instructables

Add a Router Table to a Table Saw

by makendo

A router table + router came on sale locally (similar to
this one ), so I picked it up but hadn't anticipated just
how much room it would take up on my workbench.
However, my table saw has an extension that was not
really doing anything other than allowing me to cut
large stock. Luckily (because I didn't measure it in
advance), the router table I bought was a good size
match, and so I built a frame to house it, discarded the
legs that came with the table, and popped it in place. It
works like a charm - it made it really easy to make a
mallet, for example.
For instructions on how to make the whole thing
yourself (e.g. if you already have a router), check out
Mathias Wandel's version. Actually, if you haven't seen
his site before, do yourself a favor and have a look
around - loads of fantastic stu there.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Add a Router Table to a Table Saw: Page 1

If you got this far, doubtless you already own a table saw.
For this project, you need a full size one with an
extension - mine is the Ridgid R4512, which is probably
the most a ordable one of this type out there. You will
also need a mini router table, of the type intended to be
mounted on a workbench. The one I bought came with a
xed base router and all the ttings.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Frame
Measure the size of the hole in the table extension and
the size of the table. For me, the dimensions were 687 ×
370 mm and 605 × 363 mm, respectively. That meant I
needed to extend the table by 41 mm at each end, but
didn't need to do anything on the sides except provide
support. So I made a frame by cutting two long skinny
Add a Router Table to a Table Saw: Page 2
Beyond the table saw, I used a cordless drill, a hand saw,
a jigsaw, measuring tape, square, wood glue, 1.5" drywall
screws, some clamps and sandpaper. The wood was all
o cuts from spruce construction lumber from my
woodpile.
pieces 22 × 38 × 687 mm and two short fat pieces 38 ×
41 × 370 mm, and cutting out a rebate at the end of each
of the end pieces such that the frame was 44 mm high
and the skinny pieces were exactly 18 mm (the thickness
of the table top) lower than the fat pieces.
 1

1. This space is currently doing nothing. Let's fill it with another power
tool...

1
2

1. Even when you own lots of power saws, sometimes hand saws are 1. Notch cut
just quicker 2. Notch marked

Add a Router Table to a Table Saw: Page 3

Step 3: Assemble

I glued and screwed the frame together, put it in place and realized I needed to cut a rebate for the switch and slots on
each end for the sliding miter gauge. I did the former with a jigsaw and the latter with the table saw, then xed the frame
in place using at-head screws in the holes that were already there.

1. Channel cut to accommodate miter gauge

2. Note how close the table came to fitting perfectly width-wise

Add a Router Table to a Table Saw: Page 4

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1. I didn't have to drill this hole, it was already there

Step 4: Done!

Drill holes and drive screws through the frame into the
underside of the table to x it in place (I used 6), and
mount your router. The way this is set up I can either use
the fence that came with the router or the fence on the
table saw if I need to rout a larger workpiece. This
router/table setup came with a switch that powers the
router, LED lights in the router, and your shopvac if
connected. The whole setup works very nicely and it was
just a quick job. Great place to put a router table without
taking up any more room in your shop - I can still tuck
the table saw away under my workbench (see last
picture), which is important given my shop is just ~1/3
of a garage.

Add a Router Table to a Table Saw: Page 5

 1 1

1. One of the three screws holding the frame in place. 1. Router table disappears under workbench when table saw is rolled
away

Thank you, well done plans with pictures. I will do the same to mine.

Good luck! Mine's held up well in the 6 years since I built it

I just want to add a router to my table, not a router table to my table. How do I do that?

Drill a hole in your table and attach the router below using screws through the plate

Sounds simple enough so maybe there's an intructables or a video?

Why didn't you do this?
Yup - love the portability of those saws. I managed to snag one of the last cast topped tables
before the switched them to the new material (can't recall what they make the table tops out of
now). Just one little tidbit to add - you will want to add some sort of angled brace from the outer
edge of the router table insert to the table saw base to prevent any strain on the TS rails over
time. Doesn't have to be anything fancy - just to take the load off the rails.
Handiest upgrade you can make to any table saw - and your router table will actually get used
more!
This one has a cast iron center with pressed steel wings. It's still heavy, but not compared to a
cabinet saw.
I thought about bracing it, but the router is not all that heavy and the rails are very solid. The
brace may also make it a little tricky to store (I tuck the saw under the my workbench when not in
use). May have to reconsider if I detect any signs of strain.
I have seen some guys build a little support/cabinet under that side. Fun saw for $529. Am in the
process of building my router table add on. Great idea buying a compact table and retro fitting it
to your saw.
I just purchased this saw.The center section is still cast iron. They no longer make either wing out
of cast iron. And am in the process of building my router table. What a cool idea buying a
compact table and retro fitting it into the table.
I agree with your support idea. I think this idea is great but I would be concerned about stressing
the rails. I route heavy hard wood stock sometimes which requires heavy pressure against the
fence to get a nice clean cut and I would be afraid of bending the rails and bringing my table saw
out of square or worse.

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Just completed this on my tablesaw. Instead of cutting out a dado for the switch, I removed it from
the table and relocated it to the front edge of the support frame. Great instrucable, and your
measurements were bang on!
Thanks! I'm really glad to hear it was useful. Good idea with the relocation of the switch.

I've done this too- mine worked out so that I could use the table saw fence with the router too-

Nice. Yep, that works with this one, too - you just have to disconnect the router fence.

I built a shaper table for my portable Rigid table saw (Yes, I have the very first year they made
the saw) about 12-13 years ago and still use it. Mine is not nearly as well put together as yours,
but I built the top surface from Lexan, so I can also remove it and use it as a circle jig. I'm
suddenly feeling inspired to make a new one. If so, I'll post pics.
My only suggestion what looks like a great application.
Get back to Canadian Tire or Harbor Freight tools and buy an inexpensive foot controller for the
router. I use mine like a dead man switch, so that I can turn the machine on and off without
leaning down or looking away from the project. (note: these units are probably not capable of
operating the table saw, they're great additions to bench/floor mounted sanders, drill presses, jig
saws and the like.
Good idea... would they run router + shop vac? The nice thing about this unit is they power off
and on using the same switch.
Only if the sum of the amps required on each tool is less than the rating on the switch. Since
each tool is unique, you'll have to check it out.
I've been putting off doing the same for my shop for a while now, and just this past week I had an
Eureka moment. Why not put the router table not to the side, as you have, but in line with the
table saw AS THE OUTFEED TABLE. Two birds, one stone. One less structure taking up space
around my saw. Actually two less.
Still, you're spot on with your thinking. Routers and saws take up lots of room in your shop, and
this brings your workpiece out into the center of the room where you have the most ability to
move about. Good idea.
One good reason to put the router table in between the fence rails os so you can use the table
saw fence with your router table. That is how I use mine.
Yep, me too. I don't have space for an outfeed table... I just tend to grab the closest kid and use
them instead :)
I think this idea is great but I would be concerned about stressing the rails. I route heavy hard
wood stock sometimes which requires heavy pressure against the fence to get a nice clean cut
and I would be afraid of bending the rails and bringing my table saw out of square or worse.
Good point. I think I will cut a length of wood to prop under the table if I'm ever routing heavy
hardwood.
So I agree with AnimattersInc in that you need some sort of support underneath. Nothing fancy
just a piece of wood with a base would suffice.
GREAT IDEA!!!!
What an AWESOME Instructable! You have just solved a problem I have been facing for six
months! I have a Scroll Saw, Router Table, Table Saw, Radial arm Saw and Drill Press! Now I can
fit them ALL in my Tiny Shed AND use them! On the other side I can place the Joiner and Planer
because they need longer running space. It helps that I am a welder/fabricator and can precisely
align all these machines and secure them with steel! After reading this Instructable I ran out and
measured everything. It is ALL going to fit the space with four inches to spare! So COOL!
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Sounds like you have a great setup. I hear you wrt fitting everything in a small space.

My shed is 10 by 12 feet, that's all they allow in a mobile home park. I'll have to use an extension
cord for electricity because they don't allow electricity to be permanent in sheds. But, no matter
what, I plan to build accessories for my remodeled Home!
Good stuff! I've had this idea in my head for a long time, but never the itch to make it. Now I may
add one to my table saw!
Thanks. You should, it's a great add-on.

Nice write up. I did the same thing with a piece of MDF, and used a piece of steel angle to
support the table. Moved the extra extension over to the right side, and slid the rails for the fence
down so I can make a four-foot cut in plywood. I took some metal drilling and bolting, but I've
been using it for ten years and it works well.
Nice. Pretty sure this table is just a piece of MDF too. Hopefully mine will last that long, but we'll
see. This mod didn't affect the cutting width of the table saw, so I'm still a ways shy of being able
to cut 4' (using the rail at least). Might just about be able to do that with the router though... would
just have to be prepared to make a lot of passes...
Great Idea Well Done. I have the same tablesaw and was thinking of trying this this. Good
Work!!!!!
Thanks. Yeah, this is an easy solution - all the hard work is done for you already.

I have the very same saw, and a Canadian Tire just down the street. Perfect combination. Is there
any advantage or drawback to having the router fence turned 180 degrees?
I put it in this way solely because of the switch placement. It would be easy enough to move if
you wanted to, though - it's just screwed to the underside of the router table.
Great idea.

Hey, nice work! I've got the Ridgid tablesaw that was out just before this one. I love it; these are
great saws for the price.
Your's is now twice as handy!
Thanks. Yeah, I've been really happy with mine - anything fancier would probably have been
wasted on me anyway.
Have already made a couple of projects with the router table that I will try to get around to writing
up. Should have made one years ago.

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