I'm looking for a way to round over the edges of several short slats, but clamping them for routing seems tricky. I don't have a router table, so I was thinking about clamping the router upside down and using its base as a makeshift table. Is this a safe option, or are there better alternatives? I just need this setup for one project and don't want to invest in a full router table right now.
3 Answers
You could definitely use double-sided tape to secure the slats to your work surface. Just make sure the tape is strong enough to hold them in place while you work. A few additional support pieces at the same height around your slats will help keep everything stable as you route over them. Just be cautious with your depth settings and check the tape regularly.
Honestly, clamping the router upside down could be super dangerous. The torque and vibration can cause it to slip, and you might have trouble holding onto your workpieces safely. If you need a sturdy solution, consider making a simple router table or use some bolts to mount the router securely through its base plate. A DIY table from plywood could be a good option too, just make sure you create a proper hole for the router bit.
A DIY router table sounds like a smart move. I might give that a try instead of risking it with the clamps.
If you're looking for quick fixes, double-sided carpet tape could be another option to secure your pieces to the bench. Just remember that routing half at a time with the clamping method can work if you're careful, but it's a bit of a hassle!
Yeah, good double-sided tape can work really well! Just remember to swap out the tape every so often to ensure it sticks properly.