Bench Top Router Table

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Bench Top Router Table

Overview and Construction of Top

This is a router table that I built to set on top of my work bench. The top was built with laminated strips, then edge bound. The edge binding is to prevent exposed end grain. The whole table was built with scrap 2x4's left over from my work bench. The frame was cut and planed from left over pieces.

I have no plans for this. The measurements where made based on my work bench. The overall height is about 1 foot. The table is 24x18 inches.

I used the basic idea from an article by Jeff Greef Router table.

 

Top

 
     
img_0856 Checking size of finished board.
 
img_0857
 
img_0853 Checking spacing with router. The router will be mounted toward the back of the table to allow for largest area in front as a work area.
 
img_0858 I used my shooting board to get the slices straight.
 
img_0860 img_0859
 
img_0861 Test fitting. Note I only cared about getting the two matching sides straight, not the top or bottom.
 
img_0863 Close up showing how tight a fit is needed.
 
img_0864 Glue up of top, note boards along side to keep the top from twisting while the glue was drying.
 
img_0865 Different angle.
 
img_0866 There should be just a small amount of glue from cracks. Note I did not wipe the glue since I need to plane top and bottom flat.
 
img_0868 I used my dovetail saw to saw two grooves into the end pieces.
 
img_0871 Then I used my chisel to remove the center to make a rabbet.
 
img_0872 img_0873 Rabbet for end piece cut.
 
img_0874 I cut a matching tongue on the ends of the top.
 
img_0875
 
img_0877 Test fit to make sure I have a good tight fit.
 
img_0878 I mitered the edges to get no end grain.
 
img_0879 Ends in place.
 
img_0880 Glue up of top end and last side pieces.
 
img_0999 Top after planing and scraping flat. Note this is not the best wood, so it looks kind of messed up, but this is just due to reflections.
 
img_1003 Close up of top.
 

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