Router anchor

March 6th, 2025

Routers are powerful tools, but when used along the edge of stock, balancing becomes a challenge. Since most of the router’s weight hangs off the edge, there’s a constant risk of tipping, shifting, or uneven cuts. Enter the Router Anchor.  This idea gives you more stability, control, and leverage while routing.

Designed to stabilize your router on edge work, this shifts the center of gravity onto the stock, preventing bumps and ensuring smooth, controlled passes.

If you’re using a trim router, instead of spending $25 or more on a store-bought baseplate, we’ll make a custom built pad that cost a fraction of the price while having the ability to fit any trim router setup. Whether you’re using a full-sized router or a lightweight trim router, these fixtures will eliminate the balancing act and give you more control with your cuts.

ATTENTION: These plans are provided as a gift from me to you. You are free to use them to create this project for yourself. However, please do not sell or distribute these plans as your own. I make no money from these, and I kindly ask that you respect basic copyright laws. If you share your build publicly, I’d appreciate it if you gave credit to Make Things for the plans.

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Please use the material and tool list below as a guide to finding the products locally.

Materials

Tools Needed/used (Full size)

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Step by step instructions

1.1. Materials

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1.2. mapping out lines

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1.3 recessing the plywood

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1.4. Shaping the base

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1.5. Base to baseplate

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1.6. Dowel handle

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1.7. Testing it out

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1.8. Final thoughts

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2.1. Differences and materials

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2.2. Mapping the shape

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2.3. Cutting and shaping

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2.4. Final markings, drillings

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2.5. Assembly & example

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