAM-ROUTER-TRAY-Peachtree-Woodworking/dp/B00153EIOA/ref=pd_sxp_redirect
MikeSpanky
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#7 posted 07-31-2015 01:16 PM
Thanks guys.
Hey Oggie I looked at all of the ones available first but would have lost a lot of space for bits because of the size difference unless I cut them into pieces. And they are great if your building a case. For me I felt making mine was best. I cut and drilled the holes in the foam in less than 30 minutes. The key is to get high density closed cell foam. The cool thing is after cutting out what I needed, I still have plenty left for a nice bit box.
-- There's no crying in woodworking. Just measure and cut again.
majuvla
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#8 posted 07-31-2015 05:32 PM
Nice, clean storage! Very protective for blades too.
-- Ivan, Croatia, Wooddicted
RootandBranch
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#9 posted 07-31-2015 05:35 PM
I have a bunch of this foam at work. Thanks for the idea. Time to get those bits off the magnetic strip on the wall.
-- Don, https://www.etsy.com/shop/RootandBranchGifts - http://facebook.com/rootandbranchgifts
Jim Jakosh
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#10 posted 08-10-2015 12:48 PM
Good strorage solution
-- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!! Variety is the Spice of Life!!
9County
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#11 posted 08-11-2015 10:46 PM
Great use of foam. If you slightly heat up your drill bit with a torch, it makes nice smooth holes in the foam.
Roger
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#12 posted 08-21-2015 01:11 PM
The foam is a gr8 idea for this application Mike. I do know that a good tip for making the holes in this foam is to heat up a metal pipe or something similar that is the same size as the hole you need and just let the heated pipe or metal penetrate and it makes a perfect hole. Give it a try
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Keep your dust collector fed. Kentuk55@yahoo.com
helluvawreck
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#13 posted 08-21-2015 01:14 PM
That is a nice idea and it looks like it will work great.
helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
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