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I've been wanting a router table for quite some time. Needless to say, our bank account said no. That's okay with me. I'm really enjoying finding alternative ways to accomplish the goal - see my homemade clamps. My Father In Law gave me a piece of countertop from a kitchen he remodeled. I was able to rip down the countertop removing the backsplash from the top itself. I cut the top to the dimensions that I wanted. (This was a bit of an experiment for me. The one I made is rather small - 23×18, I plan on using the remaining, larger left over piece for a larger router table once I figure out what I want to do differently/better next time) I cut the hole in the top, biasing the hole 1/3 of the way. I routed slots in the top on each side. Then I took the backsplash and mated it to a nice piece of fir 2x material. I then ran the carriage bolts through the top into the fence and affixed it using star knobs that I learned how to make on YouTube at this address: . I absolutely LOVE this idea!
The benefit of biasing the table 1/3 - 2/3 is that I can reverse my fence to handle routing edges or cutting slots deeper into the piece I'm working on.

I routed out the bottom of the table to recess the base for my Black and Decker router. On the base frame, I made a track with two pieces that have a groove in them. They slide sideways and lock the router in position so that I can remove it to change bits easily. I then built the base so it would be solid and sturdy. I cam clamp it down to my bench and use it all day if I like. I'm pleased with the end result. It ain't pretty, but it's functional. This was a bit of a prototype, so the next one will be more pleasing to the eye.

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A great looking table, and a hell of a lot more substantial and I bet stable than the junk being sold. It's not needed but a band around the edge would make it better looking (IMHO) than the aforementioned junk. I would bet you will use it for at least 80% of your routing needs and it will still be in your shop twenty years from now.

Regards, Henry
 

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Henry,
Thank you for the suggestion! That's a great idea. I think that will be on my to-do list for one evening this week. It's funny, I was so fixated on the structural qualities and all of the other details, that I didn't think much about the aesthetic aspect. Thank you once again!
 

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Very nice! I just built one myself about a month ago. I amconstantly using now. And it was much more economical than buying one from a big box store! You're gonna wonder what you did without it now!
 
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