I finished this in the fall but only posted a few pics of the front. Here I'll go through some of the design ideas and provide some detailed photos.
I built my first router table in 2007 when I was new to woodworking. I based it off the updated New Yankee router table. It was quite functional, but over the years I decided that I was unhappy with the sloppy work, the below-table dust collection, the bit storage, the amount of drawer storage and the caster system.
Here's a pic of my RT built in 2007:
I set out to address some of these inadaquacies in the new build. What I was very pleased with from the original table was the PC 7518 Router and the router table top, fence and router lift from Jessem. These items were all carried over to the new table:
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My first router table was built as a single cabinet like Norm's using dados to create the various partitions. This time I decided that I'd build each section as a stand-alone component. This would allow me to focus on the quality/accuracy of each section and would overall create a heavier and stiffer cabinet when all the pieces were joined together. The mobile base was built first using a kit from Rockler that allowed me to make it the exact width and length I wanted. One foot pedal raises and lowers the entire table. Next to be built was the largest section for the three drawers. It was sized to exactly match the mobile base. Instead of the cheap drawer guides that I used the first time, these are 20" full extension soft-close.
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Next I built the two upper side cases. These are exactly the same size but the one on the left was built for short height storage drawers for bits and the right side was made as pure storage drawers. The upper middle section came next. These drawers are about 5" each but are only about 5" deep. Not the most practical size but it let me take advantage of otherwise unused space and I've found they are a handy place to store extra collets and guide bushings.
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Probably the most unique aspect of this build was the under-table dust collection. Since I had closed off the front of the cabinet with the upper middle drawers, I couldn't create "make up air" holes like I'd done on the first table. I decided to make the back panel in three sections. The lowest section has three holes for air in-take on the back and is made with side panels and a top panel that is notched out in the shape of the router lift. This lower section slides out in one piece. Above that is the dust collection port. This section is screwed to the back of the cabinet. The smallest section at the top is a little access panel that is friction fit and held in place with magnets. If I need to see into the router compartment, I can easily remove this panel.
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More up-close pictures of the back coming next...
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Originally Posted by Marty Gulseth
