Making a Bench Top Router Table the Easy Way

Next, I have to locate the router on the table. In this picture, the bottom of table is facing up. You can see that a wide hole is routed into the table top underside. This is large enough to handle most router bases.    I am using the Hitachi's sub-base to help orient where the mounting holes will be drilled. The flat side of the base is the side I want to go to the open end of the router cabinet. That will give me control of the router's height adjustment lock.
	When I have it positioned correctly, I use masking tape to hold it in place.
I would like to have used the drill press, but the distance in from the edges is greater than the capacity of the drill press. I have selected a drill bit that is as large as the holes in the sub-base and drill carefully through the top.
	This is the layout for the Hitachi M12V drilling guide for the RouterRaizer™. Actually, the Hitachi's picture is on the other side. I have flipped it over since I am drilling from the bottom of the table.    I have placed the screws through each of the holes to help me position this template.
I carefully drill the hole for the RouterRaizer™. I am using a small drill for a starter hole. It calls for a 1/2" hole which I will drill from the other side — once I see that everything is in the right position.
	Now, working from the top side, I use a countersink to counterbore the four holes that will accept the machine screws to hold the router. I drill just enough so that the heads are a "tad" below the surface.
I use a 1/2" drill to cut a hole to accept the access for the RouterRaizer™. The phenolic drills beautifully — no chipping at all.
	I am now ready to assemble the RouterRaizer™. This handy device fits quite a few routers. The manufacturer has created instructions with a separate page for each router. These instructions are now on-line at www.routerraizer.com. They are available in PDF form.
It is always scary to be changing a brand new router but the instructions call for boring out the hole that housed the plunge depth rod.
	With it drilled, I can install the start of the RouterRaizer's™ depth mechanism.
About 15 minutes of step-by-step installation and I am ready to use the router.