This project was built and designed by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a compact, lightweight router table designed for easy use in small shops or as a secondary portable setup.
Ideal for beginners or hobbyists, this simple table prioritizes function without unnecessary features. It’s easy to store, quick to set up, and works especially well with a cordless router.
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Why Go Portable?
Traditional router tables can be bulky, heavy, and difficult to manage in tight shop spaces. Jodee’s design solves that problem by focusing on the essentials—no cabinets, no dust collection, just a smooth tabletop, a simple fence, and a solid mounting method.
This build is great for anyone who doesn’t have room for a full-sized table or wants a grab-and-go option that can be clamped to any bench. Pairing it with a cordless router adds even more flexibility.
Starting with the Right Materials
The table begins with a sheet of Baltic birch plywood. Jodee chooses this material for its durability, smooth surface, and ability to handle repeated clamping and wear.
The tabletop is sized to match the router’s base, but the concept can be scaled up or down for other models. At the center, a Forstner bit is used to create the router bit opening, large enough to accommodate the widest bits needed.
Mounting the Router Securely
Jodee uses the router’s sub-base as a template to mark out screw hole locations. These pilot holes are drilled and then counterbored to allow the screw heads to sit below the table’s surface.
This keeps the top smooth and safe, so nothing catches while feeding material across the router bit. The screws hold the router firmly in place, minimizing any vibration or shifting during use.
Building a Reliable Fence
The fence is made by laminating multiple layers of plywood into a single sturdy piece. It spans the full width of the table and is positioned a few inches from the back edge to allow room for clamps.
To secure the fence to the tabletop, Jodee drills a hole through both and installs a threaded insert from below. This lets a knob tighten the fence in place for easy adjustments while maintaining a clean, stable setup.
Adding a Relief Cut
To accommodate larger router bits and reduce debris buildup, a half-circle relief cut is added to the center of the fence. Jodee positions the fence over the bit opening, marks the contact point, and uses a drill press to remove just enough material.
This simple detail keeps the fence cleaner during operation and ensures better performance with wide-profile bits.
Sanding and Edge Cleanup
Once all major cuts and assembly steps are complete, the plywood edges are sanded and slightly rounded over. This removes any splinters and gives the table a more comfortable feel during use.
Breaking the edges also helps prevent chipping, especially on Baltic birch plywood. The result is a router table that’s safe, easy to handle, and pleasant to work on.
Practical Tips and Considerations
Because the design is minimal, every detail matters. Centering the router and keeping the table surface smooth are key to a successful build. The use of threaded inserts allows for repeated adjustments without wearing out the plywood.
This build doesn’t include dust collection, but the open design makes it easy to clean up afterward. Future versions could incorporate a dust port or auxiliary features depending on the user’s needs.
For woodworkers using a different router model, the size and location of the mounting holes and bit opening will need to be adjusted. Jodee shows how to make those adjustments easily based on your router’s baseplate.
Benefits of a Minimalist Setup
Jodee’s portable router table is ideal for woodworkers who value simplicity and portability. It stores easily, clamps to nearly any surface, and doesn’t require a power cord when used with a cordless router.
Because there are no drawers, switches, or complicated mechanisms, there’s less to maintain or repair. That makes it a great secondary router station or a learning tool for beginners who want to explore routing without a big investment.
The project also teaches fundamental skills like drilling with precision, using templates, installing threaded inserts, and constructing a basic fence—making it a great weekend build for any experience level.
Lightweight, Affordable, and Functional
At the core of this build is a smart use of materials and a focus on essential features. Jodee’s table proves you don’t need a massive setup to do quality work with a router.
It’s affordable, adaptable, and well-suited to small workspaces, mobile setups, or outdoor woodworking. Whether you’re just getting started or need a quick-access router station, this build delivers.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.