allthunbs

I've been looking at some of the photos sent in by readers and I always note that storage seems to be a problem.

I've recently acquired bits and pieces of another man's shop. To wit, I now have the enviable task of inventorying and protecting almost 100 router bits, some very high end and some pretty cheap, as well as some brass guides. I also acquired a second Hitachi M12V, a Makita laminate trim router and a Makita 3600B "D" handle router. Somehow I've got to store all of this and I'm looking for ideas on what works for you. I don't think a junk drawer full of bits, some in and some out of boxes, will quite cut it. I have to note that I also have heavy duty rail, stile and panel bit sets.

Suggestions with pictures appreciated.

Advertising

bobj3

Hi allthunbs

Here's just one or two way to store router bits safe plus a place for the big ones on the backside of the cabinet...

Plus you will see two ways to store brass guides..

Storing routers is a hard one ,,, Norm A. of the NYWS made a neat wall cabinet for storing hand tools ,that would make a neat way to store routers with swing out shelf to hold them in place and safe way and keep them dust free..

http://www.routerforums.com/router-b...t-storage.html
http://www.routerforums.com/project-...r-bit-box.html
http://www.routerforums.com/show-n-t...uide-rack.html
http://www.routerforums.com/attachme...bletop-555.jpg

==========

__________________
PodCast videos
RWS on YouTube

http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail
Machine Cut ▼
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm

Bob J.

kp91

Mail them all to me, I'll store them for you!

I have a long drawer in my router table with an MDF insert drilled with 1/2 and 1/4 holes that allows me to store the bits vertically. The holes are spaced an inch on center and alternated 1/4 and 1/2. This allows me to put a variety of bits in there and leave room so the bits don't touch.

I also have a similar bid holder that I can take from bench to bench so if I am using more than one bit for a project I don't have them laying on a surface they could roll off onto the floor.

My big bit sets (glue joint set, doormaking set) live in the boxes they came in.

Another drawer has a liner that is drilled to hold the template guides and inserts for the oak park size guides, and the box for the porter cable size guides.

the cabinet of my router table holds the trim router and it's accessories in one drawer, and it can hold one router mounted in the table and another inside the cabinet.

By keeping all the 'router' stuff in one spot it's all easy to find.

__________________
Doug
1 John 1:9

Mike

In order to keep those bit edges sharp you must prevent them from banging against each other. This is about the fastest way to ruin a bit. A simple method for quick storage is to take two boards 3/4" thick, stack and glue them. Drill holes half way through for the bits. You can cut these to length to fit any drawer. It doesn't get much easier than that. If you are ready to build a cabinet to store router's and supplies here are a couple of good ideas: Check out the base for the Router Workshop table. It is a very simple, easy to build box to set the router table on. Inside you can mount a board vertically and cut dado's into it and the side board for slide in shelves. If you duplicate the size of the guide bushing and bit trays in the table you will have lots of trays that can be swapped out easily. Leave a tall space on the side for your circle cutting jig and fences. Build boxes for each router that can be stacked in the bottom of the cabinet. Visit www.shopnotes.com for other storage ideas. Many magazines also offer storage ideas on their web sites. You are not alone in the quest for good router storage ideas. I will be building a cabinet soon and will include plans and photos. The best thing about building your own design is you can take excellent ideas from Bob and Rick, BJ and other sites to create the perfect solution for you.

__________________
Mike
Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.