Router Bit Storage

My small cabinet used to store my router bits was filled to capacity, so it was time to build a new one. I researched ideas online and came up with this design. It’s a basic case with mitered corners which are reinforced with hidden splines. I wanted to leave room for adjustability in the future, so I milled sliding dovetail joints for the shelves. They are not glued in place, which allows them to be replaced if necessary. I have attached a photo showing the jig I built to rout the dovetail slots in the cabinet sides using a bushing. The back is attached with screws only so it can be removed as well. 

The holes for the bits start with a half inch hole drilled 5/8” deep, with a 1/4” hole centered inside drilled an additional 1/2” deep. This allows each spot to hold either a 1/4” bit or a 1/2” bit. I like this design because it allows me to keep bits with similar profiles such as flush trim bits grouped together regardless of their shank size. 

I added a small drawer to hold my accessories such as collets, wrenches, and bushings. The cabinet and drawer face are made from some leftover quilted maple that doesn’t show quite enough quilting to be used in a show piece. The shelves are poplar since it’s the only wood I had on hand that was thick enough. I like to add a finish even for shop projects, and I used 2 coats of Osmo Polyx Raw 3051, which I really like for light color woods since it doesn’t introduce additional warmth. Now I just need to buy some more bits to fill this puppy up!