This project was built and designed by Jon Peters from Longview Woodworking. It’s a practical storage solution that mounts directly under the outfeed table of a table saw, helping keep router bits safe, visible, and easy to reach.
Instead of letting small tools rattle around in drawers or boxes, Jon created a custom drawer setup that turns wasted space into a useful addition to the shop. It’s a compact project with big returns in day-to-day workflow.
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Making the Most of Unused Space
The goal behind this build was to take advantage of the empty area beneath a table saw outfeed table. Jon designed a simple “three-quarter box” with no back panel, making it easy to install and perfectly suited for the space.
By skipping the rear panel, the drawer can be slid in and out without interference. Once mounted underneath the table, the open-back box serves as a solid base for a functional drawer that doesn’t get in the way during larger shop tasks.
Simple and Smart Drawer Construction
The drawer itself follows a clean, minimal design. Jon tacked the sides and front together first, then cut the back panel to fit after the frame was assembled. This ensured a precise fit and gave him flexibility during layout.
One clever feature is how he extended the drawer sides past the back panel. These longer sides act as natural drawer stops, preventing the drawer from falling out if pulled too far. It’s a thoughtful design choice that adds safety without needing complex hardware.
To reinforce this setup, Jon added a secondary stop underneath the table. While this means the very back of the drawer is slightly harder to access, it eliminates the risk of the entire drawer dropping out—especially important when it’s loaded with sharp or expensive router bits.
Repurposing Materials for the Finish
For the drawer front, Jon used a piece of scrap poplar, giving it a couple of coats of water-based polyurethane for protection and a clean finish. The handle came from a previous project—a farmhouse writing desk—highlighting how scrap materials and leftover hardware can add character to new builds.
This approach not only saves money, but also adds a layer of personal history to the piece. It’s a reminder that small shop projects don’t have to feel temporary—they can be well-crafted, useful, and even a little sentimental.
Custom Router Bit Holders
One of the most important parts of this build is how the router bits are stored. Jon drilled holes into the drawer bottom that were just slightly larger than the bit shafts. This allows the bits to stand upright and stay secure, but still be easy to remove without any wiggle or friction.
Quarter-inch and half-inch bits each got their own precisely sized holes, showing Jon’s attention to detail. This tight fit keeps the drawer quiet and prevents bits from rolling or clanging into each other, which could dull their edges over time.
It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in long-term organization and tool care. For any woodworker tired of hunting for the right bit, this setup makes things fast and frustration-free.
Safety and Accessibility Trade-offs
Jon is realistic about woodworking in a real shop environment. While the drawer stop under the table limits how far the drawer can come out, it also prevents a serious safety issue. If the drawer were to fall, it could damage the bits, the drawer, or even a foot.
This kind of compromise—accepting limited access in exchange for increased safety and durability—is a common theme in good shop design. It’s a reminder that functional sometimes beats perfect.
A Better Way to Organize Small Tools
Small tools like router bits often get lost in deeper drawers or cluttered shelves. Jon’s custom drawer system shows that with just a little planning, shop storage can be significantly improved.
The drawer is out of the way when not in use, yet instantly accessible when needed. That alone can save time on every project, especially during frequent bit changes or when switching between different cuts.
A Project That Scales with Your Needs
This drawer design can be adapted to fit under other work surfaces or tool stands. Whether you have a compact home garage setup or a full-size shop, there’s likely a spot where a drawer like this would be a welcome upgrade.
It’s also a great use of scrap wood, leftover hardware, and offcuts—making it budget-friendly as well as functional.
Support Jon by visiting his website: https://jonpeters.com/collections/plans/.