Construction of router table?

[lwhughes149]

I am in the final stages of my walnut secretary which means the router table needs to be built. I have seen several thoughts as to how to construct the cabinet. I have a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood for the project and planned to cut dados and rabbets for the construction. I have heard that this may not be strong enough for the heavy work that takes place on the router. I plan to use glue and brads to secure the plywood together. My top is 26 x 41. I understand that the best construction is stiles and rails. My question is, will my plan work? Lorraine

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

Lorraine, router table construction with 3/4" ply, dados, rabbets, glue, and finish nails/brads is more than adequate, unless you are like that crazy guy in the east who is making kitchen-like cabinets for his shop:lol::lol::lol:. The New Yankee Workshop RT and most of the similar tables are made that way with ply. You might want to get the NYW plans/video for that. Birch ply will give the best appearance and is more stable that than construction ply. No need for stile and rail construction unless you want to do that. Use applied edging on the ply to dress up the front. You'll want to take extra care with the top- it needs to be sturdy and stable. Two layers of MDF with laminate on top and bottom will work fine.

 

[DaveO]

I built mine with glue and biscuits. Strong as can be, I often sit on it, and I am heavier than any work piece that will be on it. Simple cabinet carcass construction should be more than adequet.
Dave

 

[lwhughes149]

Dave and Allen, I purchased a good quality, if that is possible, plywood for the project because I don't need pretty just strong. I purchased it knowing what I was going to do with it but started to question myself after reading up on different types of router tables. I have the top all ready to go. It is a trash reject from the local landfield that is finished in oak. Just joined two pieces together for a nice heavy big top. All I need is to cut the opening for the router insert which I also have. I plan to have drawers in this cabinet and a door for access to the router. I also have plans for the dust system to go to the cabinet in two places. And yes I plan to make my fence. Guess I will be putting my first face frame together. I may add a piece of oak 1/4 inch plywood to the sides of the cabinet so it will look more like a woman's shop. :icon_thum Thanks for the help. I will post the secretary soon for all to see. The birth of a new piece of furniture is about to take place thanks to the help of NC Woodworkers.

 

[michaelgarner]

sounds like everyone has told you good stuff. Look forward to seeing the ending outcome.