The Best Router Tables
Routers are perhaps the most versatile tool in the woodworker's arsenal. Router tables allow you to harness their full power. Thanks to their precise interface design and integrated safety features, you'll be able to achieve professional results with speed and confidence. Today, you don't have to rule out purchasing a router table due to space or budget constraints. There are a host of options built for portability and smaller workspaces, so you can achieve the results you need wherever you're working. We've gathered some of our favorite router tables in the list below, so your next hardware upgrade could waiting below.
What to Look For
Whether you’re a seasoned woodworking veteran or you’re buying your first table, there are a few things to consider as you survey the options. Make sure your router fits the router plate, as some smaller models have a size limit. Benchtop options are compact and can be easily stored away, but you’ll need to mount them on a surface as you work. If you’re planning to work with larger stock, you might want to consider a freestanding table. Our favorite overall was the benchtop table from Bosch. This mid-sized table will handle all but the largest stock, and its versatile design offers a precise routing experience to amateurs and professionals alike. If you’re looking for a compact and portable option, take a look at the trim router table from Rockler. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
Small but serious
Freestanding router tables can demand a lot of space making them inappropriate for small workshops without much room. If you’re looking for an efficient solution that doesn’t compromise on functionality, this compact benchtop router table from Bosch is one of the best. The compact dimensions of this table will sit neatly on countertops and workbenches. Thanks to the sturdy aluminum frame beneath, you’ll have the stability you need to work with precision and confidence.
Pros:
- Some benchtop tables have a short fence component that limits the size of the stock you can work with, but this option boasts an extra-tall fence equipped with adjustable MDF faceplates and feather boards.
- This rigid aluminum mounting plate is pre-drilled for universal compatibility with a variety of routers.
- An accessory slot and storage pockets on the frame offer neat storage so you can keep all of your routing components in one place.
Cons:
- The table comes with a larger than average miter slot, so standard components will have to be adapted to fit safely.
Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table
No compromising on quality
This full-sized router table from Kreg offers an all-encompassing solution for larger workshops and professional operations. The expansive 24 by 32 inch table top won’t leave you short of space, whether you’re carving away at large components or honing in on the final details. Despite its size, this table won’t compromise operational precision. The extra-tall 36-inch fence features clear rulers and a micro-adjustment wheel so you can fine-tune to your heart’s content.
Pros:
- The heavyweight steel stand will significantly reduce vibration compared to benchtop tables. You can also adjust the height between 31 to 37 inches.
- Thanks to the four quick-lock casters at the base of the frame, it’s easy to reposition this table despite the weight.
- Don’t be intimidated by the jumbo size of this unit, as the clear instructions and minimal components make it easy to assemble.
Cons:
- The router plate doesn’t come with any pre-drilled holes, though this gives you the flexibility to attach any model of router.
Skil SRT1039 Benchtop Portable Router Table
Beginner's luck
This benchtop table from Skil lets you get to work without breaking the bank. It also brings a bunch of features that exceed our expectations for this price point. The 26- by 16-inch tabletop offers enough room for all but the largest routing jobs, and the compact dimensions make it an ideal choice for anyone without a dedicated workshop space.
Pros:
- The integrated bit storage compartment on the left of the frame gives you a neat storage solution and lets you quickly access components as you work.
- This router plate includes an above-the-table router lift, a feature usually found on premium options. It allows you to quickly adjust router height and change bits without reaching under the table.
- The fence is 16 inches tall, allowing you to safely and precisely handle tall stock.
Cons:
- With a large number of plastic components, this table isn’t as durable as other heavyweight options.
Leegol RT150 Electric Benchtop Router Table
Zoom in on the details
This compact router table from Leegol is an ideal option for home woodworkers looking to squeeze every inch of value out of cozy workspaces. With an economic tabletop measuring just 18 by 11 inches, this benchtop option will sit securely above even the smallest workbenches. The aluminum tabletop rest above a sturdy steel frame, giving this unit surprising stability for its size. This downscaled design makes detailed work easier than ever, and you’ll be aided every step of the way by the precise miter gauge.
Pros:
- A retractable transparent guard attached to the fence will shield you from flying woodchips or other debris as you work.
- The metal tabletop is less prone to cracking or swelling durable than options made from MDF.
Cons:
- This router plate is smaller than usual, and it won’t fit routers with a base plate larger than 6 inches.
Rockler Trim Router Table
Set up and start slicing
If your workspace doesn’t have much room to spare, this nifty trim attachment table could be the perfect solution. This snug 11 by 15-inch tabletop can attach easily to the side of benches, tabletops, plywood, or any flat surface. Without legs on the base, it’s incredibly lightweight and compact compared to benchtop options. It could be an ideal portable solution for traveling carpenters who don’t need to work with larger stock.
Pros:
- The router plate is pre-drilled for quick installation with the most common routers. If your model doesn’t fit, there’s plenty of room available to drill your attachments.
- Safety-conscious users will appreciate the high-visibility bit guard. It serves as a useful reminder for new users to stay alert during operation.
- If you already have a workbench to mount this router, this option could offer a bargain when compared with purchasing a benchtop or freestanding model.
Cons:
- The MDF construction is more susceptible to damage than aluminum or steel options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure that my router will fit on my chosen table?
Router tables come in all shapes and sizes, and most are designed to accommodate a similar variety of routers. Some router plates come pre-drilled with universal adapters that will fit most standard routers. If you’re wielding an unusual router, most plates also allow you to custom drill your attachments. If you use a larger router, beware of choosing a smaller table that might not accommodate the size of its base plate.
What is a router lift?
Some router plates are equipped with a lift that allows you to adjust the router position by turning a nut on the top of the table. This convenient feature can save time as you work, as it allows you to adjust the settings on your router and even change components without needing to reach beneath the tabletop. If your table doesn’t come equipped with a router lift, you may be able to purchase a lifting plate separately.
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