No planer? No problem.

There is a long list of tools I have… and there is an even longer list of tools I don’t. With limited space and limited budget, there are just some tools I likely won’t ever have and I’ve come to terms with that. My workbench is home to just a few workhorses I rely on for 99% of my projects: the compound miter saw, circular saw, jigsaw, and router. Luckily, with just a few staple devices, there are MANY projects that can be tackled, particularly if you’re open to building a supporting cast of jigs and fences.

Case in point - the router sled! While I was hatching my first plan to make a resin river side table, I crushed a lot of YouTube videos trying to figure out all the steps and tools involved. It was intimidating to consider working with the big, irregular live-edge slabs that make for the best resin rivers without a planer or a jointer in the workshop. I was pleased to see that much of the slab leveling could be accomplished with a few router bits and a simple sled on rails.

After a quick trip to Home Depot to select the straightest, cheapest lumber I could find it was time to build the setup. I simply use two 2x4’s clamped to the workbench for the rails, and built a fence to fit my router that would slide along the front rail, leaving the back end open since the width of my slabs would vary from pour to pour. I have to say, it works pretty well for being as simple as it is and with a few minor tweaks, it could be really great.

Nothing says gets me in the holiday spirit quite like a fresh few inches of sawdust around the workbench!

Would the work be faster and cleaner with a planer, jointer, and industrial HVAC/ventilation system? YOU BET. But this setup is cheap, effective, and delivers great results if you’re so inclined. Plus, you don’t get to call yourself a “craftsman” if the tools do all the work for you!