Router bench

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NickVanBeest

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So I had this (incomplete) router table for a while
20200911_124743.jpg



...but as it is quite bulky, and my new workshop/shed is tiny, I needed a new plan that takes up less footprint, so came up with this design:
20201025.jpg


New footprint 600 x 350, and a bit storage compartment as well as other storage spaces.

So, as I had OSB left from the inside cladding of the shed (bought a sheet too much!) started by breaking it down
20201122_151225.jpg


Quick check that I had the parts I needed
20201122_151615.jpg


And on to routing shallow (5mm) dado's to easy the assembly
20201122_154253.jpg


Which worked out quite well!
20201122_154703.jpg


Started dry assembly, just to be sure I didn't mess up
20201123_153208.jpg


And checked that the shortened top (was 700mm, now 600mm) fit as expected
20201123_165053.jpg


Then continued with the dry assembly after I finished all the remaining dado's
20201129_125319.jpg


Before gluing and screwing, I (luckily) remembered to add the rails for the bit shelves
20201129_134008.jpg


And as there is a 10 image limit, will continue in the next post :)
 
So, on to the actual assembly, and strange, but apparently I didn't take any pictures of the bulk glue, screw and clamping process! :rolleyes:

When the carcass was done, added the castors
20201129_142812.jpg


And flipped it over, and slid in the shelves to test that I didn't mess up
20201129_151835.jpg


No pictures apparently of fixing the top and the strengthening strips for the hinges...

So, hinges attached to the top
20201129_172429.jpg


And that to the carcass
20201129_180518.jpg


And, although they're not fixed yet, tested the legs
20201205_112337.jpg


So still a bit to go, but overall pleased with the progress!
 
how did you cut your dados by the way, did you have a top mounted bearing that ran against the 2 bits of OSB you used as guides? (do they call them a pattern bit)
 
how did you cut your dados by the way, did you have a top mounted bearing that ran against the 2 bits of OSB you used as guides? (do they call them a pattern bit)
Short cutter, bearing guided, slightly better visible here:
1608989200358.png


And then 2 passes, first forward against the left guide, and backward against the right guide
 
So, after the last post, I went back to the shop, and had something like, wait, this still takes up way too much space when operational, and I will need to move stuff around too much! Back to the drawing board... (or in this case, SketchUp)

Came up with this design, with the first picture showing operational mode, and then 3 pictures of how it lifts, turns, and is stored.
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Seemed to work in SketchUp, so off to the shed again...

Two pieces of ply, from the old router table, reshaped... (did cut more off the corners before sanding, in case you wonder why I would sand such an awful lot!)
20201229_124107.jpg20201229_125855.jpg20201229_140307.jpg20201229_141117.jpg20201229_142345.jpg20201229_143133.jpg
 
Testing...
20201229_163255.jpg

Adding brackets...
20201231_103320.jpg

And assembling
20210102_145047.jpg

Flipped over, and yes, it works as expected! :cool:

Storage position
20210102_151137.jpg

Pulled out before flipping
20210102_151151.jpg

And in operational mode
20210102_151209.jpg

Much more stable, no front legs needed
20210102_151236.jpg

And stores away in a 600 x 300 foorprint!
20210102_151339.jpg

Next, add latches for operational mode, and then on to making the bit shelves...
 
Bit of a standstill on the project, as I first have to sort out all the screws, nails, nuts, bolts and washers I have accumulated over the years... it's a right mess, but am slowly getting there, with roughly 65% done!

Feels like sacrilege throwing away some of it, but then, what am I going to do with a single 80mm zinc-plated screw, for instance? :LOL:
 
Finally a bit more progress (cold and my mental state, caused by the pandemic, doesn't allow for much working, as I know to stay out of the shed with it's sharp tools when not in a good state of mind...)

Have attached the latches to fix the top in operational mode:
20210103_141146.jpg


And started making the first bit tray:
20210210_150703.jpg


Glued it on:
20210211_181704.jpg


And first tray ready:
20210211_191215.jpg


Now need to make a jig for drilling the holes, and another for routing a sample cut with the bit, and then I can finally sort out the loose bits lying around :cool:
 
Realised I had a 1/4" bit, so rather than drilling with a 6mm (too tight) or 7mm (too loose) drill, I could use the router to plunge the holes needed.

Jig time!

Basic jig at the start:
20210214_131231.jpg


And a side view:
20210214_131238.jpg


When putting the router on there, I realised I needed a support on the front side as well, so added that:
20210214_132230.jpg


And some splines to tighten the blocks while "drilling":
20210214_134120.jpg


First test block:
20210214_134148.jpg


And in it's place (although I still want to write the dimensions on there, and make a little sample cut on the front)
20210214_134233.jpg


And the end of today's shed time:
20210214_150440.jpg
 
Last edited:
Finally continuing the build... after a long hiatus and some other projects, it's time to carry on, and finish this one :cool:

Bought some t-track
20210923_152535.jpg


Installed the long one across the top, and tested it with the mitre guide
20210924_181545.jpg


All three pieces installed
20210924_191702.jpg


And yes, a little booboo when routing in the last one, guess my concentration slipped :rolleyes:
20210924_191719.jpg
 
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