Router-Bit Storage
Most router-bit storage systems force you to guess how many bits you'll add to your arsenal in the coming years. Dave Campbell of the WOOD® magazine staff neatly sidestepped that dilemma by designing this modular storage system that fits in any drawer and easily grows to meet your expanding bit collection.
A 1-2-3 progression of block sizes maximizes the number of possible arrangements. Dave set aside one large square and drilled it to hold rotary-tool bits.
To build your modular storage, rip 3⁄4 " medium-density fiberboard (MDF) into 11⁄4 "-, 21⁄2 "-, and 33⁄4 "-wide strips, then crosscut them into squares. For easy bit removal, drill centered, slightly oversized holes: 17⁄64 " and 13mm holes for 1⁄4 "- and 1⁄2 "-shank router bits, and 7⁄64 " and 9⁄64 " holes for 3⁄32 "- and 1⁄8 "-shank high-speed rotary-tool bits.
Note: Finding a 33⁄64 " bit to drill the oversized holes for 1⁄2 " shanks is nearly impossible. Commonly used to install metric hardware, a 13mm bit is a readily available substitute.
Slightly countersink the holes' edges. Chamfer the blocks' top edges on your table-mounted router. Hold the parts with a padded jointer pushblock to keep your fingers safely away from the router bit.
Pour some Danish oil-type finish into a small container and dip the blocks. After wiping off the excess finish with a rag, dry the blocks on a window screen propped on sawhorses.
With the finish dry, arrange the blocks in your drawer. Fill the extra space in the drawer with snug-fitting pieces of 1⁄4 " hardboard. You can use these tray-like spaces for storing accessories.