Top 4 Best Router Table Reviews

The Best Router Table For The Woodworker In You

One of the essential tools for any DIY enthusiasts or weekend woodworkers is a router table to have more control. The top router tables the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table, Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension, Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo and SKIL RAS900 Router Table.

Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

This table is from Bosch which is known for producing high-quality products at affordable prices.

Features:

1. Benchtop router table
2. Package includes mounting hardware for a variety of routers.
3. Good size worktop surface with dimensions of 27×18 inches.
4. Made of mostly aluminum parts. It has a sturdy aluminum base, a rough-ground cast-aluminum table top, rigid aluminum router mounting plate and a tall aluminum fence with 2 adjustable MDF faceplates.
5. Comes with 2-way adjustable feather boards, dust collection port, dual outlet switch, starter pin and guard for router curved workpieces and 6-foot power cord with a built-in wrap.
6. Weighing in at 34.4 pounds, it is extremely portable.

Performance:

The various mounting hardware provided and the predrilled holes in the mounting plates ensure this table can be used with a variety of routers and not just with Bosch routers. It has a larger work surface area as compared to other router tables making it easier to manage longer pieces of wood. It is also possible to work with larger wood pieces as the fence is 4⁷/₈ inches tall. The rigid mounting plate and a high-quality fence ensure that your cut is precise and efficient. Has a maximum fence opening of 2⁵/₈inches.

Durability:

Made of Aluminium, this table is extremely durable. Aluminum does not rust or corrode and can take a lot of rough usage as compared to plastic and stainless steel.

Pros:

• Can be used with any router
• Can handle a wide range of wood sizes.
• Good dust collection port which is easy to attach to a vacuum.
• Easy to assemble
• Very affordable combined with a great warranty program.

Cons:

• Issues with the flatness of the worktop for a few machines which is being rectified.
• The assembly instructions need to be more detailed especially for newbies.

Click here for current price at amazon.com

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

Bench Dog Tools 40-102 is an extension type router table which can be attached to the end of a table saw to expand a workshop’s capability in woodworking.

Features

1. An industrial grade cast-iron router table designed for a professional woodworker.
2. Fits any contractor grade table saws.
3. Includes a router top, fence and mounting hardware.
4. Fence is the high-end ProFence that can be dismounted and hung when not in use.
5. Has a provision for additional miter slot and for MDF sub-fences.
6. A compact unit measuring 32.2×21.7×5.1inches and weighing 60pounds.
7. Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Performance

Designed for professional wood projects, this router table ensures technical precision. The ProFence has a heavy duty bit-guard for additional safety. It has a 2½ inch dust collection port which fits any commercial vacuum cleaner. Has a dual fence configuration so you can work from either side, allowing you to have the entire tabletop as your workspace for larger projects.

Durability

This table is made of cast iron which is considered the best material for router tables. It can take many knocks and still keep going.

Pros

• A well-designed router table for a professional who needs to work with technical precision
• Can mount any professional router.
• Made of cast-iron, will last forever.
• Designed to sit flatly with the table extending the table’s usage.
• Sturdy and level.
• Easy to install

Cons

• There are issues with mounting screws and washer which sometimes means drilling extra holes in the table saw and the router table
• Some people have complained about the finish of the product.

Click here for current price at amazon.com

Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo

This is an affordable combination for those who are starting woodworking.

Features

1. A combo pack which includes both a router and a table along with 1/4″ collet, wrench, fence, dust guard, dust collection port (2¼inches), feather boards, and miter gauge
2. The router has a 1¾HP motor which operates at 27,000RPM. It is built with permanently lubricated and sealed ball bearings which increase the life of the motor.
3. The router table is a benchtop with 334sqinch laminated MDF tabletop set on a cast aluminum base. It has a double outlet power strip with a safety lock.
4. Extremely light-weight with the entire combo weighing 28pounds

Performance

This is a combo pack which means you don’t have to buy anything else to start woodworking assignments which require a router. The router has a powerful motor which will help you work even on tough woods like hickory. It is a lightweight benchtop router table which has 3 insert rings and is portable.

Durability

Has a powerful router which will last forever. Aluminum table base is lightweight but strong and durable. The laminated MDF top will start to warp after some use. The fence is made of plastic.

Pros                                                                                           

• Powerful motor on the router which is long lasting.
• Excellent table for most amateur woodworkers
• Mitre gauge can be adjusted to 60^o in both directions.

Cons

• Plastic Fence is flimsy and gets warped easily.
• The table is not sturdy.

Click here for current price at amazon.com

SKIL RAS900 Router Table

This table is one of the most popular tools from Skil which has been producing power tools since 1924.

Features

1. Benchtop router table with storage containers and a quick clamp system
2. Comes with 2 featherboards, bit height gauge, starter pin and guard, meter gauge and a tall fence.
3. Laminated MDF table top on a toughened plastic base with a MDF fence.
4. Legs can be folded for easy storage.

Performance

Laminated MDF offers a flat and smooth working surface. MDF fence has adjustable faces. The bit height gauge makes setup easier and more accurate. The folding design ensures easy set-up and storage.

Durability

The plastic base toughens with age and can become brittle. MDF surface warps over time.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Minimal set-up
• Perfect for someone who is starting woodworking.

Cons

• Build quality not good with things not fitting properly or being higher than the table top causing a wobble in the wood being shaped.
• Legs are not sturdy
• Incompatible with many routers.

Click here for current price at amazon.com

Conclusion

If you are a DIY woodworker who is building items as a hobby or for your home, then you need a router table that is durable, dependable, well-built with quality material but at an affordable price. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table is the best value for money in the market today.

How to buy a router table?

A router table gives greater control and makes it safer especially when doing intricate work. What factors do you look for when selecting a router table?

1. There are three types of router tables. Selection depends on the space available in the workshop and the budget. It will also depend on the skill level of the buyer – professional or amateur.
   1. Benchtop: Portable, less expensive, occupies less space on the floor versus the other types of routers
   2. Floor standing: Independent, has its own table, occupies floor space, meant for professionals and regular users, expensive.
   3. Extension: Meant to be added to the end of a table saw/other woodworking table.
2. Some features of the router table that you need to consider:
   1. Tabletop: If the surface is not perfectly flat or rigid, you will have imperfections when you use the table to shape wood. The best choices from a durability, flatness and stability standpoint in descending order of preference are cast iron, aluminum, solid phenolic resin, and MDF.
   2. Base Plate: This needs to be solid and substantial as the router is attached to the base plate. Plates should have a minimum number of pre-drilled holes to ensure strength, but these holes should fit a maximum variety of routers. The base plate needs to have a leveling system.
   3. Fence: Helps control the piece of wood being shaped. A fence should be accurate, easy to position, straight, rigid and stay in the locked position. There are two types of fences
      1. Split
      2. One-piece.
   4. Should be equipped with a miter and have an option for a variety of t-slots for flexibility in usage.
   5. Base: Should be stable and sturdy.
3. A wide variety of router tables is available at local hardware stores or home improvement stores. Check out a few, try using a few and select the one that you are most comfortable with. But for a wider variety and better deals, go to websites like amazon.com.