Router Reviews

The Easiest Homemade Router Tables

OK, so you have bought a new router, such as a wood router, CNC router, or plunge router and all your router bits, but now you are thinking of buying a table to go with it, right? Well, as most woodworkers would tell you, building your benchtop router table doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might have thought it was.

That’s because there are plans and options all over the Internet and even in books at your local library or at the bookstore. You may even find some at your local home improvement stores. Of course, you can always take a look at these ones too and see just what will help you with making your next router table.

The Supplies You Need

What you need specifically is going to depend on the specific plans that you choose, but you can get some idea of supplies from this list. Just keep in mind that you may need any subset of these supplies or even a few additional pieces depending on how you decide to go about making your benchtop router table:

Kitchen countertop
Plywood
Router lift
Router base plate
Table fence
Dust collection with dust port
Drill
Circular saw
Kreg jig
Brad nailer
Sander
Table saw
Drill bits
Assorted screws
Finish nails
Casters
Doorknobs
Hinges
Router plate
1 x 6”
2 x 4”

Getting To Work

It’s going to be up to you which particular router table you want to try out. Here, we’ve compiled a list of several different options when it comes to plans and where you can find them. Before you know it you’re going to have a great looking router table that helps you keep track of all your stuff and get that next project going just right.

Ana-White Super Sleek Router Table and Cabinet

This table is more than just a place to set up your router. It’s available on Ana-White.com and though it’s going to be one of the more complicated options for creating your table, it’s also going to be the most useful. That’s because it actually has drawers built into it that allow you to keep everything organized and ready for whatever you want to work on next.

Woodsmith Shop Simple Router Table

If you want to keep it simple you can definitely do it with this router table plan from Woodsmith Shop. The table you end up with is highly functional but without a lot of the frills you’ll see in some of these other plans. For someone who wants quality and speed over anything else, this is going to be a good choice of plans. It will work great for most projects, though it may not be ideal for heavier duty projects, and it will help you save a little bit of time and money while you’re at it.

Rockler’s Space Saving Router Table

If you don’t have a lot of space to leave a router table out in your workshop or garage you may want to consider this option. It has some cabinet space to store a few things, but it’s also completely able to be folded up to your wall.

When you’re using it you unfold the table and it’s sturdy enough to hold whatever you need and cut your pieces. When you’re not using it you just fold things up and it’s out of your way. Rockler definitely has it figured out.

Creston Wood Two-Tone Router Cabinet

This cabinet looks pretty great too and also offers you some great space to store everything. It also has an open window in the center so you can see your system working. It’s definitely stylish looking and it has everything you need for your next project even without the storage space. You’ll be putting a bit of work into it, but it’s definitely worth it from Creston Wood.

Fine Woodworking Stow Away Table

What’s really great about this router table from Fine Woodworking is that you’re going to spend very little money on it and you’ll be able to create a table that really works well. It’s also fully adjustable in the legs so you can work on uneven floors or you can stow the table away when you’re not using it because it can be made smaller. It does require you to have a sturdy surface to attach to, but overall, this is a simple-to-build and simple-to-use router for anyone.

Family Handyman Router Table and Cabinet

This option from Family Handyman is somewhat of a combination of things. It does have a cabinet to store things, but that cabinet isn’t as fancy as some others. It’s mainly built as a good quality table that will help you get your next project done and will store a few of the extra things that you need to have around for that project. It’s simple to put together, though it is going to be a semi-permanent option rather than a foldable or stowaway one. So, make sure you take a look at where you’re going to put it.

Family Handyman Upcycled Router Table

If you don’t need a full cabinet and system to support your router table you may want to take a look at this option. It’s a way of upcycling your old kitchen countertop to create a router table that is ideal for any project but also easy to store away. After all, it’s only the table top and not the full table, so you can hang it up when you’re not using it and get it back whenever you’re ready. Built by Family Handyman, this is another option to consider for your workshop.

No matter what you’re planning to do with your router table you want to make sure that you have all the pieces you’re going to need and that it’s going to do everything you want. Keep in mind that you can use these tables for a range of different features, so you want it capable of more than just what you’re planning this time around. Keep in mind the time and energy that you want to put into the table and then make sure that you’re really ready to get started. A good router table should last you a long time, so don’t skimp too much on the quality of your pieces or your work.

Installing Your New Router Table

Setting up your router plate is actually a whole lot easier than you might think because it requires only a few simple steps. Whether you are looking to create panel doors or kitchen cabinets using wood, MDF, or high-pressure laminate.

The key is making sure that you have some great router plates to get started with and that you definitely have a great quality fixed-base router, plunge router, or handheld router, a router table, dust collection port, an adjustable fence, router bits, and other tools so that everything you could possibly need is going to be ready for whatever you want to do. Once you’ve purchased all of these pieces you’ll be ready to go on setting up your plate and getting ready for your next project.

You’ll need to make guide strips of ¾” plywood or ¼” hardboard, which will be sturdy enough to support everything for your project. You want to put the plate over where you want it to be when everything is done and put the first guide strip down, pushing the plate right up against it.

Now put your other three strips all the way around, creating a frame to go all the way around your plate and securing all of them with carpet tape to make sure each is secured to where you want it to be.

Next, drill a 1 ½” diameter hole in each of the corners of the plate, on the inside of the guide bars. You’ll be just creating a starting point for your bit, which creates a much easier to use the system.

You won’t have as hard of a time getting the full holes, called relief holes, that way. And you won’t have to worry about dust and other debris that might get throughout your system or under the plate otherwise. You’re definitely going to be better prepared. Next, make sure you use the bit to put the holes all the way through.

Now you’re going to have to route the lip, so set the bit depth to the same thickness as your insert plate. You’ll have to mount your pattern bit into the router and put the insert plate on the guide strip. Now set the router on top and lower the bit until it just barely touches the top of both. This is going to be just what you need in order to get a perfect sized hole and be able to route properly through the plate and get just the right work that you’re looking for with this woodworking tool.

Now put the bit in the opening in a corner so your router rests on the guide strips and then use those strips to help you guide your bit bearing while routing through the inside of the strips.

Go in a clockwise fashion and make sure that you keep a radius in each corner, routing onto to the very edge of those starter holes. You don’t want to route around too much or you end up with even more problems when attaching all of the pieces and getting them to stay properly.

You’ve routed your lip and you can use a jigsaw to get rid of all the waste. Just follow the inside edge of the cut you’ve made all the way around. You can then start sanding down the edges of the lip as well to make sure that they are smooth and the plate is going to sit flat on top of them.

You don’t want any sharp edges (or any edges at all) sticking up from the sides as you’re putting the plate down and securing it to the table that you’ve created. But There Is One More Simple Step: Attaching the router and the mounting plate to each other.

The final step is simply to drill holes for each of the machine screws to go through, which is going to hold your router in place. Make sure you use the existing base of your router to help you locate each of those screw holes and transfer them over to your router plate. That’s how you’re going to get the best fit and it’s how you’re going to make sure that you have everything lined up so that it’s going to give you a great result when you’re ready to start that next project.

The key is making sure that you measure everything just right and that you keep everything completely level. You don’t want to end up with an off center router plate because it’s going to cause you problems as you work on carrying out your next project and getting good cuts and accents for each of your wood pieces. The more you work at this process and the more time and effort you put into it, the better off you’re going to be when it comes to having a high-quality, well-functioning router plate insert for your router table.

If you’re looking for a little bit more information on how you can make this router plate insert you can definitely check out something right here. You’ll see what it really takes to put things together and just how it’s going to help you when you decide to go about your next project.

There’s no reason that you can’t get something really great to help you out and to make sure that you always have really great woodworking items. You’ll get used to using the plate as well and you’ll have no problem building a new system and guide if you should ever need it again.

Each router is going to be a little bit different, so make sure that you pay attention when it comes to putting together your plate and your router. If you already have something set up, keep in mind that you will likely have to re-drill the holes that connect the router with the plate itself.

That’s because different routers are going to fit into the plate just slightly differently and will have different machined screw holes to connect them wherever you need them to be. This system will help you get something easily and will make sure that you’re ready for whatever you need on that next project.

The Best Router Table Fence of 2020

Introduction

If you’re going to put a benchtop router table and router in your basement, garage, or workshop you definitely need to have a high-quality fence to use with them. The fence is something all woodworkers use, which is a piece of wood or other material that holds your piece of wood in place on the table top when you’re ready to work with it. That means you’re definitely going to want a good one and here we’ve found some of the best.

Top Router Table Fences

If you’re looking for the best router table fence for anything you’re planning to do, you’re definitely going to want to look at the Bench Dog Tools PreFence. It’s going to give you a lot of great quality and features and a moderate price while you’re at it.

If you’re looking to save as much money as you can and still get a good quality unit then the 24” Deluxe Router Table Fence by Peachtree Woodworking is a great choice because it’s going to get you what you need and save you some money.

32” Deluxe Router Table Fence By Peachtree Woodworking

The 32” Deluxe Router Table Fence is made with 2 MDF fence plates that are surrounded by an L-shaped aluminum fence. What this means is you’re going to have a sturdy frame to work with.

The system also includes a built-in track and can use bits that are up to 3 ½” in diameter, which is large enough for just about anything you may want to do with this system (and your router table, of course). That means you can easily get to work on any projects you might have sitting around and waiting.

The unit also has tall adjustment knobs, which make it easy to adjust your fence forward, backward or wherever you need it to be. There’s a shim system on the mounting fence and offset tracks with the bar inserted at varying depth so it’s just where you need it every time. You can get a 32” or a 32” if you prefer, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re working on next. It’s also ready to go quickly because the setup is actually very easy, with only a few pieces to put together and it’s ready to go on your router table.

Bench Dog Tools Bench Dog Tools 40-132 32-Inch PreFencePreFence

Priced moderately and right in the middle of these options, the Bench Dog Tools PreFence is heavy duty in design with anodized and extruded aluminum all the way around.

It’s precision machined to ensure it’s not only completely flat (thus ensuring a better job), but also that it’s entirely square. You don’t even need tools to get it started because it has large T-knobs that control everything and get you exactly what you’re looking for in the overall design of the unit. Not only that but it has a heavy-duty bit guard for both large and small bits.

The universal T-tracks on both front and back of the unit are able to provide a great attachment for feather boards, stops, hold-downs and anything else you might need while you’re working. The system also allows you to use any accessory that has ¼” T-bolts and 5/16” or ¼” hex bolts. You also get an integrated bit guard with a 2 ½” dust port. All-in-all, the unit itself is prepared with anything you might need and has the ability to adjust from 24” – 30” as needed. You can adjust this to fit the table that you already have.

JessEm 4010 Master Fence II

A little on the expensive side, the JessEm 4010 Master Fence II is made with heavy-duty aluminum for a sturdy and durable use time and again. The fence faces are entirely adjustable and the knobs are quick locking so you can always get just what you want.

You also get fence tracks that are side mounted and feature built-in scales. Not even just that but it has fence adjustments that can be completed without tools at all. The offset bars are 1/32” and 1/16” and you even get a dust collection port to keep your workspace clean.

This is a very substantial fence which provides a range of excellent features. The instructions definitely leave something to be desired, but once you figure it out you’ll be able to use this fence without problems. For anyone that participates in woodworking either as a hobbyist or as a slightly more professional it’s definitely a good quality unit. You also mount this to the side of your table rather than fitting it on top of the table. All of the measurements are written on the side in easy to read print so you always know where your cuts are going.

Jet 708124 XLIFT-K: Xacta-Lift Router Fence

The Jet 708124 XLIFT-K is the most expensive option on this list. It actually has a lot of different features as well, which includes not just the fence but a table as well. It has an anodized aluminum plate which can prevent sagging and will last a whole lot longer than a plastic router.

It also uses solid steel shafts to add durability and ensure you can cut your pieces at just the right depth. Anything that moves throughout the unit also has bronze bearing surfaces to help glide them where you need them to be.

The guard positions are adjustable and fit directly over the router bit to increase safety and you’ll have no problem with larger router bits on the table. The moderate weight of the fence, at only about 20 lb, is ideal for any place you need to use it. The plate is strong, with ¼” thick aluminum and the engineering is top notch as well. You get a pre-drilled master plate that fits just about any router and is easy to drill out for any additional holes you may need. You also get 2 ½” travel lift to go along with it.

Conclusion

No matter what type of router fence you’re looking for you’ll be able to improve your router table and get everything you’ve been looking for. Just make sure you take a look at what you really need for your next project and get the right router for you.