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How To Build a Horizontal Router Table
This easy-to-build table cuts tenons fast and accurately
Simple to build and easy to use, the horizontal router table detailed in this article provides an accurate method for cutting tenons in almost all situations. With Ernie Conover’s step-by-step instructions and detailed project plans, you can build this router table in about two hours. It is constructed with biscuit joints, and it has a swing arm and adjusting screw block. The end product is accurate and small enough to be stored out of the way.
From Fine Woodworking #147
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Rockler Deluxe Panel Clamp
These clamps can handle glue-ups between 10 in. and 36 in. wide, and boards up to 3 in. thick. Sliding feet attach to the lower bars with magnets, letting you position them quickly for stability on any surface. The spring-loaded jaws adjust easily, dropping into notches along the bars. And the powerful clamp handles clear the benchtop.
Double Sided Tape
A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.
Tite-Mark Marking Gauge
These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.
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Comments
I've continued reading over this PDF several times and cannot find measurements for the diameter of the holes
The hole for the router bit needs to be a little larger than the largest router bit you'd use. The hole for the vac hose needs to be sized to fit your vacuum hose. The notches in the base need to be large enough to provide clearance for the router bit and to allow airflow down to the vacuum hose. Their size isn't at all critical, though.
I have built and use this table and really like how it handles tenons as well as wood chips. The one issue I have is that the weight of the router keeps the swing arm from staying in contact with the edge of the tabletop. My solution is to support the top of the router against the workbench top, which creates a tedious back and forth series of adjustments. Has anyone found another way to support the router/swing arm more securely against the tabletop edge/box side?
Maybe an aluminum router/swing arm would be more rigid.
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