Don’t spend a fortune buying a shaper when you can built a router table for less than half the cost of mid-sized home woodshop shaper and it is much more versatile. Advantages over a shaper include more variable speeds and power if you so choose, a router table plate that raises and lowers from the top, router bits are generally less expensive than shaper bits, more shapes and sizes of router bits are available, the fence adjusts much easier than a shaper fence, and the dust collection system is superior to most shapers. 

To build this unit, you need 3/4” maple or birch plywood, 3/4” high-density MDF, 3/4” melamine, and some maple or birch to trim it out. You’ll also need to purchase some T-track, T-bolts and knobs. Last, you’ll need Formica to cover the table top, wood screws, and glue. 

Their are many router table plans, even free router table plans. This plan was purchased at the New Yankee Workshop (see link above) and modified by extending the table and cabinet for an additional router plate. It seems you always need a router mounted with a round-over bit which this would easily accommodate. The table was lengthened to provide improved support for long pieces as well. Don’t you get tired of those little table surfaces which don’t provide adequate support? The detailed step-by-step instructions on how to build the router table will not be provided here. For the average woodworker who has built any kind of cabinetry furniture, it should be a relatively easy project with or without plans. For the less experienced woodworker, you can buy the instructional video along with the plans at the link above.

The most expensive part of the router table is the router and router table plate. The router shown is a Porter Cable Model 7518 (3 1/4 hp) which costs about $350. After researching numerous manufacturers, the router lift plates at Woodpecker’s were chosen because of quality and price. Since building the above table, they have come out with an even more reasonable priced router table plate. Occasionally you will find them on sale. Woodpecker’s also sells a MDF template to cut the opening for the router plate or you can attempt it on your own.

Good luck with your router table plans! Don’t skimp on materials! Build a router table that you will be proud of and will be a definite asset in your woodshop. If you have questions or concerns, post them on the Forum and Woodshopics or someone else will answer them.