A smarter tool for small workshops

[@MWAWoodworks]

✅ HOW TO SUPPORT MY CHANNEL SUBSCRIBE : kzbin.info JOIN my Patreon community: patreon.com/MWAWoodworks GET project plans: bit.ly/download-project-plans ✅ TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO: Power-Loc bench dogs (x2) - tsoproducts.com/bench-dogs/tso-dogs/power-loc-bench-connector-dogs/?ref=MWAWW UJK Chamfer/Reamer Tool - tsoproducts.com/bench-dogs/accessories/ujk-combined-chamfer-reamer-tool/?ref=MWAWW Spiral Flush Trim Bit - bitsbits.com/product/cm250ft-flush-trim/ref/6244/ 10% OFF using code MWA10 Bowl & Tray Router Bit - bitsbits.com/product/1372b/ref/6244/ 10% OFF using code MWA10 20mm Forstner Bit - amzn.to/48iZseD Countersink Drill Bit - amzn.to/3I2BxWk 5 Minute Epoxy - amzn.to/48jFbpe ¼” Acrylic Sheet 12”x12” (comes in clear or black) - amzn.to/47p0TYM T-Track (x3) - amzn.to/3vp7ghf Threaded Knobs (female)- amzn.to/41QOZWb T-Bolts - amzn.to/3S9U9JV Threaded Inserts - amzn.to/48KQ6ZI Thumb Screws - amzn.to/3TOp4ws Router Bit Storage Inserts - amzn.to/3TRjSb3 Shop Vac Dust Port - amzn.to/3P8xSKH Phenolic Plywood (optional for Top) - amzn.to/3NVIWdf Router Table Leveling Inserts (optional) - amzn.to/3H7Hr8f UJK Parf Guide - tsoproducts.com/tools-equipment/ujk-parf-guide-system-mark-ii/?ref=MWAWW DeWalt Cordless Router - amzn.to/3OHDtHq *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@davidcole333]

The immortal Bob Ross used to teach "There are no mistakes, only happy little accidents in our world." I like how you have happy little accidents and just roll with them.

[@dallee777]

I love these videos. They are very inspiring and informative. Has anyone else noticed the irony that the people who make these videos have all the nicest tools and shops, especially in the background? It does get frustrating sometimes when you see them using a nice finishing tool to complete the project they are showing us how to make.

[@poolkrooni]

Seriously. How would one build this *in* a small workshop? 😅

[@5280Woodworking]

Turned out great. I like that phenolic/BB sheet, thanks for the link. I'm glad I'm not the only one that makes obvious mistakes!

[@jeanchance9334]

Really enjoy your "How To's". This today about the making of the Router Table was one of the best I have seen. As a r3sult, I ordered your instructions. Wish me luck!! Thanks for showing some possible mistakes to avoid.

[@laurielyon7740]

This build was among the best I’ve ever seen on KZbin! Which is why I subscribed months ago!

[@HarrisonFord11]

As with some of your projects you should find a way to batch out these parts on your CNC and sell kits with hardware included.

[@robertthomas3907]

Thanks for the Demo build with all the great fixes! They happen and you need to be able to deal with them from time to time.

[@HerrMidditHolz]

This is simply WOW! I‘m so thankful for this video as this will be my next project… Perfect guide! Greetings from Germany

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Yep, the sign of a true craftsman: knowing how to fix the inevitable mistakes. Great job finding a solution, and great job building a portable router table. I’m gonna keep those Kreg leveling brakets (?) in mind. The powerlock dogs are amazing. The Parf guide system is wonderfully accurate, but sure is pricey. My method of duplicating dog holes on pieces smaller than my MFT, is to clamp the piece I want holes in under the MFT, then use a router w/ a pattern bit (on top of the MFT) to make the holes. Thanks for reminding us that you can cut aluminum on the table saw or miter saw - this is the one thing that the crappy blade that came w/ your saw is good for. Thanks for the tip on cutting acrylic. Very helpful. To your viewers concerned about the price of Baltic Birch ply, I can only suggest shopping around lumber yards. I finally found one that sells a BB knock off made in Vietnam that comes in 12 & 18mm thicknesses and full 8x4’ sheets. Still pricey, but ~$65 for a full sheet of 18mm hurts your wallet less. I usually don’t use this stuff for shop “furniture,” but a router table would be an exception. Just be careful when sanding the knock off BB, since the outer ply layers are often very thin. Thanks again for practical advice that will make us better makers. As usual, lots of good tips in this video that apply to more than just making this one item.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks Jeff 🙌

[@danielhanawalt4998]

Your router table is a few levels above the one I made. I'm planning on stepping up my game sometime a little later. I've done a little woodworking in years past but retired now and starting doing some for a little extra money and something to keep me busy. Nice, very nice build and good video.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Great idea. I’m definitely going to have to look into those lock dogs.

[@soujrnr]

Awesome idea! I have the "Reader's Digest" version of that router table that I built. It doesn't have a single bell or whistle, but I need to build a new one anyway, so I'm going to build one like you've featured here. And dang, dude...that crosscut sled you built could double as a part of the Great Wall of China. That thing is huge! That's also on my list of builds as well, although I'm not sure mine will be quite that big. Thanks for the great info!!! Have a very merry Christmas as well!!

[@MCsCreations]

Really fantastic work, dude! 😃 I'm definitely going to make one of those!!! Stay safe there with your family!

[@jjcouch5]

Great ideas and I love how you show screw ups! It makes your channel more appealing! Cheers!

[@BigBenAdv]

17:33 You can stick on a layer or two of tape on each side of the tool caddy to act as shims for the feet when clamping too

[@ChrisHornberger]

Unrelated, it was so cool seeing you at the Bourbon Moth event in Nashville, and hanging out a few minutes. Loved chatting with you. Next time I'm in town (which might be soon), dinner on me, yeah?

[@bobs7975]

Great Build! I love the Seinfeld reference!

[@johncamp7679]

I got one of those “cheap” dust ports from Rockler, chips were coming out from the bottom. I added weather seal for windows I think, it had 2 rows with tape on each one, worked great.

[@ChrisHornberger]

Yep. Those adjusters rock, and trying to get that rabbet just right would be an exercise in frustration.

[@uechikid8088]

I really like this table. As a new woodworker I’ve been looking for local sources for materials. All of the pro woodworkers are using Baltic birch. I can’t find Baltic birch anywhere around me. All the plywood I can find is no better than what’s available at Home Depot.

[@j10001]

Does that include looking for lumber stores on Google maps?

[@uechikid8088]

@@j10001 Yes. However, 1 lumber yard just got some Baltic birch plywood in. $$$$ though.

[@j.u.c.o]

Another homemade option to those kreg levelers:leveler. 90⁰ triangles from 1/2" ply, mount to the back/ underside, and just put a flat head screw in each corner to act as adjustable levelers.

[@wandicksantossena855]

Awersome project! Congrats from Brazil!

[@Andersfraser]

Great build 👍🏻 do you sell your plans in metric measurement to?

[@BOROTECH1]

Nice, practical and inspiring, I wish you much success 👍

[@darrylbrook5968]

Good process cutting the acrylic..

[@robbennett7129]

I'll be building one of these!

[@silversteeler99]

Great fun watching this video, very entertaining. Nice job with the router table, however, it is not for the average 'weekend warrior", you have a state -of-the-art workshop and tools, unlike most of us. Anyway, I am now a subscriber.

[@afpitbull60]

Great job! Love the play-by-play commentary. Question: What is the brand of your Equidistant Measuring Tool? Thanks!

[@H60Gamer]

18:53 could have used the power lock dogs already in the top and added 2 more so the top secures to the base with dogs.

[@MWAWoodworks]

That's true! however I didn't want to require power loc dogs to be able to use the router table.

[@KarlBunker]

Denatured alcohol cleans up epoxy spills with less of a "contact high" (and a less toxic smell). Or you could use 150 proof rum and have something to tipple as you work.

[@alanrichardson7244]

You did a beautiful job and I’m inspired.

[@jaison609]

Love the video but with all the stuff I would have to buy to make this I might as well buy a prebuilt router table. Although it looks like a fun project.

[@almclester]

Regarding using a regular woodworking blade to cut t-track, yes, you can, but it’s not a good idea-I learned this the hard way and nearly lost a thumb in the process; even though my thumb was over six inches from the blade! The problem isn’t the material that the blade is made from, it’s the size of the teeth. The larger teeth on a wood blade are more likely to “hook” the t-track and YANK it, pulling you hand toward the blade, wrecking your hand, the t-Track, and possibly damaging your saw in the process. Don’t use any blade with teeth larger than a “plywood blade”. I feel really stupid telling this story because I used to be a professional studio jeweler and I have cut a zillion miles of precious metal in my life. I KNEW BETTER! But the woodworking guys at my local wood-candy store swore that the wood blade they wanted to sell me was fine. However, as a jeweler, you choose your saw blade size/number of teeth based on the thickness of your metal, and one look at the size of the teeth on that wood blade set my alarm bells ringing. But, I didn’t listen and the trip to the ER cost me way more than the price of a metal blade. For the curious, the general rule that jewelers use to choose a blade is that the size of the teeth must be such that three teeth will be in contact with the material being cut at all times. So, if the teeth of your wood blade are so big that you can’t fit three of them within the thickness of your t-track, DON’T USE THAT BLADE!!!! Sooooo… while you technically can cut t-track with a wood blade, that doesn’t mean you should. Save your fingers, and buy a metal blade with small teeth. You can get one at Harbor Freight, if you are cash strapped.

[@mkatakm]

Very fun and useful. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video !!! thank you

[@FredGillen]

Great presentation, thanks for sharing

[@JLanc1982]

I like this design very much! Incorporating the Power-Lock dogs is pretty slick! Well done. 😎

[@joeabad5908]

A very nice build…

[@Numenor7]

Great ideas here. Looks unfinished though, maybe some walnut stain to match the holder and a sealant over the plywood?

[@MWAWoodworks]

That's the beauty of a shop project you can make it however you want 😁

[@Griffinwoodworks]

You just poked both my inner 5 year old and my inner teenager with those clips. 😂 Then you gave me a purpose for an old cordless router that I don’t use much since upgrading, so that’s a pretty perfect video lol.

[@timlist4173]

Why bring the fence past the bit? I don't understand. It seems it could catch the workpiece or fill up with dust , chips and parts.

[@AAK007]

This is an awesome router set up. Do you sell these?

[@longvu7435]

Thanks for sharing

[@JohnDlugosz]

My first table was even simpler: I mounted the router directly under the plywood, not using a separate plate. I clamped the plywood to the edge of a workbench, without any special system. The fence was just clamped on either side -- but I also worked with a single peg rather than a fence, and IIRC I just screwed a piece of dowel down to the table.

[@j10001]

Nice!

[@Glocktologist]

Looking at this video the word ”portable” stuck to my head. I think you could make a portable router table double as a carrying case for mobile projects and storage efficiency. Heading to the drawing board now.

[@Glocktologist]

The case could be big enough for a handheld circular saw - the tool that supplements a router and allows you to build pretty much anything.

[@williambranham6249]

Well done you. New Subscriber

[@misury]

Okay, I know it's a woodworking shop, but hear me out. You could always get something like an XTool P2 CO2 laser and do some of that acrylic work and such. I have one and it's fantastic. Or you know I'm sure one of your loyal subscribers might help you out too. 😊

[@you_are_kidding_me_right]

You could've just glued a cleat inside the hole to accommodate the router plate, no?

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yep you could do that, but when I found these brackets that had levelling screws I opted for that route.

[@alexrook5604]

G.I. Joe: "Knowing is half the battle" Kid : "What's the other half?" G.I. Joe: "Fighting. "

[@foxmoulder7724]

Coming from somebody who fabricates sheet plastics. Depending on the size of your offcut, and the popularity of that particular size and type of plastic. Your black 1/4 cast acrylic could have been on the shelf for month, even year's 😅, older it gets the harder it is to remove the paper.

[@misury]

One quick question and I'm not trying to be facetious here. How come you didn't just use the edge guide and palm router to make the grooves for the t-tracks instead of the table saw?

[@jaimecastells9750]

Throughout the video I kept noticing the router table you have built into your table saw. Does the small router table solve some specific problem that the larger one does not, or is this entirely a guide for those of us that need something smaller?

[@MWAWoodworks]

It's an idea for smaller workshops or portable needs, not a replacement.

[@aaronstill]

why make the t track the full width for the fence ???

[@T.S.Beez01]

Pry bar? looks like a hive tool to me? should we bee in similar groups for two hobbies?

[@MWAWoodworks]

It's a pry bar for removing trim

[@T.S.Beez01]

@MWAWoodworks still looks like a hivetool, and I've rewound & watched that bit again at least 5times.. lol anyway, I'm enjoying your VIDEOS here in the UK 👍🏻👍🏻 KEEP THEM COMING 🤞🤞

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome thanks!

[@TomRubicon5949]

Oh you don't need a special blade for cutting aluminum? I never knew that!

[@Murgoh]

No, carbide will cut it just fine, I have used a regular woodworking miter saw to make hundreds of cuts in aluminium profiles at work.

[@tammamakkari8046]

Dude what is this futuristic MFT attachment in minute 3:04? 😃😃😃

[@dave5185]

Great video, but the dowels were complete overkill. Some good Titebond and 18 gauge brad nails would have made a strong enough joint. Dowels are overkill for most projects, but useful for locating joints and adding strength in a handful of applications. My Dad was a woodworker for 50 years and I don't think he ever did a dowel joint, dovetail joint, etc. Just glue and either brad nails or screws. Some of those fancy joints are just legacy and are fine if you want to spend the time or want a specific look, but otherwise overkill.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

Woodcraft is lovely, but … dang “we just sold the last one!”

[@TheLastPharm]

I'm rather amazed that you installed those t-tracks without screws. You wouldn't think that the epoxy alone could keep them in place. Nice build overall, good luck!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Oh yeah plenty of hold for this purpose

[@Viktor.Borisenko]

WOW! KZbin woodworker using tablesaw bladeguard! You dont see that everyday))

[@toddwilliams830]

I don't get it, how can all these guys afford to make all their shop tools out of Baltic Birch? That has got be close to most expensive plywood.

[@wafflestomper9829]

Not everyone is broke, and not everyone lives paycheck to paycheck.

[@SyteCYer78]

​@@wafflestomper9829still, where I live, $113 for 4x8 in April. Not cheap.

[@jjacello]

⁠Kinda condescending comment, eh? If you don’t mind paying for Festool, you probably won’t mind buying Baltic birch. The assumption that the explanation is based significantly on not being broke or not living paycheck to paycheck, is both arrogant and demeaning. Some people just make different choices. (Or more cost effective ones)

[@SyteCYer78]

@@jjacello there's a difference in buying quality tools that will cover many many jobs and buying lumber. I agree with wafflestomper, it's a valid ponderance. He didn't make a judgmental question. Even Donald Trump would receive that question if he was making this video. The stuff is crazy expensive compared to similar material. I also agree it is great to use for all its benefits, but great worth doesn't reduce its price. And typically, for someone using their garage as their workshop, material cost for shop upkeep can be prohibitive. Again, not a judgement, just a realistic observation.

[@jjacello]

Agreed with cost of tools vs longevity, and buying lumber is different., etc., etc. That’s not the point. Bringing in “not everyone is broke” or “not living paycheck to paycheck” is a an unfeeling comment, and really provides no value. But, “nuff said”.

[@willmorrison1022]

If you don't want to pay an arm and another appendage for some UHMW covered plywood, a source can be the treadmill that is sitting in your (or a friend or family member's) garage or living room. I have gotten into taking these things apart for parts, and the first one I took apart had a nice floor of this stuff. There are PLENTY of uses for such stuff. But you also get some rollers, a speed controlled DC motor (usually around 2 HP or so), and all kinds of frame pieces, among other things. They don't ALL have that for a floor, but the better ones can. Even the cheaper ones have a nice piece of something in there. And hey, it's free. Now, here is the best part of treadmills: NO ONE WANTS THEIRS! They are nothing but a reminder of their failure, and now it's just burning a hole in their minds about how much of a failure they really are. It's taking up space they want to use for other things, they just want it gone, no money must change hands most of the time. I've never paid for one yet. So when you come along and remove the evidence of their failure, you are a HERO! They will love you forever. And you've got a ton of things that you can use for other tools, fixtures, modifications (those DC motors work great in lathes and drill presses- imagine never having to change a belt again!), or whatever floats your boat.

[@michaelrobinson9643]

Do you want a printable Festool adapter for this?

[@MWAWoodworks]

Not really necessary but thanks!

[@michaelrobinson9643]

@@MWAWoodworks I'm crushed... you could have been the first showcase for my designs haha.

[@knickknackpattywack1]

cool

[@ChrisHornberger]

Also, at ~17:50 you (properly) said "drill pilot holes" and didn't say "pre-drilled". Thank you for that. The use of "pre-" is getting silly in the wood working community. :-)

[@СтасГайсан-ц6ж]

❤

[@mor8266]

Thanks for another great video. You inspired me to do this one.

[@nanoIQ]

Did you use some AI magic on audio track because I dont hear room echo? 😅

[@MWAWoodworks]

😁

[@2sumu]

11:35

[@darrylbrook5968]

Why do people always show cutting small parts (in this case the T track) on a power saw when it is no slower using a hand saw or for metal a hacksaw.. Just my view of the youtube thing... good little portable router table..

[@jeremyspecce]

It is easier to make an accurate, square cut with a miter saw than a handsaw, and I would argue that it IS faster.

[@JohnDlugosz]

I don't understand... you showed laminating a Formica sheet to plywood, but said you didn't do that, but bought the sheet directly coated? But it's coated with layers of phenelic resin (a.k.a. Formica), not just the melamine top layer... so it's that just the same as sticking the Formica to the plywood? The only pre-coated stuff I've seen is the melamine bonded directly to the plywood which is more durable and whatnot then using a sheet of phenelic to make laminate tops.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah I almost always use Formica. But because I wanted experience working with phenolic coated ply I bought some of that instead. The two are not the same as Formica gives a much thicker and more durable cover, the downside being you have to buy it it 4x8 sheets which I didn't needs to make one small router top. Hope that helps!

[@brianrobertson877]

Every screw up is a "design opportunity".

[@outrun79]

Congratulations on your work! I wanted to know what kind of treatment the multilayer of the countertop has. I would like to buy it here in Italy but I don't know what it's called. Thank you.

[@LickorishAllsorts]

When two power-loc dogs cost more than the router . . .

[@MWAWoodworks]

Lol what? 😂

[@LickorishAllsorts]

@@MWAWoodworks UK, Power-Loc dogs are £60.00 each (US$156.58 a pair).

[@MWAWoodworks]

They are $32 each in America 🤣

[@azuredubstep3768]

I get it! I need to spend huge amount of money in machinery so I can build a proper DIY router table.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Maybe a turtle is more your speed? 🐢

[@alejandrocantu4652]

I don't have an uncle Bob

[@9P38lightning]

That’s Mint….

[@rolandharrison5651]

Call me nit-picky but I felt I was watching the equivalent of a Russian-nesting-doll infomercial. That kind of sticks in my craw.

[@MWAWoodworks]

not sure what any of that means, but thanks for watching! 😀

[@johnstout5767]

There is no "s" in anyway. That would make it plural. Otherwise - good work.

[@stevezentner4161]

I love when these guys wear masks for certain cutting tasks and not others. After the pandemic fiasco the C.D.C. finally admitted that masks don't work and those of us in the medical field have known that for years. We use them to keep blood and other fluids somewhat off our faces. So woodworkers, if you feel compelled to use a mask, get a respirator otherwise your just wasting your time. That, my friends, is a heads up moment. Cut safely.

[@merikatools568]

I learned wood blades cut aluminum like the other slow kids....RIP miter fence