Build your own router table! Free router table plans from Ana-White.com

Preparation
- 1 Sheet 3/4" plywood ripped into two 19" x 8 foot long strips (remaining scrap can be ripped into 5 1/2" wide strip and used to replace some of the 1x6 boards - if you do this, may I suggest altering to 18" widths so you can get two 5 1/2" strips out of scrap plywood? You'll still need to buy a 1x6) OR 3 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long (plan assumes your 1x6 are 5 1/2" wide)
- 1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x8 @ 6 feet long (plan assumes your 1x8s are 7 1/4" wide)
- Recommended joinery is 1 1/4" PH screws and 1 1/4" finish nails
MAIN BOX
- 3 - 3/4" plywood 19" x 26 1/2"
- 2 - 3/4" plywood 19" x 8 1/4"
- 2 - 3/4" plywood 19" x 28 1/2"
- 5 - 1x3 @ 19" (or width of your plywood)
FACE FRAME
- 2 - 1x2 @ 28 1/2"
- 4 - 1x2 @ 25"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 7 1/2"
SMALL DRAWER
- 2 - 1x6 @ 16"
- 2 - 1x6 @ 5"
- 1 - 1x6 @ 14 1/2"
- 2 - 1x8 @ 5 1/2" (drawer faces for both top drawers)
LARGE DRAWER (for 2)
- 4 - 1x6 @ 22 1/2"
- 4 - 1x6 @ 16"
- 2 - 1/4" plywood @ 24" x 16"
- 2 - 1x8 @ 24 3/4"
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
So the tricky part here is the little drawers. You'll need to do some prepwork to get the drawers in before building - because once built, there's no way you are going to get a drill in the tiny space to attach drawer slides. So do a test layout of the top center piece as shown here. You'll want to attach the 1x3 ...
Step 2
Step 3
Step 8
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
deltaechobravo
Wed, 07/11/2012 - 14:38
Router table top
This project looks great.
As I do not yet have a router table top, I went looking around on Amazon and it looks to me like he's using the "Rockler High Pressure Laminate Router Table Package #1, with Plate for Group A Routers".
I'm not plugging it as I have no personal experience with it, but it seems well reviewed. If you are like me, and are both in the market for one and considering building this cart, I thought the info might be useful.
Thoughts, comments, corrections, admonishments all welcome,
D.E.B.
ps- the cool stop switch is called a "Safety Power Tool Switch" by the same company.
In reply to Router table top by deltaechobravo
dan-k
Wed, 07/11/2012 - 15:55
Router table top
I have the same top and it has worked well for me. There are plans out there to build your own also if your budget doesn't allow.
Jon (not verified)
Wed, 07/11/2012 - 18:39
Great design and video. Can
Great design and video. Can you ask Patrick what he was using for his loose mortise and tenon jig? It looked like a beadlock system, but I couldn't tell for sure.
Thanks!
FlyLow (not verified)
Wed, 07/11/2012 - 18:56
From Patrick's previous
From Patrick's previous comments it's Beadlock jig.
While I like the joinery and how easy it looks, I don't like The tenon stock you have to buy. They do offer a router bit for it.
patrickhosey
Wed, 07/11/2012 - 19:14
Glad you guys like it
It is the beadlock. The tenon stock is made to fit the mortises without cleaning it, but I find it too tight so I end up cleaning the mortises anyway. It's still a pretty awesome little jig. I've never seen anyone combine pocket hole joinery with loose tenon but I figured I'd give it a shot and it worked. Flylow, I gotta see this table top you made up. It sounds pretty awesome.
Something to consider about this router table is the opening for the router. It's a tight fit but it works for me because I have a router lift. You might have a hard time if you have to remove your router every time to change bits.
Grizzly has a table top for pretty cheap right now and it looks pretty good. Mine is from Rockler and I really like it.
Also always unplug the system from the wall before changing bits. It's unlikely that the router will turn on while your fingers are in there true, but good safety habits are a real good thing. Use push sticks. I can't tell you how many times my sticks got nicked up saving me from a trip to the emergency room.
John@RemodelingBIBLE (not verified)
Thu, 07/12/2012 - 00:23
It's my first time dropping
It's my first time dropping by and I am already a fan! The step-by-step details are just awesome. Keep up the good work.
Dori (not verified)
Thu, 07/12/2012 - 01:46
You beat all, Barn....
You beat all, Barn....
birdsandsoap
Thu, 07/12/2012 - 03:36
Looks great, Patrick! It's on
Looks great, Patrick! It's on my to-do list now.
little stuf
Thu, 07/12/2012 - 09:16
Awesome!
Wow! Awesome plans! I love how you thought of a place for everything. The extra storage is nice, as well. This is a must have! I'm also loving the other tool cabinet in the background! Is your work area always that neat? :)
In reply to Awesome! by little stuf
patrickhosey
Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:32
Work Area
It actually does stay neat. Because there is a place for everything and the storage is close by and convenient, it takes no time to put your tools back. Also I know exactly where to look to find tools and jigs. They used to be in random spots all over the garage.