So it was syntax, just had to figure out how to get it in there... See below if you also need this.
Code:
tbl_name = "Table" & foundNum & "[[#All],[Sheet & Location]]"
tbl1_name = "Table" & foundNum
ActiveSheet.ListObjects.Add(xlSrcRange, Range(tbl_start & ":$AA$" & row18), , xlYes).Name = "Table" & foundNum
ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets("Instructions").ListObjects(tbl1_name).Sort.SortFields.Clear
ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets("Instructions").ListObjects(tbl1_name).Sort.SortFields _
.Add Key:=Range(tbl_name), SortOn:=xlSortOnValues, Order:=xlAscending, DataOption:=xlSortNormal
With ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets("Instructions").ListObjects(tbl1_name).Sort
.Header = xlYes
.MatchCase = False
.Orientation = xlTopToBottom
.SortMethod = xlPinYin
.Apply
End With