instructables
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans)
by Creativity Hero
In this Instructable I’m going to show you how I built my 3 in 1 multipurpose workbench.
I’m going to show you how I turned my router into a router table, my circular saw into a table saw and my jigsaw into an inverted jigsaw. Also, I’m going to show you how I collect the dust from these tools. And at last I’ll show you how I connected and wired everything.
On my website you can find free plans with all the details included.
There you can also find some accessories that I plan to make in some of my next videos like: Table Saw Fence, Crosscut Sled, Miter Gauge, Featherboard and Push Stick. I’ll upload free plans for the accessories when I build them.
I dedicated almost a month in designing and building this multipurpose workbench that will ease my future projects. So, let’s get started!
Here are the materials I used:
2 sheets of plywood 122 x 244 cm, 21 mm thick (your local hardware store) Full overlay cabinet hinges http://amzn.to/2wWw1lP T-nuts http://amzn.to/2fqvbCS Pocket hole screws http://amzn.to/2wYIfp7 Caster wheels http://amzn.to/2xLcYdy Wood glue http://amzn.to/2fshgMw Paint http://amzn.to/2yHdBmh Walnut wood stain http://amzn.to/2wXruea
Types of tools I used:
Jigsaw http://amzn.to/2xH1Lu9
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 1 Circular saw http://amzn.to/2fRs8nD Router http://amzn.to/2xAOiCh Cordless drill http://amzn.to/2frP8MD Random orbit sander http://amzn.to/2fqHQJ3 Pocket hole jig http://amzn.to/2wXsq23 90 degree angle clamps http://amzn.to/2sJHkac Wire strippers http://amzn.to/2wrmZtb Forstner bits http://amzn.to/2wXcg91 Rasp http://amzn.to/2xH2fQL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TY40BP7poU
Step 1: Measuring and Cutting.
For this project I used 2 sheets of plywood, 122 x 244 cm, 21 mm thick. First I marked all dimensions. I used a wooden strip as a fence and clamped it down. Also, I placed the sheets onto 2 tables to prevent the wood from splintering.
I cut all the pieces that I need for this project: the top, the bottom, the sides, the inner panels, the doors and the frame.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 2 Step 2: Assembling the Workbench.
I’ll start with the bottom, and I’ll attach the sides to it. pocket holes with a pocket hole jig on each shelf. This is the most appropriate way to give the table a To make the sides perpendicular with the bottom I’m cleaner look. using corner clamps. On the bottom of the table I’m marking the points where I’ll drive the screws in, and I spent some time measuring and clamping them then I’m drilling some pilot holes in there. down with corner clamps, and then I drove the screws in. For these joints I’m using 4 cm long screws. After I made the pilot holes, I decided that it is much better to strengthen the joints with a wood glue, and I can move on to attaching the other two panels which then to drive the screws in. I’m using 5 cm long are perpendicular with the other panels that are screws with 4 mm diameter. I repeated this process already attached to the bottom of the workbench. One with the other two panels which are parallel with the more thing I need to do is to attach the last shelf with first one. pocket hole screws as well.
Now I’ll attach the shelves. To do this, I’ll make
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 3 Step 3: Turning the Router Into a Router Table.
The first tool that I’m going to attach is the router. I was all covered in dust, I finally got 10 mm board measured the size of the opening, found its center, which was one of the most important parts of the and drew a square on the panel that I need to cut with project. a jigsaw. The easiest way to get 10 mm thick plywood is, of Making the Opening. course, to buy it, but I wasn’t able to do that, so this solution wasn’t bad at all. Then I drilled out four holes, one in each corner to pass the jigsaw blade through. These holes will be Before cutting the inserts, I sanded the board down to starting points for the jigsaw. While cutting you should make it nice and smooth. Then I cut the insert for the try to stay as close to the line as possible. router and used a sandpaper to make round edges.
I’ve cut the opening and used a rasp to remove all the Attaching the Router onto the Insert. extra wood that I couldn’t cut with the jigsaw. Next, I removed the base of the router and I used it as Next, I need to make a rabbet for the insert that will a template to mark the mounting holes. hold the router from below. I’m drawing the perimeter of the square that I need to cut. To follow the line of Then I drilled the holes out. First I used a countersink the perimeter I clamped down a few pieces of scrap bit to drill out the holes just enough to get the screw wood. heads to sink below the surface of the wood. That’s because I need the insert to be flush with the surface I’m using a straight 12 mm bit to route this section of the table. For the router, I made holes with a 4 mm out, but I set the depth of the cut on 5 mm, so I need bit, and for the insert I made 6 mm holes. Also, I used to pass twice on the same surface to get the 10 mm a 35 mm Forstner bit to drill out the center so that I depth. can easily move the router bit up and down.
Creating the Inserts. The last 4 holes I drilled with an 8 mm bit into the corners of the rabbet. I installed the T-nuts below the Now I need to make the inserts for the tools. The surface, so that I can secure the insert in place. I’m rabbet that I previously made can fit 10 mm thick going to use a clamp which will pull the T-nut inside insert. The problem is that I don’t have 10 mm thick the wood. plywood, so I need to find a way to solve this issue. And that’s it. I’ll attach the router onto the insert, and The only reasonable solution was to turn the 21 mm then I’ll attach the insert onto the table. plywood board into 10 mm board with a router. So, I did it. I removed 11 mm off of the plywood. Although I
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 4 Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 5 Step 4: Turning the Circular Saw Into a Table Saw.
Now, I can move on to the second tool, and that’s the Mounting the Circular Saw onto the Insert. circular saw. Here, I need to pay much more attention to the squaring. The saw has to be squared up with To attach the circular saw to the insert I’m going to the front edge of the workbench, so I need to utilize the existing holes, two in the front, and two in measure twice before cutting. the back of the saw. You may have to drill new holes in your saw base if you can’t use the existing ones. Making the Opening. I marked the places where I need to drill holes in the Then again, I drilled 4 holes for the jigsaw blade to insert. pass through and made an opening as big as the circular saw. The rasp corrected all the imperfections. After that, I drilled all the holes I needed. I’m going to use bolts with 4 and 5 mm diameter, two of each, and Then I made a rabbet with the router, and this time I also I’m going to use 4 bolts with 6 mm diameter to set the depth of the cut on 10 mm, so that I can attach the insert to the table. remove the extra wood all at once. I installed the T-nuts with an F-clamp, one in each Fortunately, now I have 10 mm thick plywood for this corner of the opening. insert. So, I cut the insert to size, and rounded the edges with a sandpaper. Making Cuts on the Insert.
Now, I’ll place the circular saw below the top and at So, I’ve turned the circular saw into a table saw. this point I need to make 2 cuts, one at a 90 degree angle, and another at a 45 degree angle. Before making the cut I have the blade guard clamped out of the way so that I can see what I’m doing.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 6 Step 5: Turning the Jigsaw Into Inverted Jigsaw.
Next, I can focus on the third tool, and that’s the And to do that I need to drill new holes in my saw jigsaw. base. I drilled two holes in the front, and two holes in the back of the jigsaw. To do this I’m using 5 mm Making the Opening. metal drill bit.
The process is pretty much the same here. In each Now that I have 4 new holes on the jigsaw, I can corner I drilled 4 holes and slowly passed the jigsaw make the appropriate holes on the insert, and on the through, following the lines. Again, all the opening, and to install the T-nuts. Also, I made a 15 imperfections are corrected with the rasp. mm hole with a Forstner bit for the jigsaw blade.
Then, I clamped down 4 pieces of scrap wood, and I can now attach the jigsaw onto the insert, secure the they will act as a guide for the router. I routed the insert onto the workbench and put the blade in place, section out with a 12 mm bit. to check the squaring. You may have a different jigsaw, so you may need to use a different method to Attaching the Jigsaw onto the Insert. attach it to the workbench.
After that, I need to attach the jigsaw to the insert.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 7 Step 6: Making Holes for the Caster Wheels.
After I drew some lines, I can mark the points for the screws and drill 4 holes on each corner. I’m using caster wheels with brakes, because this way I can easily move the workbench, and I can secure it in place while I’m working.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 8 Step 7: Attaching the Top to the Table.
To attach the top to the table I’m making pocket holes on each side for which I’m going to use 32 mm screws.
Then I’m applying a decent amount of wood glue and I’m driving pocket hole screws in each hole.
Step 8: Making a Frame Below the Top.
I apply wood glue on the first stripe, clamp it down and drive screws from the inside. For the rest 3 stripes I drive screws from below.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 9 Step 9: Preparing the Doors.
Now it is time to work on the doors. I’m marking the points where I’ll place the hinges, and I’m making holes using 35 mm Forstner bit. I’m marking the points for the screws, and then I drill the holes.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 10 Step 10: Painting the Workbench.
Before painting, I’m sanding the entire workbench, emphasizes the edges of the plywood wonderfully. first with 120, and then with 220 grit sandpaper, and wipe the dust off. When it comes to the paint, first I applied one coat of oil-based primer, left it to dry out, and then sanded it I decided to finish it with a combination of stain and with 120 grit sandpaper. After that, I applied one coat paint, so I stained the top, the inserts and the doors of white oil-based paint, and left it to dry for at least with walnut stain, and I painted everything else with 24 hours before doing anything else. white paint. What I most like about the stain is that it
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 11 Step 11: Mounting the Caster Wheels.
I mount the caster wheels on the bottom with 8 mm bolts, and secured them well.
You can see that the bottom isn’t painted, instead I applied transparent finish, because it dries so fast, so I didn’t have to wait another 24 hours for more paint to dry out.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 12 Step 12: Electrical Work.
Now, I can move on to the fun part of this project: The On the other side, in the router compartment, I electrical work. marked the position where the junction box will be placed and attached it to the side panel using two So I’ll put 3 switches in front of the workbench which screws. will control the three power outlets for each tool, according to the circuit schematic. I’m using 3 core In similar way, I connected the three power outlets 1.5mm cable and I start by cutting it to size and with the cables appropriately, attached them in each stripping off the wires inside. compartment and assembled them.
I connected the hot and the neutral lines, in my case What’s left is to connect the main power to the the brown and the blue wires, to the switch in a way junction box. I did that by using 3 m long cable on that they are connected to each other when the which I attached a power plug and then brought the switch is pressed, and disconnected when the switch cable to the junction box. At the end I connected all is not pressed. I attached the switch boxes to the the wires together in the junction box according to the workbench using screws, inserted the other end of circuit schematic. the cables through the holes where my junction box will be located and assembled the switches.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 13 Step 13: Dust Collection.
I’ve previously made squares with holes in the middle that will fit all the hoses needed for this workbench. I screwed one square above and one below the shelf, and this way I’ll connect the hoses from the tools and the hose from the vacuum cleaner.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 14 Step 14: Attaching the Doors.
I’m using full overlay hinges. Also I made door knobs out of plywood which I mounted with screws. I kind of like the exposed look of the screws.
Mounting the doors on the workbench is easy, you just have to follow one simple rule. I like the mechanism of the hinges, they are easy to install and adjustable, which is pretty good for people who are using them for the first time.
Step 15: Putting the Tools in Place and Testing Them.
At the circular saw, instead 4, I put 6 screws to attach you like this video share it with your friends and the insert to the top. This is because the surface of subscribe to my YouTube channel. the insert warped for some reason, which I couldn’t fix, and I thought 2 more screws in the middle will YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CreativityHero solve this problem. And I was right. Website: https://creativityhero.com/ At this point I’m done with my workbench. I’m very satisfied with how it turned out. I really like its Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativityHero/ appearance and functionality, so I think it was worth every second I’ve spent on its design and building. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativity.hero/
If you have any questions, suggestions and ideas Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/creativityhero/ leave them in the comments section below. Also, if
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 15 please help me! I want to get these drawings, I think this is great, Please tell me how to get the drawings.
Thanks so much for a great presentation. I am just about to make one but also incorporating a compound mitre saw.
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 16 Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I made one a similar one few months ago but it is not very good and so I need to make a new one next year. Like to follow your design!
Great job, congratulations!
Thank you! :)
Great work. If you cut the tool base first, then use it as a guide (four scraps of wood approach) to cut the rabbit then cut out the opening for the tool, you may find it quicker and simpler. If you look for Router Table Inserts, you will find information on this approach. They will provide instructions for setting the depth of cut for your insert by setting your bit depth equal to the thickness of the insert material used. Another thought. Why not simply construct three insert plates of the same dimensions and one opening? Then, switch out each tool as needed? One tool remains in place and the other two use the base as a support shelf that slides into supports under the cabinet. One switch, one dust collection, three tools. With the skills demonstrated here, I would suspect you could do this 'easily. ;) Again, most impressive build.
Thank you very much for the suggestions! Well, before I made the design, I thought about making one opening for all the inserts, but I plan to use these 3 tools frequently, so it would be much easier for me to use them this way. One opening for 3 tools would mean that I'll need to change the tools all the time, which is time-consuming.
"need to change the tools all the time, which is time-consuming."
Certainly a consideration. I built a bench that contains a RAS, Mitre Saw and Router - 10 ft long, solid as a rock.
Over the many years, now, I have found the approach 'not all it is cracked up to be.'
My suggestion was directed ate hose considering a similar build as it would be foolish to suggest you re-build your admirable effort.
Of course, I have a 10" Table Saw, 14" Band Saw, two other Mitre Saws and two small (portable) 'table' saws as well as a jig/sabre saw.
One trick to using the sabre saw 'upside down' is to clamp it in a vise using some compressible material on each side to conform to the odd shape of the jig/saber saw - works in a pinch!
Thank you very much for all the information, I really appreciate it!
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 17 I need this in my life! Thanks so much for the detailed instructions/tutorial.
Thanks! I'm glad you like it! :)
Great job! Your project turned out fantastic. One question in your youtube video (approx. 35 seconds in), what modeling software do you use? Thank you in advance
Thanks you very much! I use Solidworks. :)
GENIUS!!...
Thanks! :)
I loved the instructions and pictures. Nice project and excellent documentation!
I plan to build something similar. Your project gave me few ideas. Thanks for sharing your work.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it! :)
Wow! This is a REALLY well done tutorial! This is a project I've been thinking about for a while and now I have this great instructable to follow. Thanks!
Thanks a lot! :)
Blade Guard(s)?
I'll buy one very soon. I know how dangerous working without blade guard could be. Thank you for reminding me. :)
Sorry for the pretty noobish question but... How did you make the cuts for the saw blade? I see one is at 90° and the other at 45°, but how did physically make them? Maybe the 90° is easy, since you just have to try and follow the screws, but the 45° is a bit trickier for me
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 18 You can see how I did that in the video. Before I made these cuts I put the saw below the table and secured it on the insert with bolts. Then it was very easy to make the cuts. I just needed to make adjustments below the table.
You are extremely gifted & talented! I am very impressed W/ all of your details and design concepts. Well done! Thank you for sharing your talents W/ us. ;>)
Thank you very much! I'm happy to hear that! :)
excellent . Thanks for sharing such detailed video and as a bonus, free plans as well.
Thank you so much! :)
thanks for a beautiful instructable . i dont know when i am going to do it, but even if i do it , i want to thank you in advance .....
You're welcome! I'm glad you like it! :)
Very cool. I need one of these in my shop. It would greatly simplify things.
Thank you very much. That was my purpose of building it - to simplify things. I'm very excited to use it in my future projects! :)
this is an excellent project-just out of interest from an electrical point of view can i ask why you used the switches to break the negative side rather than the positive side to the sockets ?
please be careful using this, I'm reminded of the joke about the wood shop teacher who needed two hands to say he had been doing this for 5 years.
I really like this project (and combination workbenches like this in general). It was written and docummented really well. One thing I noticed is that there is no riving knife attached to the saw. Not sure if that saw model doesn't feature one but using the saw without one greatly increases the risk of kickback and accidents. I think that is something you should look into. Have a great time!
Thank you for your suggestion. My saw doesn't have a riving knife, but I'll definitely buy one. Now I need to make some accessories for this workbench, and once I'm done, I'll buy everything I need to reduce the risk of accidents and kickbacks. I'm glad you like this project! :) Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 19 Awesome I look forward to see what addons you come up with for your bench!
Very nice Instructable. Nice work!
Thank you so much! :)
Homemade 3 in 1 Multipurpose Workbench: Table Saw, Router Table and Inverted Jigsaw (Free Plans): Page 20