Having a router table in the workshop is definitely useful. It allows you to make cuts you couldn’t do using a router alone. Cutting on a router table is easier, is faster and the resulting cuts are precise. You can easily cut joinery – slots, dados, rabbets, bevels, and others.
However, a full-size router table can get costly. Really costly… And honestly, is the extra money spent really worth it?
If you are a woodworking beginner or a DIYer like me, you can turn your hand router into a simple DIY router table for your table top and take advantage of the same benefits, that a full-size router table offers. Plus, the money you spend on materials is a fraction of what a full-size router table would cost.
There are two main types of homemade router tables you can make. A router table with a stand (with legs and casters) or a portable router table that can be attached to your table top (a bench top router table).
In this blog post, I will be making a DIY benchtop router table with a simple DIY router table fence and a detachable dust collector. The main benefit of a benchtop router table is that it is smaller in comparison to standard router tables, does not take much space, is easily portable and you can attach it anywhere to your workbench with clamps or bolts.
The design of this build also allows you to use additional specific add-ons, such as a finger joint jig (box joint jig), a tenoning jig, or a spline jig. These jigs are easily attached to the router table using t-slots and can be mounted and dismounted as needed.
This is a nice first router table project for anyone who is starting with woodworking. To build it, you will need a circular saw or a table saw and a hand drill.
DIY Benchtop Router Table Video
Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to make a homemade DIY router table.
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Table of Contents
- DIY Router Table Video
- The Material you will need
- General Questions
- What is a Router Table?
- How difficult is it to make a benchtop router table?
- How to Make a Benchtop Router Table (with Fence and Dust Collector)
- Step 1: Build a Router Table Top
- Step 2: Attach the Router to the Table Top
- Step 3: Make T-tracks in the Router Table
- Step 4: Build a Router Table Fence
- Step 5: Build a Router Table Dust Collection
- How to Set Up and Use a Benchtop Router Table
- Jigs Used for this Project
*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!
What you'll need to make a Simple DIY Router Table
Router Table – Plywood
400 mm x 300 mm x 12 mm
400 mm x 300 mm x 9 mm
DIY T-tracks – HDF
2x – 400 mm x 13,5 mm x 4 mm
4x – 180 mm x 13,5 mm x 4 mm
DIY T-track bolts
Router Fence – Plywood
Plywood – 300 mm x 60 mm x 12 mm – https://amzn.to/3TPULp2
HDF – 300 mm x 7 mm x 8 mm
Router Table Dust Collector – Plywood
47 mm x 39 mm x 18 mm
60 mm x 60 mm x 6 mm
Tools:
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
Trim Router – https://amzn.to/3HbQcOg
Table Saw / Mini Table Saw – https://amzn.to/47mWiGf
Narex Chisels – https://amzn.to/3tHNJrT
One Hand Clamps – https://amzn.to/48jGxkZ
Spring Clamps – https://amzn.to/41Nuh9D
F-Clamps – https://amzn.to/48ArzY1
Machinist Square / Speed Square
Other:
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Forstner Bits – 35mm – https://amzn.to/3Hd1aDb
Router Bits – 6mm – https://amzn.to/3NQNDVX
Drill bits – https://amzn.to/4aI47t3
Polyurethane finish – https://amzn.to/3TOoOO3
M4 Bolts with countersunk head – https://amzn.to/3RJd2BU
M6 Bolts, M6 Wing Nuts, Washers, Wood Screws – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ
Check all the Tools I Use
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What is a Router Table?
A router table is a woodworking bench that holds a router tool in an upside-down position. This design transforms the hand-held router into a fixed tool, making it easier to shape and cut wood with precision.
It often includes a guiding fence to help users achieve accurate cuts. This setup expands the capabilities of a standard hand-held router, enabling more complex woodworking projects.
How difficult is it to make a benchtop router table?
Building a benchtop router table is relatively straightforward. Even those new to woodworking, with a bit of experience, can handle this project. Plus, it’s simpler to build than a standard router table that includes table legs and an insert plate.
The materials needed for the project are affordable and easily available in any local store. Most cuts require a circular saw or a table saw and a hand drill. Additionally, you will need t-tracks and t-track bolts, but you can easily make them yourself. There is no need to buy them and the money saved can be invested elsewhere.
Let's start building!
The DIY router table consists of 3 main parts – the router table, the table fence, and the dust collector.
All the parts are made of Baltic birch plywood. Baltic Birch is high-quality, strong, durable, and has a nice grain texture. T-tracks are made of HDF.
The overall dimensions of the table are 400 mm x 300 mm. The table contains two parallel t-tracks for the sliding fence and one perpendicular t-track for a miter gauge or other table attachments.
Router Table Features:
- Adjustable Fence – the sliding fence offers flexibility, enabling you to adjust the fence to the size and shape of your workpiece, ensuring more precise and accurate cuts.
- Dust Collection System – essential for maintaining a clean workspace, this system collects sawdust and wood particles, reducing the mess and potential health risks.
- Strong Work Surface – crafted from Baltic birch plywood, the table provides a sturdy and durable surface.
- T-track System – with two parallel tracks and one perpendicular, the system is ideal for securing the fence and other attachments.
- Smaller in Size – the compact design doesn’t consume much space, making it ideal for small workshops and DIYers with limited workspace.
NOTE: This build is designed for a cord / cordless Dewalt router (Dewalt D26203). However, it can be easily adapted for other types of routers – compact routers, full-size routers, or a 1/4-trim router.
How to Make a Benchtop Router Table (with Fence and Dust Collector)
Step 1: Build the Router Tabletop
Measure and cut the plywood sheets (400 mm x 300 mm). To make the cuts I am using a circular saw in combination with a circular saw guide. You could also use a table saw for the cuts.
Glue the pieces together and add a few screws in the corners (approximately 20 mm from the edges) to additionally secure the desk.
Step 2: Attach the Router to the Tabletop
Mark the center of the table. Center the router base plate with the table and mark the mounting holes for the screws.
Drill the holes and countersink the screws. Use a Fortner bit or a hole saw to drill out the center hole. Don’t cut the center hole unnecessarily large, just enough to accommodate the largest router bit.
NOTE: Depending on the thickness of your table, you might need to replace your current router screws with new ones. There is a chance the current base plate screws might be too short to go all the way through the table.
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Step 3: Rout T-tracks in the Router Table
Draw the tracks onto the top of the table and cut them out. My preferred way of cutting dados is by using a router dado jig.
Clean the corners of the dadoes with a chisel and glue HDF strips (MDF) in the slots to create t-tracks (optionally you can screw the strips in, but it is not necessary). When using glue, make sure the excess does not get in the slot. If you don’t want you make t-slots, you can always opt in for shop-made tracks.
You can use t-slot bolts in the tracks or you can make your own DIY t-track bolts.
NOTE: There are a few ways to cut a t-track in wood. This article describes the individual options – 3 Ways How to Make DIY T-tracks & T-Slots.
Step 4: Build the Router Table Fence
Cut the front and the back pieces of the fence to size (plywood and MDF). Cut out the center sections for the router bit (40 mm in length) and dust suction. Then cut 2 slots on the back piece and glue both pieces together. Optionally, you can add 2 small wood pieces for better support. I also mitered the corners of the fence for aesthetics. Note, that this fence does not have a track included, but you can easily add one.
To make all the cuts I used an adjustable router dado jig – although for these intricate cuts, you can also use a jigsaw, it would work just fine.
To mount the fence to the table you can use track bolts or clamps.
RELATED: How to Cut a Square Hole in Wood
Step 5: Build the Router Table Dust Port
In order to make the dust collection box, first drill a hole in the center of one of the plywood pieces (47mm x 39 mm x 18 mm) for the vacuum attachment. Then take the other 3 plywood pieces (60 mm x 60 mm x 6 mm) and glue them together creating a box.
Glue the dust collection box to the back of the fence creating a dust port.
Now the router table is finished. Optionally, you can use finishing wax or polyurethane on the table and fence.
Below is a picture of the finished benchtop router table. A router table will unlock new work possibilities and make it easier for you to work on your projects. I have used it on multiple occasions and it is for sure one of the most practical and useful builds for a router.
How to Set Up and Use a Benchtop Router Table
Before setting up and using the router table make sure the router is turned off and unplugged. Make sure to use all necessary safety devices, especially push pads, push blocks, and safety glasses. These devices help in preventing accidents and offer protection against flying debris.
All modifications to the router are managed beneath the table. To change out bits, you’ll need to detach the router from its stationary base on the table. Adjusting the depth of the bit is handled through the router’s built-in height mechanism, as this build doesn’t come with a separate router lift.
The steps below describe how to set up and use a benchtop router table.
- Attach the router table to the worktable with clamps. This ensures a stable working surface and prevents any unwanted movement during operations.
- Attach the router base to the router table using bolts. Choose the appropriate bit, affix it to the router, and then fasten the router within its base, setting the desired bit height.
- Install the table fence and the dust collector. The fence guides the workpiece accurately, while the dust collector helps in maintaining a clean workspace.
- Turn on the router, place the workpiece against the table fence, and slowly make a cut.
Tabletop Router Table - Potential Upgrades
You can enhance your router table’s functionality and convenience with these suggested upgrades:
- Add a stand or legs to the router tabletop. It will make the router table higher and can be used both on a workbench and on its own.
- Incorporate a router plate. The plate holds the router in the table. It sits flush with the table top and typically is compatible with multiple different router types.
- Add a bit holder. It is convenient to have the most used router bits together in one place.
- Implement a chamfer on the router table fence. The routed chamfer prevents sawdust from getting stuck between the fence and the tabletop.
My Take - How to Make a Router Table
If you don’t have a full-size router table in your workshop you can easily build your own router table. A simple DIY router table not only provides more ways to work with wood but also broadens the scope of potential projects.
A benchtop router table is easy to set up and quick to use. You can take it on a worksite and use it anytime needed. I love the portability of the tool. It doesn’t take up much space in the workshop and is an ideal solution if you need mobility without compromising on functionality.
The installed t-track slots not only allow you to quickly attach a fence or a sawdust collector but also allow you to use additional devices such as a miter gauge, a tenoning jig, a box joint jig, and more.
