Router Bit Storage Rack/Tray

I have some major OCD when it comes to organization ... it's horrible. I need everything in line on my desk, my shirts are hung in order of style and then sub-ordered by color, kitchen cabinets basically look like the cover of a supermarket magazine, etc.

My first router bit set came in a case, which was great because it met my organization standards. Now that I'm buying one off bits and they each come in a separate case. Even better ... each case is of course a totally different shape and size.

I need a solution to keep them organized and easily accessible and I decided on a french cleat/portable tray design. Notice the red bits in the same row ... away from the green.

Cut the Rack to Length

I made mine with scrap plywood, which was 3 1/4" wide and just happened to fit where I wanted to store the rack. Here I'm cutting the overall rack to 15" long, which fits my desired space.

Lay Out and Drill Holes

I laid out my holes 7/8" in from each edge and spaced them 1" apart. My router bits have a 1/2" shank, so I drilled 1/2" holes with a forstner bit.

Attach a Layer of Hardboard

For the bottom, as a stop for the shanks, I glued and pin nailed on a piece of hardboard. It is cheap and I use it on most of my shop jigs.

Cleat and Base

To one end I attached a cleat, which is just a section of plywood cut at a 45 degree. On the other end I attached an arbitrary length of plywood. Glued and pin nailed.

Assembled and Oiled

I finish all of my shop jigs with a mix of 50% boiled linseed oil and 50% mineral spirits because it's fast and easy.

Complete and Mounted

I have an entire wall of French cleat storage, on which this could hang. However, in this case, I screwed a mating cleat piece to the back leg of my router table. It is easy to access, out of the way, and otherwise unused space.