Making a Router Table But It's For METAL
TLDRIn this DIY woodworking video, the creator embarks on a project to build an improved router table that's both functional and visually appealing. They repurpose a failed mini-lathe stand, opting for scrap IKEA furniture for the enclosure and using an angle grinder for the first time to manage hardened rods. The project emphasizes ease of bit change, fine height adjustment with a worm gear, and a control panel. Despite painting mishaps, the final product boasts a hammered finish paint job, giving it a cast-iron aesthetic. The creator's humor and ingenuity make for an entertaining and informative watch.
Takeaways
- 🛠️ The video is about creating a new router table that is more convenient and better than the existing one.
- 🔧 The creator expresses dissatisfaction with their current router table, especially the need to disassemble it to change bits.
- 🔩 The project involves repurposing a failed mini-lathe attempt and cutting down its length due to its excessive size.
- 🛡️ The enclosure for the router table is made from scrap materials, including some from IKEA furniture, which will later be painted for a finished look.
- 🔨 The first woodworking project for the creator is to build this router table, using glue and screws for assembly, with insert screws for easy disassembly.
- 👷♂️ The router table's design includes rounded corners and organic shapes to mimic the appearance of cast iron.
- 🛠️ The creator introduces the use of an angle grinder for the first time in the video to cut through hardened rods.
- ⚙️ A threaded rod is used for fine adjustment of the router table's height, with a worm gear to further reduce motion for precision.
- 🗜️ The video shows the creation of a control panel with a mounting plate made from thin sheet metal for a machine-like appearance.
- 🎨 The creator experiments with different paints to achieve a cast iron look, eventually settling on a hammered finish paint.
- 🎉 The final product is a versatile and well-constructed router table that exceeds the creator's expectations, both in functionality and appearance.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the video?
-The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate the process of creating a new router table that is more convenient and efficient than the current one the creator has.
What is the creator's issue with their current router table?
-The issue with the current router table is that it requires disassembly every time the user needs to change bits, which is inconvenient and not delightful.
What material does the creator choose for the enclosure of the router table?
-The creator chooses scrap Ekea furniture and random bits and pieces for the enclosure of the router table, intending to paint everything to achieve a nice appearance.
Why does the creator decide to use an angle grinder?
-The creator decides to use an angle grinder because the two rods they need to cut are hardened, making it difficult to cut them without the right tools.
What is the first project the creator mentions making out of wood intended to be painted?
-The first project mentioned is the creation of the router table's enclosure, which is made out of wood and intended to be painted for a finished look.
What type of screws does the creator use for easy assembly and disassembly?
-The creator uses insert screws for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing them to be removed and reattached without damaging the wood.
Why does the creator round all the corners and make organic shapes?
-The creator rounds the corners and makes organic shapes to give the router table a cast iron look, which is a desired aesthetic before they can get a welder or angle grinder.
What is the function of the threaded rod in the router table design?
-The threaded rod is used for the fine adjustment of the linear up and down motion of the router table, providing a precise control mechanism.
What material does the creator use for the mounting plate of the control panel?
-The creator uses a thin sheet metal for the mounting plate of the control panel to give it a more machine-like appearance.
Why does the creator change the paint they initially chose?
-The creator changes the paint because the initial paint did not harden as expected, leading them to opt for a hammered finish paint that gives a more forgiving and smooth appearance.
What is the creator's final verdict on the new router table they built?
-The creator is quite happy with the new router table, as it outperforms their expectations, is versatile, and has a great feel and look with the hammered finish paint.
Outlines
🛠️ Router Table Redesign
The video begins with the creator expressing his desire to redesign his favorite router table for convenience and efficiency. He discusses the shortcomings of his current setup, which requires disassembly to change bits, and his plan to build a new table that is not only better but also tackles a humorously exaggerated goal of 'solving world hunger.' The creator then decides to repurpose a failed mini-lathe project, cutting and repurposing its components due to their length and hardness. He also outlines his intention to build the enclosure using scrap materials and plans to paint everything for a cohesive look, using insert screws for easy assembly and disassembly.
🔧 First Time Using an Angle Grinder
In this paragraph, the creator introduces his new angle grinder, humorously noting his surprise at not owning one sooner. He proceeds to use it to work on the rails for his router table project and removes a bearing from a previous lathe attempt. The creator also discusses the use of an aluminum sheet for the table's construction, expressing initial doubts about its sturdiness but ultimately finding it solid. He corrects a mistake in the placement of mounting holes and appreciates the smooth operation of the new setup. The paragraph concludes with the decision to use a worm gear for fine height adjustment and a warm reception to the project's progress.
🎨 Aesthetic and Functional Design Choices
The creator discusses the design choices for his router table, including the decision to round corners and create organic shapes to mimic the appearance of cast iron. He acknowledges a mistake in the placement of holes on an aluminum plate and expresses his disdain for the ongoing debate between aluminum and aluminum, finding both unsatisfactory. The creator also addresses his painting skills, or lack thereof, and the challenges he faced with the paint selection and application. After several attempts, he settles on a hammered finish paint that gives the table a metallic appearance, which he believes is a good choice for the project.
🔩 Final Assembly and Testing
In the final paragraph, the creator shares his excitement about the completed router table, highlighting its versatility and the satisfying feel of the hammered finish paint. He reflects on the process, noting that it outperformed his expectations, which is unusual for his own tools. The creator also mentions his plan to make a 'real bad name' for his creation, teasing something grand for the future. The video concludes with a call to support his Patreon page, which funds his projects and shop endeavors.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Router Table
💡Repurpose
💡Angle Grinder
💡Ekea Furniture
💡Insert Screws
💡Cast Iron
💡Linear Motion
💡Control Panel
💡Hammered Finish Paint
💡Patreon
💡Versatility
Highlights
Introduction to the project of building a new router table.
The existing router table is inconvenient for changing bits.
The goal is to create a router table that is better than the current one.
Repurposing an old mini-lathe attempt into a new router table.
Cutting off excess length from the base using an angle grinder.
Choosing scrap Ekea furniture for the enclosure material.
Using insert screws for easy assembly and disassembly.
Rounding corners and creating organic shapes for a cast iron look.
First-time use of an angle grinder in the project.
Constructing the rails and motor mount for the router table.
Concerns about the sturdiness of the thin aluminum sheet.
Mistake in scoring the mounting holes on the wrong plate.
Securing the threaded rod for fine adjustment of the router table.
Creating a control panel with a sheet metal mounting plate.
Struggles with painting and choosing the right paint finish.
Final result of the router table with a hammered finish paint.
Reflection on the versatility and satisfaction with the finished tool.
Call to action for viewers to support the project on Patreon.
Transcripts
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