For cutting and making a variety of shapes and designs in wood, a table router is a great woodworking tool to hollow out. When it comes to the parts of the router table, its table top is a flat surface adjustable on the top of the router and mostly made up of MDF or medium density-fiber-board.
MDF is a combination of wood fibers that can be used for making multiple woodworking projects. It is denser and more robust like the particle board. But, how to make router table top skillfully.
In this article, I will provide you with a brief guide about making the router table top. Also, I will provide you with some tips to complete the task comfortably and easily.
What you will Need?
Before starting to make the router table top then, you must have to be fully equipped with the necessary tools and materials. Some of these materials are given below.
How To Make Router Table Top?
Some important steps for making the router table top are given below for your ease. Let’s have a look at them.
Choose Your Tabletop Material
The first step is to choose the right material for the construction of the table. MDF is best and available at a reasonable price for making a robust tabletop with its strength and thickness.
When you have done with the decision of material selection then, you must have to decide the purpose of making the stable and its level of use and the finish. You must have to consider the weight of the table, type of router bit, noise, and vibrations while making the best router tabletop.
Choose Your Router Table Plans
Next, you have to choose the right plan for building the right router tabletop. This planning includes the purpose for which work you are going to make this tabletop.
You can also check different plans on the internet to assure the capacity of the router. When your plan is final then carefully follow the guidelines and collect the necessary material for tabletop making. When you are with planning and material collection, then you can start fabricating the new router tabletop.
Assemble Your Router Table Frame
First of all, you need to build the frame of the tabletop for starting the assembly of the tabletop. Then, you can start the construction of the router tabletop with the assistance of composite board, metal, wood, or plastic according to your construction plan. This framing will include the front and back of the tabletop along with the sides.
Frame must be constructed with accuracy for cutting precise cuts correctly. To ensure the strength of the frame, now you have to attach the sides and top of the tabletop. To secure the frame you need to draw predrill holes and use screw drives for joining all the pieces into one solid unit. Now you are done with framing next, you have to attach other components.
Install Your Router Table Fence
The fence is an important component of the router table. This is vital for the assurance of accurate and precise cuts with the help of the router bit. Now you have to install the table fence according to the instructions.
With the help of predrilled holes and screws, you need to secure the top and bottom pieces after fencing. Next, you have to adjust the fence to the sides of the router bit and line it up correctly. The fence must be fixed to the routers so it doesn’t vibrate while cutting.
Attach Your Tabletop to the Router Table Frame
In the end, you will attach the tabletop to the frame to ensure that the router table is stable and secure when you start routing on it.
- At the very first, you need to mark and measure the mounting holes of the tabletop. You can do it with the measuring tape and a marker.
- You must make it clear that the holes are in their accurate place according to the router table frame.
- Next, you have to adjust the screws and the predrilled holes. In the end, you can use a wrench to tighten the screws.
- Now, your router tabletop is ready for working so, you can have a different experience on it.
Tips to Make Router Tabletop
A router table is an incredible tool for any woodwork. Here are some tips available for you to get the most out of your router table.
- You always have to keep the router bit and router table clean. You have to maintain a clean work environment for the safety of the router tabletop.
- Start your work at a low speed and then gradually increase the speed when you have some experience. This gradual increase in the speed will avoid excessive wear on the bit.
- You need to use the right router for cutting which can save you time and money in the long run.
- Also, you have to show that the fence is mounted in a straight line and with security. The straightness of the fence is important for the accuracy of your cuts.
- Moreover, the use of right screws is also important to avoid the creation of hurdles in the cutting path.
- The use of the right clamp is also significant for the good contact with the cutting material to decrease the chance of deformation.
- Check your router table regularly to ensure that there are no worn or broken pieces available.
Conclusion
A router is an astonishing tool used for making unique intricate designs and precise cuts on different materials. How to make router tabletop? The construction of a router tabletop is not a big deal if you are fully equipped with the necessary material. Also, you must have the right plan for making the desirable router table with a step-by-step procedure. Some tips are also given in this brief article for your assistance.
So, what you have gained after reading this article?
