Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Routers are some of the most versatile machines in the shop—but they are extremely limited straight out of the box. Unlike most tools in your shop, routers work in two distinct ways: handheld, pointed down for cutting larger stock, or mounted in a table, pointed up for more precise, controlled cuts. Without a table, you’re stuck holding the router and cutting larger pieces, as smaller stock becomes difficult to manage and see clearly.
If you don’t have space for a router table—or just need a temporary one—you can create a simple version with a single piece of plywood, a bolt, plexiglass, and a couple wooden braces. I’ve made a full step-by-step video for this project on my second channel, but here’s the idea: attach two braces to the underside of the plywood, drill a hole for a bolt that fits into your workbench’s dog hole, and mount the router underneath. This gives you an instant, stable setup for smaller projects.
Once it’s set up, any bit with a bearing is ready to go—just adjust the height and make your cut. For non-bearing bits, clamping a guide to the plywood provides clean, precise results. This setup gives you all the benefits of a router table without the hassle or cost of a larger build.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Routers are some of the most versatile machines in the shop—but they are extremely limited straight out of the box. Unlike most tools in your shop, routers work in two distinct ways: handheld, pointed down for cutting larger stock, or mounted in a table, pointed up for more precise, controlled cuts. Without a table, you’re stuck holding the router and cutting larger pieces, as smaller stock becomes difficult to manage and see clearly.
If you don’t have space for a router table—or just need a temporary one—you can create a simple version with a single piece of plywood, a bolt, plexiglass, and a couple wooden braces. I’ve made a full step-by-step video for this project on my second channel, but here’s the idea: attach two braces to the underside of the plywood, drill a hole for a bolt that fits into your workbench’s dog hole, and mount the router underneath. This gives you an instant, stable setup for smaller projects.
Once it’s set up, any bit with a bearing is ready to go—just adjust the height and make your cut. For non-bearing bits, clamping a guide to the plywood provides clean, precise results. This setup gives you all the benefits of a router table without the hassle or cost of a larger build.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
