Why router tables are dangerous and can cause injuries if misused

Woodworking crafts, woodworking iNthacity Network January 23, 2025 0 Comments

If you’re a woodworker, you know how important it is to keep your fingers safe while working with power tools. The router table, often overlooked, can be just as dangerous as the table saw. Enter Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton), the Canadian woodworking guru who designed and built a jig so versatile and safe, it’s a must-have for any workshop. This isn’t just another jig; it’s a game-changer that improves accuracy, enhances safety, and saves you time. Best of all, you can build it yourself in just one afternoon!

Why You Need This Jig in Your Workshop

Let’s face it—the router table doesn’t get the attention it deserves when it comes to safety discussions. While the table saw is often labeled the “finger eater,” the router can do even more damage. Unlike a saw, a router doesn’t just cut—it shreds. And there’s no stitching back fingers that get too close to those spinning bits. Stumpy Nubs saw this problem and created a solution that’s both practical and innovative. This jig isn’t just about safety; it’s about versatility. It’s a multi-functional tool that can hold small parts securely, double as a coping sled, and even cut perfect circles. Yes, you read that right—it does it all!

What Makes This Jig So Special?

Most commercially made parts holders only work with bearing-guided router bits. Stumpy Nubs’ design, however, is different. It features tabs on the base plate that run along a router table's fence, making it compatible with any bit—no guide bearing required. This alone makes it far more versatile than anything you’ll find on the market. But that’s just the beginning.

The jig also includes multiple ways to hold your workpiece. Sliding blocks prevent side-to-side shifting, while toggle clamps apply downward force, ensuring your piece stays put. Even the smallest workpieces are held securely, thanks to a piece of grip tape added to the base. This combination of features not only enhances safety but also improves cutting accuracy—something any woodworker can appreciate.

Three Functions in One Jig

Here’s where things get really exciting. This jig isn’t just a one-trick pony. It has three primary functions, each as useful as the next.

1. Small Parts Holder

When you’re working with small pieces, keeping them secure while routing is a challenge. This jig solves that problem with its sliding blocks and toggle clamps. Your fingers stay far away from the spinning bit, and your workpiece stays exactly where it should be.

2. Coping Sled

Rotate the clamping bar 180°, and suddenly, you’ve got a coping sled. This is perfect for cutting tenons or making cabinet doors. Unlike most coping sleds that require a router table with a miter track, this one works with the fence alone. Add a simple stop block, and you can make your cuts in two passes—one to remove the bulk of the material and a second to achieve a crisp, clean profile.

3. Circle Cutting Jig

Rotate the sled another 90°, and it becomes a circle-cutting jig. With a series of holes for your center pin, you can attach a rough-cut blank and use the fence to fine-tune its size. This works for circles up to 10 inches in diameter. However, Stumpy Nubs advises against using it for very small circles (less than 4-5 inches) on a router table for safety reasons.

Easy to Build, Even Easier to Use

The best part? You can build this jig yourself in just one afternoon. All you need are a few scraps of wood, a couple of toggle clamps, and Stumpy Nubs’ detailed plans. Yes, he’s even generously provided step-by-step instructions to make the process as easy as possible. You can find the plans linked below the video, both in the description and pinned to the top of the comment section.

If you’re ready to take your woodworking to the next level, this jig is a must-have. It’s versatile, safe, and accurate—everything a woodworker could ask for. Don’t wait; grab the plans and build one this weekend. Your fingers (and your projects) will thank you.

Bonus Tip: Upgrade Your Sandpaper Game

While you’re upgrading your workshop, why not take your sanding game to the next level? Stumpy Nubs also swears by 3M Cubitron 2 Sandpaper. This isn’t your average sandpaper. It’s made with ceramic pyramids that slice through wood fibers rather than plowing through them. The result? Sandpaper that works faster, stays cooler, and lasts significantly longer. In fact, it lasts five to six times longer than cheap sandpaper and twice as long as other premium brands. If you’re serious about woodworking, this is a game-changer. Try it once, and you’ll see the difference for yourself.

How to Get Started

Ready to build this incredible jig? Here’s what you’ll need:

A few scraps of wood
Toggle clamps
Stumpy Nubs’ detailed plans (linked below)

And if you’re looking for top-notch sandpaper, grab a pack of 3M Cubitron 2 to complete your workshop upgrades. Trust me, your projects will never be the same.

Watch the Original Video

To see this jig in action, check out the original video by Stumpy Nubs:

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Thought-Provoking Questions for You

What’s the most versatile jig or tool in your workshop?
Have you ever had a close call with a router or table saw? How did it change your approach to safety?
What’s your favorite brand of sandpaper, and why?

Join the conversation in the comments below! And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to become a part of the iNthacity community—the “Shining City on the Web.” Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and share. Let’s build something amazing together!

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