Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 41 minutes ago
If you've built a compact router table and need a fence that does more than just sit there, this project might be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this video, I’m making a simple, reversible router fence designed for a small bench-mounted router table. On one side, it's a straightforward fixed fence—easy to make, easy to use. But flip it over, and you get a precision edge jointer for cleaning up small stock—without ever touching your full-size jointer.
Why build a router fence like this?
A router table without a fence limits what you can do. Whether you’re cutting dados, trimming edges, or using a chamfer or roundover bit, the fence gives you a reliable reference surface to control the cut and improve safety. This version pivots from one side so you can dial in your cut, lock it with a knob, and reinforce it with an F-clamp. It’s adjustable, solid, and compact enough to hang on the wall next to the table.
Why use a router instead of a jointer for small pieces?
Jointers are incredible machines—but they come with a serious downside when it comes to smaller stock. The large cutterhead can easily grab and throw short or narrow pieces. That’s where this setup shines. With a flush trim bit and a small shim on the outfeed side, your router table becomes a safe, controlled mini jointer. It’s perfect for squaring up small exotic blanks, edge jointing short strips, or fine-tuning pieces that are just too risky for larger machines.
Tools, materials, and project plans are on my website if you want to make one yourself (check back in a couple days for it).
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
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Make Things
00:00 Intro
00:30 1. Two fences
00:50 2. Groove lock & insert
02:53 3. Lock studded knob
04:49 4. Notching prep
06:56 5. Fence glue up
08:22 6. Jointer fence build
11:44 7. Jointer using and troubleshooting
13:17 8. Credits
#MakeThings
If you've built a compact router table and need a fence that does more than just sit there, this project might be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this video, I’m making a simple, reversible router fence designed for a small bench-mounted router table. On one side, it's a straightforward fixed fence—easy to make, easy to use. But flip it over, and you get a precision edge jointer for cleaning up small stock—without ever touching your full-size jointer.
Why build a router fence like this?
A router table without a fence limits what you can do. Whether you’re cutting dados, trimming edges, or using a chamfer or roundover bit, the fence gives you a reliable reference surface to control the cut and improve safety. This version pivots from one side so you can dial in your cut, lock it with a knob, and reinforce it with an F-clamp. It’s adjustable, solid, and compact enough to hang on the wall next to the table.
Why use a router instead of a jointer for small pieces?
Jointers are incredible machines—but they come with a serious downside when it comes to smaller stock. The large cutterhead can easily grab and throw short or narrow pieces. That’s where this setup shines. With a flush trim bit and a small shim on the outfeed side, your router table becomes a safe, controlled mini jointer. It’s perfect for squaring up small exotic blanks, edge jointing short strips, or fine-tuning pieces that are just too risky for larger machines.
Tools, materials, and project plans are on my website if you want to make one yourself (check back in a couple days for it).
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
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Make Things
00:00 Intro
00:30 1. Two fences
00:50 2. Groove lock & insert
02:53 3. Lock studded knob
04:49 4. Notching prep
06:56 5. Fence glue up
08:22 6. Jointer fence build
11:44 7. Jointer using and troubleshooting
13:17 8. Credits
#MakeThings
