How to Convert a Table Saw to a Router Table

Many table saws have extension wings on either side of the main table. Often, one of these extension wings (particularly the one on the right side of the blade) can be removed and replaced with a 3/4-inch-thick piece of medium-density fiberboard. This fiberboard (more commonly known as MDF) can be altered to accommodate a router plate insert. In this manner, you can convert a table saw to a router table and use the table saw fence to also serve as a router table fence.

Instructions

1

Remove the bolts that hold the right-side extension wing securely onto the table saw frame with a socket set. Measure the width and length of the wing, then set the wing aside.

2

Place a piece of 3/4-inch-thick MDF onto the saw table. Mark the dimensions of the wing onto the fiberboard with a pencil and a straight-edge.

3

Cut out the fiberboard along the pencil lines with the table saw.

4

Mark the locations of the holes from the wing into the edges of the fiberboard. Drill pilot holes in the edges of the board, and mount the fiberboard into the position where the wing previously was mounted. Attach using the lag bolts that you removed in the first step.

5

Position a router plate over the center of the fiberboard and lightly scribe lines for the perimeter. Remove the plate and measure inward 1/2 inch around the perimeter of the scribe lines. Draw parallel lines 1/2 inch in from the perimeter of the scribed lines. Cut out the inner rectangle along the second set of lines with a jigsaw.

6

Install a 1/2-inch rabbeting bit into a router. Adjust the router bit's depth of cut so that it matches the thickness of the router plate. Place the router so that the bit is inside the cutout in the fiberboard. Turn on the router and cut a 1/2-inch-wide rabbet around the perimeter of the cutout. Turn off the router and remove the rabbeting bit.

7

Remove the screws that hold the base plate onto the bottom of the router with a screwdriver. Set the base plate aside and position the router insert plate over the bottom of the router. Insert the screws through the holes in the insert plate and tighten the screws to mount the router to the insert plate.

8

Place the router insert into the rectangular cutout in the fiberboard. The installed router should fit into the cutout and hang beneath the fiberboard. The edges of the plate should ride on the rabbeted edges of the cutout, and it should fit snugly with limited movement.