Best Router Table Reviews 2023! [With Buying Guide]

Okay! At last, you are here, at the right place to find out the best router table! This review article talks about router tables. And it will make you able to find out the best one, actually, that one which will reflect all your demands and fulfil all your necessities. If you are a woodworker, whether a professional one or you just like to build things as a hobby, you will probably understand the necessity of a router table. It can be highly specialized to suit your skill level and the type of tools you work with. Besides, there are many router tables available in today’s tool’s market and amongst them finding out the best router tables is not a simple task at all. You need to choose one that will work best for you, and to do that, you need to know exactly what things you should consider, actually the buying guide, before making a purchase. If you have a large working area then you can choose tables with a wide working surface. But for your limited working space, you should look at the size of the tables. Prices may vary but that too depends on the kinds of works you do and what features you want. In this article, we have tried our best to make everything visible to you. Let’s dive in and find out your expected and dreamed router table!

Our Top Pick

Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

Customer Review:4.2/5

Best For Budget

Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table

Customer Review:4.2/5

Full and Complete Reviews of 10 Best Router Table!

01. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table

Feature Information

• Style: Bench Top
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Item Weight: 28.4 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 30 x 4.8 Inches
• Table Top: Extra-large 16″x 24″ Edge Banded and Noise-absorbing MDF Table Top with Easy-Slide Surface
• Extruded Industrial-quality Rigid Adjustable Aluminum Fence
• Dust Collection System
• New Cam Clamps and Vertical Jointing
• Full-size Insert Plate with 3 Level-Loc Reducing Rings and Precision Plate Levelers
• Rugged Stamped-Steel Foundation with Heavy-Duty Steel Stand
• 2 Pack True-FLEX Featherboard
• Multi-Purpose Router Table Switch
• 7 Set Table Set Up Bars
• 5 Piece Twist-Loc Ring
• Four Hard-Wearing Vibration-Dampening Rubber Feet

Description

If you are looking for a full-sized industrial router table which is also portable, then you can check out the Kreg PRS2100. It is one of the best router tables in today’s tools market. This benchtop table comes with modifiable fence and dust collector system. It also has vertical jointing and cam clamps for extra assistance. The full-size insert Plate with 3 level-loc reducing rings and precision plate levellers increases the versatility and add more expediency. The extra-large 16″x 24″ MDF tabletop is with easy sliding surface and ensures maximum ease of operation granting enough large workpiece sizes. MDF tabletop also absorbs noise. Alongside the heavy-duty, stamped-steel aluminum foundation and rugged steel stands provide a sturdy stand for you to work on quite comfortably. Four Hard-Wearing rubber feet dampen vibrations and provide users with safer operation. This is a great table for both amateurs and professionals who work in workshops or visit different job sites because it being enough portable, simplifies work and allows smooth operation. If you are still in confusion with this one then our individual Kreg PRS2100 review can make a better sense.

Pros

• MDF Tabletop: MDF tabletop provides noise-resistant performance and discourages shocks and vibrations quite easily.
• Versatile: The large insert plate lets you use various routers, from small to very large.
• Tall Fence Support: As well as being tall, the aluminum fence also provides a quarter-turn lever which helps to secure stock inside without cluttering the work area. It covers a wide range of surface area for extra support.
• Portable: If you have limited workspace or need to shift your workload quite often then you will find this product easy to transport.

Cons

• Moderately expensive.
• The cams are made of plastic and require tightening now and then to ensure proper usage.
• Requires time to assemble which be a bothersome and time-consuming procedure.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

02. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Router Table

Feature Information

• Style: Cabinet
• Rating: 4.1/5
• Item Weight: 42 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 15.88 x 25.5 x 18 Inches
• Smooth Laminated Working Surface
• 25 x 15.5 Inches MDF Table Top
• Above Table Height Adjustment with Many Routers
• Extra Tall 4-7/8 Inch x 25-1/8 Inch Aluminum Fence
• Two 1/16 Inch Thick Out Feed Fence Shims
• Adjustable MDF Faceplates and Two Easy to Use Feather Board
• Maximum Fence Opening of 3-3/16 Inches
• Maximum Throat Opening of 3-5/8 Inches
• Pre Drilled Rigid Aluminum Router Mounting Plate
• Accessory Slot for Additional Feather Boards and 3/4 Inch Optional Accessories like Miter Gauge
• Two Dedicated Dust Port, One at the Fence and Other at the Cabinet, fit standard 2-1/2 inch vacuum holes
• Dual Outlet Switch with 6 Foots Power Cord
• 3 Mounting Plate Rings
• Adjustable Clear Guard
• Starter Pin and Guard
• One Year Limited Warranty

Description

Are you looking for a cabinet-style table for your router? If you are then Bosch RA1171 can be a great table for your router. It has a smooth laminated working surface and the MDF tabletop measures 25 x 15.5 Inches. Rigid aluminum pre-drilled mounting plates of RA1171 are perfect for accuracy and stay flat besides adding versatility by fitting with a variety of routers. It is one of the top router tables in today’s list with an affordable price amongst $200. At this price point, a professional cabinet table like RA1171 is just a huge receipt. The towering and extra-large aluminum fence which measures 4.875 inches by 25.125 inches, is perfect for large amounts of inventory holdings. The fence features modifiable MDF face plates and two fully adjustable feather boards. The faceplates provide proper smoothness during operation and an offset on the purpose of jointing while the easy-to-use feather boards provide additional guidance and give extra protection against kickbacks. They fit a variety of workpieces and the accessory slot will make you able to use additional feather boards. The RA1171 is a nicely designed cabinet style router table with two dust ports, one at the cabinet and one at the fence, fit standard 2.5-inch vacuum slots and collect maximum dust and debris from the job site. As for comfort and accessibility, this router table comes with a duplex outlet switch with a 6 feet long power cord, three mounting plate rings and mounting hardware. For extras, you will get two outfeed 1/16 inch fence shims, an adjustable clear guard and starter pin.

Pros

• Being a cabinet style, it gives enough storage facility.
• The laminated surface area and MDF tabletop provide a smoother top for precise woodworking and left a large surface space which can be used accordingly.
• Rigid aluminum mounting plate provides a flat surface and being pre-drilled it adds compatibility with a variety of routers.
• Towering fences can hold tall stocks with so much ease and thus it ensures comfortable and precise routing.
• Fully adjustable feather boards fit different workpieces and they provide additional support and protest kickbacks.
• Additional feather boards or ¾ inch optional accessories like miter gauge can be used with the accessory slot.

Cons

• Pre-drilled Holes: The pre-drilled insert plate is with too many holes. That’s why it can confuse the user. All the holes will go to hell if it is not adaptable to your router! We recommend a blank mounting plate.
• Defective Power Source: According to some users, the equipment may shut down all of a sudden or may not power on at all. This may be due to a faulty model.
• For being a cabinet table system some users feel hard to assemble it.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

03. Bosch RA1181  Benchtop Router Table

Feature Information

• Style: Benchtop
• Rating: 4.1/5
• Item Weight: 30 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 22.75 x 27 x 14.5 Inches
• Large Aluminum Tabletop
• Two Adjustable Feather Boards
• 2 ½ inch Port for Easy Dust Collection System
• Dual Outlet Switch and 6 Feet Power Cord
• Extra Tall Aluminum Fence and MDF Face Plates
• Pre-drilled Rigid Aluminum Router Mounting Plate
• 3 Insert Rings of Mounting Plate
• Adjustable Clear Guard
• Mounting Hardware for almost all Bosch Routers
• Starter Pin and Guard for Routing Curved workpieces
• Out Feed Fence Shims and Max Throat Opening of 3 5/8 inches
• Built-in Cord Wrap Storage Stores 6 Feet Power Cord
• Power Cord Lock Prevents Unauthorised Use

Description

If you are looking for a table that is not complicated and will help you start your work from the get-go, then you should check out the Bosch RA118. Its cool features have made it one of the best router tables. It comes equipped with a well rigid aluminum mounting plate which enhances the precision and proper flatness. In addition to that, the pre-drilled insert plates ensure convenience for the user and allow future modifications. The two-way feather boards offer extra management and protection from any sort of difficulty and for being adjustable they can work with a wide range of different sorts of workpieces. The typically tall heavy-duty aluminum fence is about 4-7/8 inches by 25-1/8 inches which ensures smooth performance and enough sturdiness to manage a large amount of stock. Pre-drilled rigid aluminum mounting plates with 3 insert rings are so much compatible with different routers and grant above table height adjustment with some routers. This benchtop table has an extra tall aluminum fence with MDF faceplate and adjustable feather boards and clear guard which maximizes the precision and versatility. The starter pin and guard is included for routing curved workpieces. Undoubtedly you can go with this one. Isn’t the review enough for you? No problem. Our Bosch RA1181 individual review will make a better sense.

Pros

• Large Surface Area: Ensures the ability to work with larger boards with more comfort and free spaces.
• Fences: Extra tall fence enables handling stocks much easily.
• Adjustable Featherboards: Provide additional support and control while feeding stock across the table and allows cutting several boards in the same way.
• The strongly built aluminum mounting plate is enough firm.
• The 2½-inch port for dust collection makes cleaning up easier and faster.

 

Cons

• Too Many Holes: Insert plates are pre-drilled. Too many pre-drilled holes may confuse users. If the insert holes don’t match up by chance, you may face problem to fix.
• Slightly Expensive: Can be a bit heavy on the budget.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

04. KREG Precision Router Table System, Kreg PRS1045

Feature Information

• Style: Precision Table with Stand
• Rating: 4.4/5
• Item Weight: 69.9 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 37.48 x 25.51 x 36.5 Inches
• Easy Assembly
• 24 x 32 inch MDF Table Top
• Multi-Purpose and Powder Coated Steel Stand
• Adjustable Table Height from 31 to 39 Inches
• Router Insert Plate with Three Molded Level-Loc Reducing Rings
• 36 Inch T-square Fence with Micro-adjust Wheel
• Zero-clearance Support with L-shaped Aluminum Extrusion and Independent Fence Faces
• T-slot or Aluminum Miter Channel Works with a Wide Variety of Accessories
• Redesigned Outfeed Anchor for More Space and Easy Removal

Description

Ok, fine. Then the table pops up in our mind is just an amazing multi-purpose router table which reflects all the necessity of a professional woodworker. It’s the Kreg PRS1045. Its tabletop is 24 x 32 inches in size and made from a noise-resistant 1 inch thick MDF core. Easy-slide high-pressured micro-dot laminate has crafted the skin of the MDF and allows users to slide the workpieces smoothly. Multi-purpose steel stand will prevent it from bending even if you use it extendedly and make you able to adjust the table height from 31 to 39 inch. To ensure maximum durability the stand has been powder coated. The 9.25 x 11.75 x 3/8 inch insert plate is with 3 level-loc reducing rings and four precision levellers and it ensures mounting to any router without the need of any particular type of surface. Yes, the insert plate can be mounted with any router due to the combined performance of the included template and routers base plate. You will find a perfect fit and won’t fell the necessity of any additional hole. PRS1045 comes with a 36-inch fence and it’s style is T-square which features a micro-adjust wheel to ensure precise setups and maintain parallelism between miter slot and the fence. L-shaped extrusion of the fence and it’s two fully independent faces will surely provide you zero-clearance support. The price of Kreg prs1045 can be a little bit more but you have to consider your necessity and then pick the best suitable router for you.

Pros

• With this one, you will get a large usable working area.
• Microdot MDF-type tabletop will provide maximum noise and vibration resistance.
• Plenty of included accessories.
• The insert plate of this one can be mounted with any router.
• Durable and high-quality build.
• Solid and lock-tight casters and they roll smoothly.

Cons

• Price can be a little bit more.
• Needs more time for setting up and adjusting.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

05. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension

Feature Information

• Item Model Number-40-102
• Item Weight-60 Pounds
• Shipping Weight-60.9 Pounds
• Product Dimensions-18 x 29 x 4 Inches
• Color-White
• Customer Reviews-4.4/5 Stars
• Batteries Included?-No
• Batteries Required?-No
• Warranty Description-Limited Lifetime Warranty

Description

If you are ready to spend a little more on your router table and you are in need of something that is highly durable for your small workstation, then this is the perfect model of the router table for you which can be used in place of the extension wing. The cast iron router table boosts longevity, which explains the limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturers. With this cast iron table, you get an amazing measurement of 27 inches in depth by 1-1/2 inch in thickness and it easily fits with both Contractor-grade and tilt cabinet-grade table saw. Consisting of a dismountable pro fence, you can quickly dismount or suspend the fence on any of the provided hooks or anywhere else you would want while working. The ProMax cast iron router table extension comes with a variety of tools, with the router top, the portable fence, and also mounting hardware. The pro plate has an opening of 8-1/4 by 11-3/4, with the ProLift having a thickness of 3/8 inches. The pro plate is actually sold separately, so it is all in your control.

Pros

• Very Sturdy: A well-made router table, which is perfectly flat and boosts longevity.
• Very smooth top finish permitting precise finishes.
• Perfect for small work areas.
• Even plane, which is perfect and seamless for sliding.

Cons

• Initial set up can be quite difficult because it might not fit every type of table saw.
• A typical size which may need you to make some changes around the work area.
• Can be a bit pricey.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

06. Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table

Feature Information

• Style: Portable Benchtop
• Rating: 4.1/5
• Item Weight: 33 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 26 x 14.5 Inches
• Ultra-Portable Design
• Onboard Storage
• Dust Collection System
• Attach 2.5-inch Vacuum Hoses and Vacuum Hose Adapter for 35 mm Hoses
• Fast Setup and Easy Storage with Folding Legs
• 26 x 16.5-inch Laminated MDF Tabletop
• Tall Fence with Duel Adjustable Feather Boards
• Adjustable Laminated MDF Face Plates
• Easy Click Router Mounting System
• Comes Preassembled-Doesn’t Require any Assembly
• Starter Pin and Guard
• Dual Outfeed Fence Shims
• Bit-Height Gauge

Description

Hey, are you looking for an ultra-portable router table for your portable job sites? Another great table by Bosch, their most portable option, is Bosch RA1141. It has manufactured for the carpenters who visit different job sites. 33 pounds table comes preassembled and that’s why you won’t require any assembly. This model with folding legs allows fast and quick setup and easy storage. Onboard storage facilitates users with storage facility especially ideal for holding spare parts and router bits. The 26 x 16.5-inch laminated MDF tabletop helps users to make precise and smooth cuts while the adjustable laminated MDF face plates provide better support. A tall fence with duel adjustable feather boards provides extra control and helps to perform guide work. The easy click router mounting system provides fast and easy bit adjustment and no levelling is required while the bit-height gauge makes bit setup further easier and enhance the cut precision. Are you gonna routing curved workpieces? No matter, starter pin and guard will provide you with easier control in this case. The price is also so much convenient.

Pros

• Ultra-Portable Design: Bosch RA 1181 has manufactured emphasizing on portability. It is so much portable and perfect for portable job sites.
• Easy Click Router Mount: With this option, easy click router mounting, attaching and detaching routers is a matter of seconds, no levelling is required.
• Bit-Height Gauge: Enhances cut precision and provides easier bit setup.
• Affordable Price: In comparison Bosch’s other tables it is cheaper and affordable.

Cons

• It is not a perfect solution for a workshop where has a dedicated space for a router table. But it’s great for portable job sites.
• The RA1141 does not accept any template guides.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRFGswtlny4

07. SKIL RAS800 Router Table

Feature Information

• Style: Portable Benchtop
• Rating: 4.2/5
• Item Weight: 21.4 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 25.25 x 9.5 x 15.75 Inches
• Integrated Accessory Storage Bag
• 4 Tool-less Clamps
• Quick-release Router Mount
• Dust Collection System
• Fast Setup and Easy Storage with Folding Legs
• Laminated MDF Tabletop
• Tall Fence with Adjustable Feather Board
• Adjustable Laminated MDF Face Plates
• Comes Preassembled-Doesn’t Require any Assembly
• Starter Pin and Guard
• Bit-Height Gauge

Description

Are you looking for an extremely versatile and portable option? Then SKIL RAS800 will be a perfect solution which is great for both novices and hobbyists. It is extremely budget-friendly and just under $150. It is one of the top tables at this price point. With the integrated accessory storage bag, you can easily store your additional supplies like router bits, insert rings etc. The RAS800 provides you with 4 tool-less clamps, an MDF tabletop and MDF faceplate. The feather board of the fence will assist you by delivering precise cuts and enhanced accuracy. You will receive a bit height gauge to make things easier with the setup and improve the performance. The starter pin and guard will support your craft piece during routing curved edges. The quick-release router mount is a great feature for easy bit changes, no extra levelling is required. The table comes pre-assembled with a folding design to help you get started with the minimum set-up.

Pros

• Sturdy and large enough to hold big pieces.
• Affordable alongside compatible with a range of routers.
• Easy to modify and requires a minimum set up during assembly.

Cons

• Most of the parts are made of plastic which makes it generally feeble.
• The additional modification can cost more than the product itself.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

08. Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo

Feature Information

• Item Model Number-37595
• Item Weight-25.4 Pounds
• Shipping Weight-25.4 Pounds
• Customer Reviews-4.1/5 Stars
• Product Dimensions-26.3 x 15.9 x 14.7 Inches
• Material-Plastic
• Batteries Included?-No
• Batteries Required?-No

Description

Craftsman has produced an impressive combination of a router table with a 9.5 amp router that works on a 1-3/4HP motor. The motor runs at a speed of 27000 rpm, allowing you to finish your tasks at top speed. The thick top is of an 11/16 inches laminate with 334 square inches of free area, so you will get a wide area to work with and a lot of free space for additional chores. You will get a variety of tools to make your work experience much easier, starting off with a wrench, a table, of course, adjustable plus extendable fences, dust ports, feather boards and even a mitre gauge that adjusts up to 60 degrees in both directions. There is a dual outlet PowerPoint on the table which comes with a lock for extra safety. This full package is equipped with everything you need to start on your woodworking.

Pros

• Well-oiled router with sealed ball bearings ensures that the motor has a long life.
• A safety lock comes alongside the power strip.
• A number of extra insert rings ranging from 1-1/4 inches to 1-3/4 inches for added management.
• An elevated fence that securely holds all your extra in-feed.
• Budget-friendly as well as user-friendly.

Cons

• Cheap safety lock pin made of plastic so it might easily break.
• The table itself can prove to be weak while the fence bends under little pressure as well.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

09. MLCS 9767 The Flatbed Horizontal Router Table

Feature Information

• Item Model Number-9767
• Item Weight-31.5 Pounds
• Shipping Weight-31.6 Pounds
• Customer Reviews-2.6/5 Star
• Product Dimensions-26.5 x 20.5 x 7 Inches
• Batteries Included?-No
• Batteries Required?-No

Description

If you prefer a table that can be modified and comes with a basic design for a good price, The Flatbed Horizontal Router Table might be the right one for you. Consisting of a large area on the table for safety purposes, you will not have extra materials piled up anywhere else anymore. The multiple routing systems of this router table will save you from having to get excessive jigs and/or fences or extra feather boards. You will be provided with a wide range of uses for crafting, from simple photo frames to complex work like Tenon joinery. You will get a sturdy and durable benchtop that has variable bit height changing options according to your needs and material preferences.

Pros

• Includes a spacious stock area on the table for safety purpose and additional support to hold feed.
• The micro-adjustments allow you to use a wide range of options when it comes down to angling and height arrangements according to your requirements.
• Lock knobs ensure security for the router plate.
• An affordable product according to the range of uses it has and the performance it delivers.

Cons

• Limited performance when needed to craft materials in a non-horizontal angle. This limits the types of materials to be crafted as well.
• Inadequate design as it looks cheap.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

https://youtu.be/fsD6Z48crVc

10. SKIL RAS900 Router Table

Feature Information

• Style: Portable Benchtop
• Rating: 4.1/5
• Item Weight: 31.4 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 28 x 9.25 x 17.75 Inches
• 2 Integrated Accessory Storage Containers
• Quick-release Router Mount
• Dust Collection System
• Fast Setup and Easy Storage with Folding Legs
• Laminated MDF Tabletop
• Tall Fence with Duel Adjustable Feather Boards
• Adjustable Laminated MDF Face Plates
• Comes Preassembled-Doesn’t Require any Assembly
• Starter Pin and Guard
• Bit-Height Gauge

Description

The SKIL RAS900 is another great table at an affordable price of under $150. At this price point, a router table, with a range of extra accessories, is just amazing and effortlessly compliment the price. It has a self-contained portable design with two storage containers for storing necessary parts like router bits or the fence and a quick clamp system for fast setup and easy storage with folding legs. Laminated MDF Tabletop ensures that all the holding stocks are easy to slide on to the table and the adjustable MDF face plates provide a guard against wooden chips. The tall fence with two adjustable feather boards will assist your work process and ensure accurate routing by guiding the workpieces. The bit-height gauge helps with accurate cutting by making bit setup easier and the provided starter pins and guard makes it easier to rout curved and rounded edges of any stock. Another plus point is that this router table has a quick-release router mount which helps with bit changes and almost no levelling is required. Attaching and detaching is just a matter of seconds.

Pros

• Pre-Assembled: This portable router comes preassembled. No need any assembly.
• Lofty Fence: This router table is with a well-built fence that secures all your woodwork in place and ensures convenience and easy sliding.
• Accessible and Efficient Design: The legs of the router table are easy to fold, which promote portability and saves space in your workstation.
• Quick-release router mount attaches and detaches just within seconds.
• Price is affordable enough.

Cons

• Weak Legs: The legs of the table are not sturdy and may prove to be bothersome when working on it as it may budge.
• Small Storage: Even though it comes with extra storage compartments, they are not big enough to store a lot of extra accessories.
• Chipped Fences:  Some users have said that the fence came chipped when the product first arrived. So you should check for it as soon as it will arrive.

Lets Watch a Video Review!

https://youtu.be/5FowD_XslCM

Things to Consider Before Buying a Router Table

Before making a purchase, you should have a complete sense about router tables and all their essential features. Without proper knowledge finding out the best router tables is just impossible. Realizing the importance of introducing you with the router tables, we have made this portion of our article. A beginner or an experienced, whatever you are, you will find this portion very much helpful. First of all, you should know how many types of tables can be available for your router.

Different Types

There are different tables of different brands with individual characteristic, style and quality in today’s tools market. Most of them can be distributed into three main categories. Let’s find out which type’s router you exactly want.

Benchtop: They are the most compact, portable, lightweight option you may get. And that’s why they are the most popular option among woodworkers. In the market, there are lots of benchtop tables of different leading brands like Kreg, Bosch, Bench dog, Skil etc which provide carpenters with excellent performance, extreme durability, versatility and portability. Benchtop tables feature handsome mounting hardware, adjustable faceplates, aluminum fence, two outfeed shims, mounting plate, dust collecting etc. Don’t get panic. After a little while, all the features will make sense to you. But for now, just get it that both the beginners and the experts feel great working with the benchtop. If you are interested in doing small projects and have a fairly small area in your workshop, then you should get a compact table for this type of work. Some models are also foldable which makes them easy to store.

Floor Standing: They are the standard tables for routers with full table system. Sometimes they can be in cabinet style, havier than benchtop, to provide users great storage facility for storing router bits or various other kinds of stuff. They provide some essential features like feather boards, lead-in-pin, miter guide, dust outlet to make users able to perform quickly and easily. If you are looking for an advanced table that comes with additional traits and added accessories, then you should check them out. They are ideal for more skilled and precise work. They are not as portable as the benchtop. That’s why we don’t encourage you to get one of this kind if you don’t possess a workshop with adequate storage facility or if you have outdoor projects to complete visiting different places. But, if you can manage enough storage you can go with this more pricey type to take your professional skill to a further advance level. If you are looking for an advanced table that comes with additional traits and added accessories then you must check out the full table systems. They are ideal for more skilled and precise work that requires extra features.

Extension Table: This type of tables is not completely router tables at all. Actually, they are an extension for your existing table type equipment. Why will you go with this type? The answer is really simple. If you don’t have enough space for installing a full and complete router table system or even a portable benchtop, what will you do? Then one thing you can do is extending your existing table saw with an expansion router table to enhance your capabilities for working with wood. Don’t be disappointed, because though they are extension, they come with various essential features like measuring tapes, wooden frames, split fences etc. But it is a limited option as you already need owing a piece of equipment of a specific model which accepts extension.

We hope, now you are decided which type you really want. Let us look at some other important factors you need to consider before making the final pick!

Table Size

You will find the benchtop tables smaller and the floor standing tables larger. Depending on the volume of your works, you can decide the size of your router table. If you work mostly on small parts and detail work, you may be satisfied with a smaller benchtop unit. But if you require a table for crafting large components and handling various projects then you should take a larger floor standing table that can handle those dimensions. When considering the size, at first consider, whether it will be able to hold the kind of wood or board you work with or not. Then make sure that the table you want to buy won’t be too cumbersome and large for your workshop. If it is then it may hamper your capacity for working. And finally, consider the overall weight of the table. Weight is an important issue. If there has no dedicated space for your router table in your workshop then pick a table with such weight which makes it sure that you will be able to move it easily whenever you will want.

Router Compatibility

There are different arrangements for different routers for being attached or mounted to a router table. All routers are not compatible with all tables. Have you already use a router or have you any plan to buy a specific one? If you have, then check for the compatibility. Check the table you are interested in or want to buy is compatible with your router. Generally, routers and table of the same brand are compatible. But if the brand is generic, then you should check the customer reviews and read the full description measurements to be clear. Tables of some brands are only compatible with their own routers. But you will also get some other brands those whose tables support different routers from multiple brands and they list a range of compatible routers. By the by, for the vast majority of tables, if you don’t find your expected one is compatible with your router, you can make it compatible by drilling holes in different spots. To do this there should have enough space to accommodate the router. So, find out the diameter of your router first and then check it against the description measurements of the table.

Portability

All tables for routers are not portable and they don’t necessarily have to be because they are hardly moved from the workshop. But if you are someone who does not have a permanent workshop, performs project on the move and need to move your table with you, then you should choose a model that is so much portable, easy to transport and carry. Heavy duty and sturdy tables may not be lightweight due to their strong built but you can still get some tables which are not too heavy yet durable and rigid. When the portability is in your consideration, the size and types carry so much importance. You already have a complete sense about the size and type. Now it’s time to make a decision reflecting your necessity after observing some other matters.

Table Height

If you are the only one working on the table, then you may need not a table with adjustable height option. But it will be a good idea to get one that can be levelled to different heights in case more than one person needs to use it. You can find this option valuable and useful in the long run. Besides, a table with adjustable heights will be more versatile and user friendly.

Flat and Wide Surface Area

The surface area of a router table is the most important thing, you should consider at the very beginning. The bigger the surface area will be, the better opportunity for routing you will get. A wider surface area provides users with a lot of space to work on with any size of the board. But if you do not have enough space in your workshop then you can choose a foldable and portable compact table which can be extended to a larger size during bigger projects. A flat, rigid and wider surface area will ensure precise cutting and better routing. Make sure another thing about the surface that it is free from any kind of imperfection like bump, dent or any other flaw. The slightest irregularities in the surface area of your router table will lead to irregularities in your wood and will easily affect the quality of your cuts. Besides, if the surface is not smooth, it won’t let you push the wood along the bit and the fence without snagging. So, to prevent scratches, your table surface needs to be smoother. Table surface should be made from such kinds of solid materials which dampen vibration and last for long.

Table-Top Construction

After observing the area of the surface, you should look at the materials which have made it. As the tabletop is the place where you will be doing most of your work, you will need to make sure that it is enough rigid, powerful and stable. Rigid surfaces will not wrap and will provide you with satisfactory working. There are several materials which have been used for making the tabletops of router tables. Cast iron (an alloy of carbon and iron) tabletops tend to be the most durable, stable and the firmest options, last for the longest period. Though they are very costly, spending a lot of money to meet professional needs won’t be a wrong decision at all. Yes, they are the most professional and functional. With those cast-iron tabletops, you won’t have to worry about the vibrations and for that the possibility of affecting cuts. But they are extremely heavier and won’t be the most mobile or portable option for you. Besides, they need the sturdiest bases.

Aluminum is the next best material for tabletops. They are lighter than the iron tops and can be easily moved around. Though aluminum table tops are more prone to scratching and won’t look pristine forever, they are enough rigid and powerful to handle heavier boards.

The most common material used on the tabletops is MDF which means medium-density fiberboard. They are the most cost-effective options but of decent quality and great for light-duty work. Cutting the wood on the wood would leave too much room for instability and bending and that’s why MDF tabletops are finished with something like melamine or laminate. Which incur more cost but the increased durability has converted the cost into a long term investment. MDF tabletops with high-pressure laminate are stronger and more resistant to damage than the melamine-coated tabletops. Amongst woodworkers, MDF tabletops are more popular for being cheaper, sturdier and more portable than aluminum or cast iron. When your budget and necessity are just somewhere in the middle of cast-iron and MDF. What can you do?  Resin router tables, another type, can be a perfect solution for you. They are also extremely rigid, highly resistant to damage, impact and moisture and after all more stable than MDF.   Now, depending on the volume of your work, the durability you want and the budget you have planned, make your decision, which one will be perfect for you.

The Fence

The fence is another vital and important part of a router table you need to consider before purchasing it. The fence is support or guide which enables a user to cut workpieces straightly avoiding any movement, otherwise, it may generate shaky lines or variations in the cut. Whatever you need to do is just keeping your wood pressed against your table fence and let it into the running bit. An easily adjustable fence helps to save a lot of time. Though fences are with different qualities and versatilities, you can find two general types of fences. They are the split-piece or two-piece and one-piece fences. You can select between these two types depending on the control level you required during handling boards and making cuts. Split or two-piece fences have two sections on either side of the bit which and you will be able to position the two sections either offset or in-line with each other independently. Users can also move them further apart around the bit or closer together. They are perfect for more complicated pieces which work well with offset sides. You need to make sure one thing with a split fence that the two pieces must remain in perfect alignment, otherwise it will lead you to make an uneven cut because of an uneven surface. But, if you don’t have any use for offset sides or need not handling a project like joining two edges together or don’t need zero-clearance work, one- piece fences will be great for you. Just remember one thing with a single-piece fence that it’s clearance or feeder hole is enough large to accommodate largest bits you have. Moreover, the split-piece fences are the best choice of woodworkers as they are versatile and adjustable. We suggest investing in a table that comes with a high-quality adjustable fence.

Dust Extraction System

As a woodworker, you, it does not a matter what kind of output you are trying to generate, produce an incredible amount of sawdust during projects which can blow everywhere even in your eyes and face. But you need to keep your workshop clean and aligned so that you can maintain a good and healthy working atmosphere. Isn’t it? Sawdust not only hampers the workshop environment by making it dirty but also overexposure to dust can bring so many respiratory lungs problems for you even diseases you can’t imagine as some materials give off cancerous dust. So you should take the necessary precautions. And from the sense of precaution, you can take a table for your router which has a decent dust collection system. You can take it easy, considering it not a break feature as you always wear a dust mask or face shield whilst routing. But, what will about the cleanliness of your workshop? Will a dirty shop support you much to bring excellent outputs? Never. Some tables come with dust collection systems, even you can install it manually. Simply you can attach a shop vacuum to the dust port of your table. And it will collect automatically, though not 100%, most of the dust you generate. We always recommend a table which has an easy accessible dust collection port and system.

Miter Gauge and T-Slot

Almost every work, your table of router performs, is just a form of guidance. While using the fence as a guide, you will need different ways to hold or feed the wood into the bit. In this circumstance, a miter gauge and t-slot will help you to maintain a certain angle. To cut a dado, across a narrow workpiece, high-quality miter slot can be so much essential for advanced performance. Miter Gauge is great for creating a decorative piece. Besides, sometimes it can be necessary for perfect structural fits. If you find your miter does not move through the track easily or does not offer proper angles, you had better replace it. For additional woodworking options, t-slot can help you secure the feather boards or other attachments of your table. We strongly suggest you check before making the pick that the table has high-quality miter gauge and t-slot.

Base Plate

The base plate is another important and vital piece which should be considered. This is the place where you will attach your router to make use of the table. It should be completely flat, sturdy and rigid, along with the surface of the table, as it holds the router in place. Both the surfaces, the table surface and the plate surface need to be levelled with each other and perfectly parallel. A bent or warped base plate or if it has any flaws won’t sit flush with rest of the table and that’s why the wood or board, you will try to cut, will get stuck or jostled. Besides, your cuts won’t be as precise as you will expect, and if this is the case, the whole router table won’t worth at all. That’s why you should make it sure that the table incorporates a levelling system for the base plate to keep it perfectly flush against the table surface. Machined aluminum and phenolic resin base plates are excellent options because they are the strongest and most solid options you can get. You can get both pre-drilled base plates and blank plates which can be modified to fit your router. Try to avoid the one-size-fits-all base plates with pre-drilled holes because they are not the most rigid options and do not always fit every router.

Base

Always look for a sturdy base as you will be applying a lot of pressure on it during routing. Any unexpected jerk or the slightest movement of the base can ruin the entire project. Control and fluidity are the main keys to get a good cut. And, it will be totally impossible if your table base moves. It won’t be any matter how experienced you are. The base design of a router table can either be something with legs or stands or one that needs to be mounted on another table. If you already have a workshop with a workbench, you won’t need a table with stands. Likewise, if you already have a table to hold the tabletop and do not want to give up extra space, then you can choose a model that will sit on your table. Some models also come with own supporting systems, cabinets underneath that can be used both for holding routers and storing other tools. A wooden base won’t last as long as a steel base. Besides, a steel base will lower the vibrations too.

Price

Depending on the kind of work, you should choose the table. The prices may vary. Still, you will be able to find something that will fit in your budget and also will give you the results you are looking for. You just need to look around a bit and compare different products. The price of a high-end router table can go over $500 while some good quality models can be found for a much lesser price. We would advise you to stay away from cheaply made router tables as they will not provide you with the best results and will probably last for a very short period of time.

Warranty

It’s important to take any investment of yours seriously and find a product with a reasonable warranty. Something breaking down shortly, after purchasing won’t be a matter of satisfaction at all if a considerable amount of money has been spent on it. Most prominent companies give considerable warranties for their products even for tables. You should make sure that the table you are going to purchase will come with at least a one-year warranty as a rule of thumb.

The Benefits of Buying a Router Table

There are so many benefits, a woodworker can get from using a router table. Not only it will make working easy for you but also you will get awesome outputs. Besides, handling so many applications, just within a short time will be possible one your part. Let’s find out the facilities you can get from a router table.

Safety

If you have just begun woodwork as a hobby or you wish to take it as a profession then you must start off with something that will make work safer and easier for you. Handheld routers are not very safe and require years of practice so as a beginner your best option will be to use a router table.

Better Control

When working on a router table you will have both your hands free to do all sorts of other work like grip on the board and keep it firmly in place. Having so much control over the board will result in precision and accuracy.

Versatility

Some high-end router tables come with extra accessories that allow you to do complete many other tasks and functions on the board so you get much more value out of a single table.

Stability

You will not get enough stability while working with handheld routers and stability is a key factor if you wish to finely shape your boards. Router tables will provide you with the stability you need.

Requires Less Time

When you are working with a router on a router table you will be able to complete your tasks much faster because you will have the help of the table and your hands-free to take care of all projects within a short time. For professionals, this is an advantage as they can take on more work and increase their income.

Quality of Work

When you are working with boards on a router table you will be able to get the best results because the cuts and shapes will be smooth and precise. Moreover, the best router tables will provide the best result. Isn’t it? If you are looking for a professional outcome then you will love working with router tables.

FAQ & Answer About Router Table

• How does the tabletop material affect the quality of the table as a whole?

The material of the tabletop determines balance and stability. Flat and even surfaces will result in more balanced boards. When the tabletop is rigid and firm it will not dent or warp even when pressure is applied, thus promoting a longer table life.

• Which router table should I get if I own more than one router?

If you want to work with routers of different sizes then you must go for a router table that comes with a base plate that can be modified to attach multiple routers and is compatible with various kinds of routers. Consider getting a router table for the biggest router you have so that you can work comfortably.

• What kind of router table should I get if I have limited workspace?

For small workstations, it is best to get router tables that come with a single fence. If the single fence has an open-end then you can work on bigger boards as well. As for the size, you can find many compact models that come with the option of folding to minimize storage space.

• How can I look after my router table?

It isn’t much you have to do to maintain your router-table except keep it clean and placed in a dry area. However, you must check out the construction of the tabletop as well as the whole table to make sure that it is made of high-quality materials and can take on maximum pressure. If the table can handle all the vibrations from the router and still stand firm then it will last longer than tables which are less stable.

Safety Tips For Using Router Tables

Although router tables are much safer than hand-held routers you must still maintain a few rules to operate the table so that you can avoid accidents and enjoy the best results. Bob Brown has made it simple by arranging a top ten router table safety tips guideline. One of the main reasons woodworkers prefer to use router tables is because they can get the job done in the safest way possible and by taking a few simple precautions you can make the best use of this ideal equipment. Whatever, router tables are power tools and you already know that you should take some precautions before attempting to use power tools. Besides, you should know exactly how a router table works.

• Read the manual first. Not all router tables are the same even though they are all made for the same task. You must read the manual that comes with your router table thoroughly so that you can familiarize yourself with all the special features and unique functions.
• Eye protection is essential. It is very common for tiny wood particles to fly all over when working on boards and the need to protect your eyes is extremely crucial during that time.
• Wear earmuffs and dust masks. If you wish to avoid irritations from the sound and dust then wear your earmuffs and dust masks during work. People with allergies and other health issues should always wear these protective items.
• Avoid wearing jewellery or items which can come loose during woodwork
• Ensure that the fence and feather boards are attached accurately for the best hold of your wood piece
• Place your boards properly before you start working because if the board is not placed correctly then you will not get the perfect shape and there will be a risk of it slipping off.
• Never change boards while the tools are running
• When you are inserting a piece of wood to the router be sure to feed it from the right side to the left.
• Do not place too much pressure. Choose your router table based on the wood pieces you are most likely to work with. If the wood pieces are not suitable for your type of router table then it will be prone to damage
• Do not use any other tool in place of a router with your router table even if the tool seems to fit well. Connecting different tools with your router table can cause a lot of damage in the long run.

Conclusion

We hope now you have a better idea about the router table in general and what all you need to consider before purchasing one. Keep in mind that the router table you choose must be compatible with your current router or with any router you wish to own in the future. We suggest getting the models which can be modified to suit various routers. You must also choose your table based on your work skill level because compact router tables are best for beginners while the full router table sets are ideal for advanced woodwork. Consider all options and personal requirements as well as your budget to make the right pick.