We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.
Making through-slots without a router may sound tricky, but it couldn’t be easier. In the days before I could afford a router, I made through-slots by gluing up scraps instead.
Here’s how to do it. Cut some pieces the same width as your desired slot. Cut these slot spacers to length and then glue them between two outer boards. This method is so easy that even after I purchased a router, I never used it to make through slot.
This method is a great way to use up scraps. Also, slot widths aren’t dependent on any particular bit size. You can make them any width you need.
The photo shows one of my favorite applications for through-slotted boards; adjustable workbench legs. If your shop’s floors are uneven like mine, adjustable legs are essential. A wiggly workbench is unbelievably annoying. -John Cusimano
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
No-Router Through-slots is a great project. Thanks for having it. Without a more detailed description of the technique or process that the author used to make the slots, I cannot begin to understand the “two outer boards.” Hope to learn more…
If you look at the above image, that piece that appears to be a single board with a through slot is actually four boards glued together. There are the two longer boards on the left and right (the outer boards) and then two thin boards sandwiched at the top and bottom, leaving the through slot in the middle. Does that help a little?