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The traditional method for flattening a workbench is to use hand planes and winding sticks. While some folks truly relish this labor of love, others prefer to delegate this grunt work to power tools. The power tool method is very similar to the action of a CNC machine. A router is placed inside a sled that rides along two parallel rails that are attached to the sides of the bench. The router sled is very easy to make from scrap 3/4″ plywood. The rails can be made from 2×6 constructiongrade lumber. Cheap and simple!

Here are two options for router bits. They have the same specs (1 3/4″, 2flute straight bits) but the Freud will save you a few bucks:
Amana 45453 http://amzn.to/2AV03Uk
Freud 12194 http://amzn.to/2EAN38o

Perhaps one of the best parts about this jig is that you can reuse it for other things. Have an end grain cutting board that needs flattening, but you don't want to send it through your planer? Have an oddlyshaped natural edge slab that is just too large for your tools? Both situations can be handled with a setup like this. And if you plan on using it a lot, you can get as elaborate as you want with the design of the jig. The version I show you here is stripped down to the absolute basics.

This video is an excerpt from the recent SplitTop Roubo Workbench Guild Build. Join the Guild today to see the entire set of videos and build your own lifetime workbench!