A featherboard is a great way to keep a workpiece firmly against the fence while making a cut at the router table. But there's a problem if your router table doesn't have a miter slot — there's no convenient way to secure it.
Clamping a shop-made featherboard directly to the tabletop is one solution, but it can shift during use. A magnetic featherboard offers another option, even if your router table has a laminate or other non-magnetic top.
Add a Magnetic Mounting Surface
The solution is simply to add a piece of sheet metal to the router table.
Clamp the sheet metal securely to the front of the table. After setting the router fence and positioning the workpiece, place the magnetic featherboard on the sheet metal and adjust it against the workpiece.
Then engage the featherboard's magnets to lock it in position.
The metal plate provides the magnetic surface the featherboard needs without requiring any permanent modifications to the router table.
Woodsmith Tip: Easy On, Easy Off. Because the sheet metal is simply clamped in place, you can add the magnetic featherboard when an operation calls for it and remove the entire setup when you're finished. It's a simple way to add another useful capability to a router table without cutting a miter slot into the top.
Make Your Tools Work Smarter
Simple upgrades like this can make everyday woodworking operations easier and more accurate. Explore our collection of shop-made jigs and fixtures for the router table, table saw, drill press, bandsaw, workbench, and more.
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