One of the things I’ve been wanting for a while (besides a table saw, still trying to plan and see if I can fit one in the workshop!) is a router table. It’ll make a bunch of things a lot easier to do.
I had a rollaway table/storage unit under the CNC that I built when I first did out the workshop. I’m not going to show a picture because it was really shoddy! It served its purpose, but it was time to upgrade.
The plan was to make something that would house the storage cases I’d been making from Alex Chappel (alch.shop) that I really love. I also realised that if I was a bit more careful in planning, then I could also include a router table in the design.
I wanted it to be able to store at least 6 of the storage cases, house a router table, and also be useful for loads of other storage including things like router bits, router accessories, and some general storage too.
So after a few quick measurements I started work on the frame. Unfortunately I had to order full sheets of ply, seeing as getting half or quarter sheets literally doubles the price. I could understand a little extra for the cutting time, but it is a bit ridiculous. Thankfully I recently purchased a track saw for just such a reason.
The base and top were easy to make, the original pull out table was designed to use quarter sheets of MDF, so I kept the dimensions the same, just with 18mm ply instead. Some 2×4 around the bottom to give it strength and a few castors and the base was ready.
Next I worked on the case storage area. This was made from 12mm ply, with an 18mm piece at the back for strength. Good fun trying to cut the dados for them, I’m not used to things like that yet. Also, its so much fun (ie, it isn’t) trying to do repeated cuts on sheet material without a table saw and fence. The track saw makes it a lot easier, but there is still variance in it all. At least the corners were more or less at right angles!
Once the storage was done, I just had to fit the top to it. Again, cutting some dados for strength took a bit of time, but I eventually got it all done.
Quite pleased with how it turned out. Its pretty sturdy. I won’t be sitting on it quite yet, but once the storage area at the back is filled out with shelves and draws, etc. it should be even stronger.
So next part will be fitting the router lift mechanism I bought, and getting the router installed with all the power, etc. Then a couple more shelves to cut for the front (and some more cases to make!), decide what to do with the long thin section to the left (I’m thinking a pull out router bit storage system), and then fill out the section at the back with more storage.
Its actually being a fun build, and will open up a load of possibilities in the future for things I can make!