In my shop, floor space is always at a premium. One day, I had the idea to build a router top for my Workmate to help save on real estate.
TOP CONSTRUCTION. I built the top of the router table using two layers of 3/4" plywood. This ensured that the top was sturdy and it wouldn’t warp over time. Instead of attaching the router to the top, I chose to cut an opening for a router insert plate. This allows me to remove the router and plate for storage. To make the fence, I simply connected strips of plywood with screws and added some supports to keep the fence square. A notch in both the fence base and the fence provides an opening for the router bit. A clamp on each end holds the fence to the table.
FOLDABLE BASE. To grip the top in the Workmate base, I attached a pair of clamp blocks wider than my router on the underside of the top. When I’m done working with the router top, I pull the insert out and store it in the cabinet. The top can be hung on a wall using a pair of holes drilled to match stud spacing. The Workmate can then be folded for storage.
You can download the plans for this Portable Router Table along with all of the tips from Season 12 of the Woodsmith Shop at WoodsmithPlans.com.
