How Slab Flatteners Should be Built

This is my take on how slab flattening router systems should be built.
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AFFILIATE LINKS
Prestige Table saw Blade - tinyurl.com/4cxf9se9
Folding Table Saw Infeed Plans - www.izzyswan.com/Store/Foldin...
Long Rails and Bearings I used - amzn.to/3QCS3BD
Short Rails and Bearings I used - amzn.to/3tAHpC3
Bow Knobs and Hardware - lddy.no/1hvo4
Match fit Router bit - lddy.no/1hvo6
Match fit hardware - lddy.no/1hvo7
My Links -
website - www.izzyswan.com/
Instagram - / izzyswan_woodworking

[@gbjones54]

This is SO cool. Fun to see it done! It works even better than I thought! 👍👏👏👏

[@izzyswan]

Thank you for all your help building It bud. Really appreciate your friendship!

[@braincraven]

I personally think Izzy is one of the best of the box thinking wood workers around on youTube.

[@daveturnbull7221]

I think he delves in to our imaginations, drags out our fantasies and makes them real.

[@douglasrasmussen480]

Izzy proves high intelligence comes in many forms. His progression of thought and imagination translated into tangible things is most impressive.

[@jeffhallford5284]

I've said it many times, Izzy's brain just works different. Very inspiring.

[@jonq8714]

@@daveturnbull7221 he's never even approached making any fantasy of mine real... the closest I've seen is the movie Weird Science.

[@Andre_Berthiaume]

If you make the rails on the table/bed part a bit more recessed, you could have removable covers to 'hide' the rail when not using this as a flattening rig. This could be the main 'workbench'' most of the time, with only the rolling sled part needing storage

[@Otto-W]

I was thinking the same thing. Along with the top router section being able to be stored under the table.

[@PrivateChannel1300]

I want to do exactly this but also figure out how to convert to a track saw

[@kyorising]

@@PrivateChannel1300 I've literally been thinking about this for months. I've been trying to design a table that's a workbench, has a hidden flatting setup, and has attachments like the festool MFT system for my tracksaw components.

[@PrivateChannel1300]

@@kyorising I'm going to build

[@adamkirkland4348]

Same thought. I think it would pair nice with a large mft stile workbench with removable sides and top roller and could still have tool storage in work bench.

[@JasonPeltier]

I love that you're always pushing the capabilities of woodworking further into the future.

[@jenksify]

Always pushing the boundaries of everyone's limits.

[@jeffreykipperman6894]

Izzy, why your channel doesn't have millions of subscribers is beyond me. Your creativity is endless!

[@millsm43]

Because most people want to run to Walmart to buy it ready made. There are few of us left who love designing and creating.

[@keithreay]

The somewhat maniacal laugh at 8:03 is just plain wonderful. It gives us the impression that all of the lovely/hard work that you have been putting in over the last decade is being appreciated by the content creator themselves. Izzy, this is nothing small, so I’d strongly advise you to sit in some silence and just take it all in. Glad to see Maggie! Please continue to pursue what YOU want, we the viewers just want to see your passion and creativity in the end… we will be here to enjoy it all.

[@WildmanTech]

I like the versatility offered by the part that hangs off the edge!

[@JohnMadeit]

With the gantry removed it would also make a good work bench. So I think it's a viable solution for a lot of people. Maybe a circular saw attachment. Probably need to add some locks to hold one set of the rails in position. Rail stop blocks would be a nice feature so you can route out just a small section of your work piece. Interested to see what other ideas you come up with for it.

[@chriseller6297]

Looks like it would even be possible to rip plywood using an up cut bit by using some stop collars on the carriage rails to lock the carriage in place. Brilliant work Izzy!

[@branchandfoundry560]

Great idea! Use a compression bit to have even less tear-out than an up-cut bit.

[@siggyincr7447]

It's similar to an idea I had for a flattener/slabber. My idea was to have the tool be modular so you could put a small bad saw on the sliding section to slab small logs with it as well. I love the idea of the cantilevered section on the cross slide with angle table to the side. That makes it way more useful. Nicely done.

[@drewachong]

Izzy, I'm always blown away by the ideas you come up with. I love the drop leaf sides and the added options it adds. No way I can ever fit this in my garage shop, but I look forward to seeing you refine this into something even more amazing. Keep up the good work! 🍻

[@fcschoenthal]

You never cease to amaze me with new innovations. Looking forward to seeing how you could make this even better. - Chris

[@papaduck459]

Izzy, not only is it a slab flattener, planer sub, jointer sub, but you utilized CNC properties by having the gantry being the reference edge for all of the machining. I imagine that something like this led to the modern-day CNC machine. 🤔 Adding to @myGrowthrings mount 1 edge to a wall and make it fold down to keep a slim profile when not in use, or possibly even use it in a vertical orientation. The gantry will always be the referenced machine edge and I have seen CNCs work folded up against the wall...

[@TheMadManPlace]

Using it in a vertical or near vertical orientation has the added advantage that the chips, dust and swarf immediately fall away from the cutting bit so that the life of the bit is helped.

[@wampster5698]

That is spectacular, I have been using a more basic one to flatten cutting boards and have been looking to upgrade to linear rails. It never crossed my mind to try it for flatting a log edge for resawing, you are a certified genius good sir!

[@PhilGouy]

Just found your channel and love the content. Your honesty an authenticity is golden!

[@hortonao]

Amazing Izzy! Nothing pleases more than that satisfied chuckle after your creations come to life

[@RDAUGIRD]

Very timely; I just ordered some linear rails for an upcoming slab mill. I’ll be watching this with great interest.

[@GregForLife]

What a great idea - I've built up a slab mill with similar rails and now looking for the next level that will hold up to or manage sawdust contamination better - those micro ball bearings get dirty fast and they don't play well when full of sawdust. I love the drop side innovation - brilliant!

[@tylerhaberstroh1149]

This is absolutely amazing and has so many capabilities they are endless really!!! Love your creativity!!

[@gnomingoswoodworks1219]

I've needed a router sled for really large slabs. 100% building this for my shop! Waiting for concrete to be poured in the new section. So I can wait for more updates in the meantime. Thanks, just what I was looking for and didn't even know it yet.

[@Bull43459]

WOW. The ingenuity and skill behind your ideas are freaking awesome. Good job brother. I look forward to theses plans being available on your site.

[@tpleus]

Much love Izzy. You are sincerely one of the best and last of the woodworkerS on YT who still build and teach as opposed to just be a front for selling more tools. Awesome vidso. Really one of the best I've seen in a good long shile. Thank you

[@jimrosson6702]

Wow what an amazing idea Izzy. I have seen the rail idea for slab flatting and have thought about that but you took it to the next level with the hold down system but that front part of the table to do chamfers and angles but then right at the end when you used it to flatten one side of a log sold me for sure that’s a great idea can not wait to see what you guys come up with next for this system. Amazing keep up the amazing work.

[@bobmartin6055]

Oh man!! You’ve got my imagination running wild of the possibilities with this! Such a great design!! Many thanks for sharing, Izzy!

[@chrisdemeglio7983]

You keep raising the bar for everyone with your ideas and ingenuity. This is an excellent piece of equipment. I have a small garage shop, 11x23. For this to be useful for me, i would piggyback what some of the others have suggested. Make this a multiuse table that can double as a set up table, flattening table, etc. I love the way it keeps a round log tighly mounted so you can concentrate on flattening it rather than worrying it will get loose and create a problem. Look forward to seeing how and what you add to this.

[@christophermcdowell6704]

This is such a cool set up! I can't wait to see the completed version!

[@nelsvantoor5159]

That tilting side is BRILLIANT!

[@matthewsmade]

I've been designing something like this for a while I have the same rails but just haven't got all the ideas i want in the table and now you come along and give me even more features I have to cram in thanks :). Make a locking sled for a plunge saw for quick rip cuts

[@stuartrhodes6741]

I'm from across the pond & love the ideas you put into practice please keep them coming, all the very best from the UK

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

Hi Izzy, what a fantastic build. I've been wanting and trying to get my garage up and running as a shop so I can work from home. Lots of pauses in the plan because of all the cr ap life throws at us such as health and bereavements etc and the impact they gave on finances. This is a fantastic build even if it is a prototype, a number of my tools got destroyed in a garage flood and I haven't been able to replace them. Fortunately I still have some tools like my faithful old Elu 1/2 router. This build would enable someone like myself to turn my router in to a completely universal tool and save initial costs. I don't know if and when your brain rests but I'm glad it keeps churning out inspirational projects like this. Thank you, keep well.

[@RobbieSongwriter]

ANOTHER Amazingly ingenius "tool" - can't wait to see what else you will add to this. Wish I'd had something like this when I had a shop to work in. Miss woodworking, but I live vicariously through your projects. LOVE your channel - top ten - professionally presented and always entertaining. Thank you for sharing your creations.

[@rdionne666]

Wow, I am lucky enough to see your video before building a sled for my shop. For sure, I will replicate some of the feature you are showing here. This will save me a lot of time in the future. This gives a lot of freedom and efficiency.

[@peterlaughlin930]

If my shop wasn’t so small, this would be ideal. You never cease to amaze me with your creativity. God bless you and Maggie.

[@Hardnox1911]

That's a fabulous build Izzy. I built a similar one (no gantries) but I added a 4-inch dust port and a barn door track on the ceiling to keep the hose out of the way. I also added EPDM rubber wipers. This setup eliminates 90% of the chips.

[@helensmith9221]

I just found you and am so glad. Can't wait to build some of your projects and get our shop up and going. This table is a great idea since it is small. We have a shipping container for a work shop and this is perfect! can't wait to watch more.

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

When watching this I told wife, I have to build a bigger shop. She said, I hate Izzy. This is by far your best idea....

[@izzyswan]

Hahahahahahaha, weird my wife says the same thing sometimes!

[@mnrusticdecor]

I love watching your content and your teacher's heart and the jigs you come up with can save people THOUSANDS if they watched your stuff keep up the great work and can't wait for more content from you and this channel

[@richardwadsworth4259]

Love it. The adjustable side can make live edge bevel details that otherwise would be tricky or impossible. With standard workshop equipment. And love the fact that it can be multi functional. That makes the large footprint not so bad. And with the dovetail slots. Double as a work bench. Great job 👏 👍 👌

[@houmi4711]

Wau. That’s amazing. The possibilities with this setup will be limitless. With some fantasy and additional jigs you could use for mortise and tenon or dovetail and finger joints. I’m very exited to see the final version of it. Thanks 🙏👍

[@RichardMcIntosh-gp7ng]

This flattening table looks like it would come in handy in my shop. Can not wait to see the final result. Keep up the great work you do.

[@TimHoefer]

Your gears are always turning and you come up with some of the most innovative inventions and tweaks on things. The only thing better than that is that you share those ideas with others. Thank you.

[@R86Quad]

I love it IZZY! Very innovative to say the least. The possible uses are endless and can be built on a budget to boot? Keep doing what you do man!!!!

[@MLSteffel]

Great idea! The option to put a bevel on a tabletop is great! Wish I had this option with the 6/4 mid century modern table I finished last summer. Made my own router sled to accomplish a 4” bevel from the 6/4 thickness to 3/4 edge.

[@chrismurphy3538]

Like so many of your videos, just brilliant! I love this table. I've got a list about 2 years long of "huny do" projects, but once those are done, I hope to have an opportunity to build this for myself. THANK YOU so much for sharing your inspiration!

[@martinsteele3259]

Brilliant! You always have such creative ways to work!

[@outdoormaniac9951]

Izzy, you are genius! Another awesome invention. And it works pretty damned good for a prototype. Can't wait to see the finished model. Great build, great video.

[@daveyshmavey]

Wow Izzy! I’m in love with it! I do like the idea of installing a saw… both x and y axis. The ability to, for example, add a dado to a side board without having clamp guides… really is awesome! The chamfer on the live edge, beauty!!

[@thereasoner9454]

Simply amazing. Very impressed by this build and the results.

[@wyspir6753]

That is an absolute monster of a system! I’m in the early stages of getting my shop set up, just acquired my table saw, have most other tools needed outside of the jointer/planer, seriously considering just upgrading my router and going this route! Thanks!

[@ericw9655]

You’re a mind reader. I just finished a dead flat workbench project with dog holes and mounting options along the sides. It’s going to serve double duty once I figure out how to rig up some flattening rails and a gantry. This gives me some ideas. Much appreciated!

[@glsmaverick]

As someone who plans to make a large-ish slab flattening table in the future I love the idea of the tilting skirt on the side. Such a great idea for creating different edge details and profiles on large pieces.

[@dianetakis3712]

Brilliant!! Thank you for sharing!!! I think the possibilities are endless. I am getting ready to work with some live edge rounds and don't have a great system for flattening. I've been meaning to make a dedicated flattening jig and this fits the bill perfectly! I would need to scale it to my space but this is fantastic!!

[@rickscarpellotherapy]

LOVE THIS! Cutting angles on long runs sold me. I’m in! Izzy, you’re gold brother🙌🔥🙌

[@izzyswan]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sateeshum394]

love the smile and joy you bring Izzy, cool thing about this build is guanine idea that can be customized further and a electrical planer can even go into it. best part i would like is a longer plunge for vertical precision drill using router.. eve as deep as 6inches makes it a killer combination. if can run using a template reader can be a copier Aswell... love this build very much... Thank you for the team and letting you pull this off.. joy watching You work around these solutions...

[@bentleyparish1226]

I love it. My mind is crammed full with all the possibilities

[@rezadaneshi]

Big fan. Retired carpenter. I’m still making jigs to cut foam to make RC and model planes designing and modifying and experimenting as if I was Boeing. Learning to build jigs, is a two for one if you enjoy building things. Thank you Izzy

[@MCsCreations]

Hello there, fellow rc pilot! 🖖😊

[@rezadaneshi]

@@MCsCreations I’m in my second childhood but I’m trying to contain my RC enthusiasm in public to seem normal. You know what I mean😊

[@MCsCreations]

@@rezadaneshi Oh, I absolutely do! 😂 But, honestly, I gave up already. 😬

[@joncue0304]

That has to be one of the most brilliant things I've seen in a long time. Great thinking!!! And thank you for posting this video! Heck, you could add positive stops for various angles as well. I can't wait to build this.

[@mahto54]

Well thought out and built!! I love it!

[@dawayneduffy3509]

WOW I've just stumbled across your channel I have been wanting to build something like that for about 20 years now. Thanks so much & I'm now subscribed to your awesome channel 👍👍👍

[@ronroberts110]

Looks like a large fly-cutting mill from an aerospace fab shop! The fact you could pull this off for under $300 and then show everyone how to do it is fantastic. This channel is the best new content on YT.

[@darahijazi7317]

What a clever ideas in this build!! Very sturdy and reliable table.

[@tomhorrigan5769]

Just freakin awesome! How do you think up such great tools!!! Mega props to you Izzy!!! Keep ‘Em coming.

[@dmcarpenter3097]

Glad to see you up on your feet again, and nice sled. You're a beast

[@Dandroid61]

This is brilliant Izzy! I have a bunch of Walnut logs that I'm trying to turn into lumber. I don't own a jointer, but I have 1/2 a dozen routers, including a 3+ horse. I love this idea!

[@rickcperry]

That is an amazing system brother! I love it and think it's a great answer for smaller DIY shops

[@f.d.7190]

When I hear the name 'IZZY SWAN,' I think 'really bad carpenter'...said no one EVER, except for Izzy Swan...😂😅😂😅😅

[@BarHRanch]

I came here to say this.

[@cwhulke97]

As someone has been looking at making his own slab flattening setup...This is nothing short of AMAZING! I like it and it might just make it's way into my shop! Awesome work!!

[@izzyswan]

Wow, thanks!

[@franciscosahagunjr6792]

Cutting edge baby. Big fan. U r outside the box. Can’t wait 💪🏽

[@PrinceWesterburg]

That is absolute genius! I'm about to start building benches in my workshop and this has put the halt on that - I knew I was waiting for something. I suppose you could add peg holes and it could double as a regular work bench - just maybe have two covers that drop on and protect the rails.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

lol, I'm doing the same, and am pumping the brakes!

[@marcsenteney3160]

Well done sir. The side table is perfect for logs as well the angles.

[@chriscalon8913]

I was talking about making one of these (albeit WAYYYYY more simple) just this past weekend. Now I think we need to wait for your plans. Fantastic concept!

[@pathardage1880]

I wish my finished projects came out as neat as your prototypes. This is fabulous.

[@martenswoodworkingDIY]

LOVE THIS IDEA! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS!

[@roywholstonjr5292]

This is wonderful. It would e a great asset to any workshop. So hurry to the finished product!

[@HeliRy]

That’s pretty rad, well done man!

[@michaelkalewright7063]

This is a fantastic idea and it looks like it works great!

[@Hexter-jm9mp]

You Always have Great ideas. I noticed you were flattening a log which gave me the idea of asking you, "How would you mount a Circular Saw with a Beam Cutter on that table?" You are always pushing Fantastic ideas and helping others to realize better ideas!

[@chriseller6297]

I like this project so much that I’ve watched the video 3 times!

[@dk2428]

The tilted base is absolutely brilliant!!! I'm building this.

[@johngambon2664]

I am anxiously waiting for the follow up video. Beautiful!

[@tellis9844]

That is very impressive and very well thought out.

[@michaelkay9442]

Awesome build Sir! Well done👍👍

[@sirrob6595]

Always amazed with your builds.

[@izzyswan]

Thank you , so glad you liked it.

[@quadsquadracingable]

I love this idea and have been thinking in my head of a good design to flatten slabs without using it separately from my assembly table. I have a very small shop and my assembly table holds my planer, mitersaw, drawer for all my hardware and dust collection for the mitersaw and sanders when needed. It's also my outfeed table for my tablesaw which has my router lift in the wing. But I could definitely figure out a way to place this on top or in some way incorporate it into my setup. That folding side piece is genious!! Both jointing and profiling edges are brilliant for that!!

[@leifhietala8074]

That super-chamfer ability also means you can make a giant scarf joint.

[@Kagemune]

hi, great system for combining several possible uses. i'm going to use it as inspiration for my project. thanks keep up the good work, you're doing a great job

[@gusswenson7811]

Wow… You are Amazing.. I come from a family of carpenters and furniture maker’s and have seen some amazing projects over the years. And Them making the tools to do them.. And a lot was done with hand tools which I thought was amazing. Hell My Grandfather made his own clogs to where in his shop.. My Uncle did a lot of work for the Kennedys back in the day.. He even made his own Boat.. So I watch your videos and I put you in the same category as them.. geniuses.. so much talent and vision.. I watch a lot of the other guys you mentioned and you all keep me going and give me inspiration on all my projects I have going on.. Being retired now I have the time to really enjoy them more.. And I am also teaching one of my sons the love of woodworking. And the smile on his face now when he finishes a project is priceless to me.. I have show him your channel and he really likes watching you.. Thank you for sharing your love of woodworking with us. Cheers..

[@eatdrinkwineguy]

Very clever and super versatile for a pretty simple design. Very cool.

[@killawombat75]

this is awesome! prototypes are sooo much fun when they work!!

[@andydepaule3296]

Yes very useful video. I think your idea is wonderful and the least expensive way to get that job done.

[@SirhcBeats]

even for a prototype thats an amazing design i could defiantly see myself using something like this in my small workshop! nice job!

[@markpearson1989]

Love the ability to chamfer any degree and have it match up so perfectly.

[@mauriceryton]

What a great router sled. So well thought out, just brilliant.

[@Juangaba]

Love this, exactly what I’ve been looking for.

[@nielsentrainingandconsulti339]

This is awesome! I can’t wait to see how this thing pans out. I could use this in my own shop!

[@adamshank7711]

I just found your channel. Wow, I am impressed about to Binge watch all your videos

[@normancarnahan4893]

Thanks, Izzy Keep ‘‘em flying!

[@shanedavis2302]

Love this, My mind is racing with the possibilities.

[@thomasalison6188]

Pretty sweet set-up, really useful for those who do a lot of live edge work.

[@spencerjw]

Damn dude! Yet another project I gotta build. This would be so handy! Can't wait for the plans.