How to Make Router Trays: Templates, Tips & More

How to make wooden trays and bowls with a router and not a CNC or lathe. If you're familiar with making cutting boards, this is definitely right up your alley. Even if you're not, this is definitely a fun project for a hobbyist woodworker, tinker, or maker. In the video, I walk you through all the steps for making wooden trays with router templates.

—⏱Timestamps⏱—
00:00 How to Make a Router Tray
01:11 Router Tray Templates
02:30 Making & Modifying Templates
04:35 Saving Wood
06:20 Glue Ups
06:49 Tracing the Template
07:04 "Hogging" Out Material
08:17 Drill Press Option
09:30 Router Bit & Custom Plate
10:04 Attaching Templates & Routing
12:26 Outside Perimeter
14:58 Sanding Part 1
15:23 Chamfered Option
16:06 Roundover & Edge Profiles
17:03 Sanding Options & Tools
19:28 Raising the Grain
19:59 Finishing Options
21:11 Applying Finish
24:09 Buffing & Burnishing Tips
26:16 Final Product & Last Tips

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—🔨Tools/Supplies I Use🔨—

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—Router Tray Templates—

—💻Website💻—

[WhatsNextWoodworking]

Love your content. Always learn something and really enjoy the way you present the topic. Especially the way you always provide options for tools at different levels of woodworking however one wishes to quantify it, you provide options. A great way to present to a wide audience. And above all, as always, beautiful work. Love the channel.

[ACKSWOODPASTE]

You left out one of the best options for sanding and a great finishing wax...Acks Wood Pastes LLC is number one in the USA! Do not have to sand over 320, the abrasive paste on a small drill buffer will sand and seal, then we add the most carnuba wax possible, NO varnishes and have to wait till it cures. We were just featured by the gang at This Old House magazine finishing a table top and using both. 50 years of TV cant be all wrong...beautiful trays and bowls your making!!

[neilllester]

I’ve been doing woodworking and movie construction for about 4 years, and this is hands down one of the best YouTube woodworking videos I’ve ever seen!

[livingthelava]

Hey, I have to tell you, you are a great teacher. I watch a lot of diy, and you are astonishingly good. Thanks for these video.

[desertman]

I'm very impressed with your channel! Found it back in the spring when I was looking for information on trellises for my garden and became a subscriber after watching that video. Your presentation is straight forward. You are an excellent instructor. I began my woodworking journey after retirement and have learn so much from your content. Well done, keep "em"coming!👍. Of course now I see two "MORE" router bits I need to add to the collection after watching this video.🤣

[sociedadepoetamorto]

Cara, muito bacana seu trabalho, suas explicações; seu entusiasmo me fez desejar aprender e melhorar. Porém, hoje começo e darei de aniversário pra esposa exercitando com calma este lindo trabalho. Obrigado.

[paulipuhakka]

Finally!!!! Someone who actually explains things in a way that makes it easier to make templates 👍👍👍
Let the games begin! Sure wish I could send you some beers for your time! Will these do?
🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻👍 Cheers, and thanks again👍 😎

[PeriodWoodworker]

Notwithstanding that backwards ball cap (high school is over) your video was very good. Thanks for sharing, Steve.

[celticcraps]

Man. I had no idea juat how much work goes into making a bowl. Really impressive. Great work. Great video. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[garylewis]

Hi. Thanks for all your truly inspiring videos. Keep up the great work.

[davmarsaa]

Excellent discussion and tutorial. Allowing us to skip steps (if we know what's going on) is "rad" (that's what we used to say back in the day). I'll be perusing more of your vids!

[quirkygreece]

I'm just discovering how powerful routers are and this video was really useful for me - thanks.

[horatiobeaker]

Absolutely great video. Thanks for the class. The extensive list of links are greatly appreciated.

[joshk]

I'd never heard of a pneumatic sander before. Fun tool! :D

[alfonso]

Your explanations are phenomenal!!! Everything seems very simple, but it is not so. To do certain things you need talent. Congratulations. I continue to follow you with more and more interest. I always learn something new. Thank you

[leroymontano]

Hello from utah, i want to thank you, im a beginner carver and this router idea will make me some nice products 😊 thanks for opening my mind, i have a few power carving tools including my awsome ball sphere, thanks.

[nbhsoro]

تبارك الرحمن تسلم ايدك. ربي يحفظك ويرعاك. أحسنت الصنع رائع جدا

[adamcharlottelotan]

1. Impressive channel indeed!
2. Excellent & clear tuition!
3. Touching & inspiring verse on your t-shirt! We wish all of your viewers will adopt & internalize the message...

[steveraymond]

The most simple and precise directions EVER. Thank you

[alexon]

I'm manufacturing my CNC Router, I want to produce beautiful pieces like these... congratulations, the pieces are really