Creating your own router table has never been easier than it is now. So we scoured the internet to bring you the best router table ideas that will take your carpentry to the next level.
The best thing about building your own router table is that you can enhance your carpentry abilities while also creating a custom workspace. These table plans are simple to follow and appropriate for beginning, intermediate, and advanced woodworkers.
What is a DIY Router Table Plan?
A router table plan is a set of instructions that outlines the stages to follow while building your own router table. Constructing your own router table is an experience that will cost you a fraction of what you would pay for a new router table.
We've compiled a list of the best router table plans for beginners and other woodworkers looking to build their own.
Now that we understand what table plans are all about, let's look at the best router table plans.
1. Patrick’s Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: tape measure, speed square, pencil, bits, saw, pocket hole jig, and safety gear
Time: Over 8 hours
Patrick's router table plan may require more experience than some of the other DIY router table ideas on this list. We are not going to lie and say that making this free DIY router table would be easy. However, we can ensure that at the end of this process, your carpentry skills will have substantially improved.
The pocket hole jig will come in helpful when building your own router table. Another thing to consider is that you will spend the majority of your budget on the materials for these router tables. In addition, the drawers, rollers, finish coats, and other accessories will increase the cost.
Building this router table can greatly improve your drawer-making skills. First and foremost, you'll need your standard power tool to cut, drill, and assemble the parts. This free DIY router table takes time to make because you must assemble the several drawers outlined in the blueprint.
2. Jeff Branch Table Saw Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Beginner
Tools Needed: tape measure, clamps, pencil, drill, and bits, saw, jigs, router and bits, and safety gear
Time: About 4 hours
These table plans are among the simplest to implement. Even if you're a beginner, you can make these DIY router table ideas work. Unlike our initial option, these DIY router table plans are simpler to build. This router table has a more simple box-like structure that is easy to build.
You can cut the grooves for the tracks with a saw or by routing them. Nonetheless, make sure you use the proper equipment to avoid damaging the panels. Although the building time is expected to be 4 hours, cutting the T-track grooves with a saw may take longer.
3. Fine Woodworking DIY Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Beginner
Tools Needed: tape measure, pencil, drill, and bits, saw, pencil, and safety gear
Time: About 4 hours
This is among the simplest do-it-yourself router table designs you will find. If you're a newbie looking to build your own router table, we recommend starting with this choice.
You do not require any special jigs or tools. You'll use a saw to cut and a drill to finish things off. These free router table plans were designed with beginners in mind. You only need a calm afternoon in your popular woodworking area, as well as the necessary materials.
You can also use scrap wood from your popular woodworking shop. These free blueprints are the best, and you may start working on your projects as soon as you finish.
4. Woodgears Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Advanced
Tools Needed: tape measure, drill, and bits, clamps, saw and jigs, pencil, router bit, and safety gear
Time: Over 8 hours
This is another novel router table design that will take a lot of perseverance, expertise, and commitment in addition to certain router components. However, the majority of the woodwork will be cut and joined. When you decide to build a router table, you should review the DIY router table plans to see which ones best suit your skill level, money, and available time.
For the minor joinery cuts, it would be ideal if you had a power saw or a dovetail saw. If you choose to use these table plans, be prepared to spend at least two days building your own router. You will need to make multiple repeated cuts, and the drawers and cabinet frame may take up the most of your time.
This is one of the most expensive table plans on our list. However, you may expect to have a robust and worthwhile DIY router table at the end.
5. Popular Woodworking Three Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: tape measure, pencil, drill and bits, clamps, saw and jigs, router and bits, and safety gear
Time: About 4 hours
This router table layout has an intermediate complexity level due to the joinery box. Otherwise, even a beginner may do these DIY router table ideas. These plans should require only basic tools to construct a router table.
The clamps will hold the table in place while you work. The total cost of building with these table layouts will range from inexpensive to very reasonable. Don't worry about breaking the bank.
6. Woodsmith Shop Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Advanced
Tools Needed: tape measure, pencil, drill, bits, saw, router and bits, and safety gear
Time: About 6 hours
This plan is for advanced woodworkers who want to build a comprehensive router table. This is not a simple benchtop router table and will require some effort on your part. Your router table will feature acrylic cutting, electrical components, and will require contact cement.
You can still use your standard woodworking tools to build these table plans, but having a miter saw or other smaller hand saws would be beneficial. You can use these woodworking saws to make joint and angled cuts.
The router bits will also be useful. When employing these table arrangements, expect to exercise a large number of patients. However, the end result will make you happy and pleased that you took the effort to build your own DIY router table.
If you want to finish your router table with a bang, apply a decent finish coat. However, these components, including the finish coat and acrylic, make the building of this router table more expensive than the others.
7. Joshmt2012 Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: tape measure, pencil, drill, bits, saw, router and bits, and safety gear
Time: About 6 hours
The one thing that makes these router table plans for the intermediate level are the wiring, dust collector, and the legs. Otherwise, a complete novice would be able to make this router table from scratch.
If you're new to woodworking, you can start with a jigsaw. Obtaining access to a table saw or a solid miter saw can be difficult. However, make sure you use the proper blade that will not damage your plywood sheets.
The support fence and legs of this router table fence take the majority of the time. Otherwise, you can finish in three hours of serious work. Cutting, setting out, and assembling don't take up much of your time.
If you are new to woodworking, we recommend that you get assistance in creating the router table's dust collector. You can ask a more advanced and skilled woodworker to assist you. If you can't find it, you can always check out a YouTube video of someone utilizing these table ideas.
8. Our Home From Scratch Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: tape measure, pencil, drill, bits, saws, and safety gear
Time: About 4-8 hours
If you are making a do-it-yourself router table for the first time, we advise you to purchase more melamine. Making the T-track grooves will require some extra effort. Again, if you are a beginner, you may require further assistance.
Avoid using a standard saw tooth design since it may damage the melamine. You can begin with a high tooth count. Nonetheless, be sure you're using a blade that can cut through melamine without destroying it.
When using these router table plans, you will not have to build any drawers or cabinet structure. You could discover that building this router table is as simple as building a benchtop router table.
Implementing these DIY router table plans is cost-effective. You may use melamine that is on sale, and the other materials for this router table are equally inexpensive. However, if you do not have a good saw blade, you may need to purchase one when building this router table.
9. Thinking Wood 3 In 1 Workbench Router Table Plans
Complexity level: Advanced
Tools Needed: tape measure, pencil, drill, bits, saws, router and bits, straight edge, and safety gear
Time: Over 8 hours
Finally, we have table plans that need skilled woodworking skills. This is not your typical benchtop router table, therefore you'll need to employ advanced tools and processes. Nonetheless, if you are a newbie in woodworking, you might work with an experienced gamer.
These router table designs are for building a full-size router table. If you properly follow the directions, you will have a table saw and a router table. If you're a beginner, creating this router table will improve your skills dramatically.
Your drill or driver will be a very handy tool during this project. These table plans require a lot of time and patience on your part. The number of fasteners and the amount of lumber for this project make it a bit pricey.
If you require a circular saw to mount on the table, you may need to dig deeper into your pockets. Nonetheless, be prepared for the best router table that will take your woodwork to another level.
What Are the Features of A DIY Router Table?
1. Storage
A decent router table plan should include a deep drawer to store all of your routers and other supplies. This large and handy space allows you to have a more efficient workflow because you can find what you need faster.
You'll quickly figure out where to look for the missing piece.
2. Double Dust Collection
You can get suction above and below your router bit by using vacuum ports. As a result, having these vacuum ports in the cabinet and fence will help you work more efficiently.
With this double dust collection feature, your DIY router table will also be one of the cleanest tools in your woodworking environment.
3. MDF Construction
One benefit of making use of MDF for the fence, cabinet, and top is that it provides excellent stability. A decent MDF board will remain flat regardless of what you're working on. MDF is also hefty, which improves the stability of your DIY router table.
The additional weight that MDF adds to your DIY router table reduces router vibration and provides excellent stability.
4. Convenient Switch
Having a switch to switch off and on with your knee is a great idea as you build a router table. Your hands will be free to hold the workpiece. You'll be able to switch your router on without having to open the cabinet door.
5. Tough Work Surface
It is preferable to laminate your work surface, even if it is slightly more expensive. If you've worked with wood for a while, you know how harsh it can be. As a result, you want to protect your work surface from the wood you're working with.
The last thing you want is for the wood to wear away at your surface and its finishes. However, if you laminate your work surface on the fence face of your free router table, you will not have to worry about this.
Your DIY router table will be smooth and sleek for years to come.
6. Adjustable Fence
An excellent DIY router table is completely adjustable. You should slide the fence face to create an opening up to 3 inches wide. You can also add a decent pair of clamps to secure the fence in place.
This design will ensure that your DIY router table is both dependable and effective.
7. Solid Top
A rock-solid top is a wonderful option to consider. A 3/4-inch MDF top sandwiched between layers of 1/4-inch hardboard is an excellent choice for making your DIY router table plans a reality. As we mentioned in point 5, having a strong worktop is essential.
This top type is unlikely to droop, warp, or bend, regardless of the project.
8. Portable
You want your DIY router table to be sturdy but movable. Ensure that the glides you choose will not wobble and will allow you to move your router table when you want to.
Conclusion
Which DIY router table plan did you like best? Let us know how your router table project progresses. Remember to choose table plans that are appropriate for your degree of ability, budget, available tools, and time constraints.
