Choosing a Best Router Table can be messy if you are not careful with what you want.
I have also seen precious works getting spoiled simply because the router table was not the right one..
Few things to know before you buy a Router Table
# Is it compatible with my router ?
All the routers are not compatible with the router table . There is always a catch.
It varies with the manufacturer and also the model . We really need to keep this in mind before buying..
# Is it stable enough to hold the router and work smoothly ?
If the built quality of the router table is not sturdy enough. There are chances that the router may become unstable during work due its lightweight. You should be looking for a well built router table .
# Size:
One of the most crucial things. It depends on the type of work you carry out.
If you are considering using the router table for larger pieces of woods . Then you should consider buying a larger size router table.
# How easy is it to change the router bit?
The way we change the router bit varies from model to model..
Some allow changing it from above the table, while some requires to change the bit from below the table. As per your need you should be careful enough to choose the right table for your need..
Recommended Reading :
– Best Benchtop Router Table
Based on Router Types
#1 Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
Best Overall
Specifications :
- Item weight : 30 lbs
- Table Top Dimension : 27×18 inches
- Dust Collection : Yes
- Adjustable Featherboards : Yes
- Outlets : 2
- Aluminium Fence : Yes
This is the best Router Table for the money in the market at a very affordable price . This router is best suited for cabinet making, tongue and groove with fence . It is also one of the largest router tables in the market.
Also the most versatile in terms of its compatibility with most routers. It works very well with dewalt routers (DW7440RS) , bosch routers (1617evspk), ridgid routers(ridgid r22002) .
You can easily use it to make custom kitchen cabinets. This router table is very stable and sturdy in comparison to most of the routers in the range.
Also if you are into tongue and grooving then this can be your wise investment . This router table satisfies most of the goal. Works very well both on bench and freestanding.
The size of the top is quite impressive and the top material is metal. This gives a very good feel of the quality of the product. This router is a great deal for the price.
This is a great combination of the sturdy and portability.
Bosch RA 1181 fits so well into the router table and you can easily move around with it.
While buying the product there are some complaints that the table plate is not fully flat. So as soon as it arrives you may have this to consider a check before you give a go. You may need to report otherwise. This is rare though..
Pros :
- Sturdy built.
- Compatible with most routers.
- Very stable.
Cons :
- Table plate could have been more flat.
Based on Budget
#2 Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171
Best Entry Level Router Table / Best Router Table Dust Collection
Specifications :
- Item weight : 42 lbs
- Table Top Dimension : 25×15.5 inches
- Dust Collection : Yes
- Adjustable Featherboards : Yes
- Outlets : 2
- Aluminium Fence : Yes
Another well built product from Bosch. Bosch Cabinet Style Router got its name by its design .
This router table feels quite solid and sturdy . It is not a great feeling when the material and the product look is cheap.
It is easy to install and remove the router into the table . This is very handy especially if your requirement is to use multiple routers. This is also a common problem in other routers.
You can easily assemble the router table within an hour.
The fence is fully adjustable. It locks very well and you can set it as per your need. This is important as this can be really annoying if the fence does not stand proper during working.
Also a very impressive feature is that the router table comes with a safety lock-out key . This lock is on the front right of the router table along with the on off switch .
The dust collection also works well with a shop vac.
This is something you need to check before buying a router table. Dusts are very common during woodworking. But you should not forget to hook it up otherwise the cabinet will fill with dust.
Due to its cabinet style design it gives a very good dust collection from below.
Some improvements on this router table can be the mounting plate. It is slightly rough and not very even. Of course this may vary with person to person .
Adjusting the height of the table and changing the router bit has to be done from underneath . This might be pain for some.
Pros :
- Great built quality.
- Easy to install.
- Adjustable fence.
- Safety lock out key.
- Good Dust collection.
Cons :
- Mounting plate could have been smoother.
- Adjusting the height of the table is not so easy.
#3 Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
Best Mid Level Router Table/ Best Router Table with Lift
Specifications :
- Industrial-quality fence containing adjustable faces, dust collection, vertical jointing and new cam clamps.
- Full-size router insert plate with precision plate levelers and new Level-Loc reducing rings
- Extra-large 16″ x 24″ MDF table top with an Easy-Slide surface
- Wide stance heavy-duty steel stand for increased stability
- MDF top, full-size insert place with 3 Level-Loc rings, insert plate levelers, extruded aluminum fence and heavy-duty steel stand.
Kreg is a very well known name in the router table industry , Their quality of the product is very impressive. This is another great model from Kreg. This is also the best horizontal router table.
Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table is especially well suited if you are into a small woodworking project . It is quite compact and can fit in almost all working space.
You can use this along with the KREG lift for routers and you can have a perfect router station .
Also this works great for small shops.
What I love about this product is that it fits everything well and stays all together. No Bendings , wiggling .
Especially if you are someone new to routers then this would adapt very well . It would allow you to cut perfect coves. Usage is quite simple.
The bad side of this product is that there are complaints of pre-drilled holes being not aligned properly . However it varies from person to person. It is also not so easy to assemble for people who have never worked with a router table before.
Pros :
- Best for small woodworking projects.
- Very compact and fits well in all working spaces.
- All supports KREG lifts.
- Easy to use.
Cons :
- Pre drilled holes are sometimes not aligned well.
- Not so easy to assemble.
#4 KREG Precision Router Table System
Best High End Router Table
Specifications :
- 24″ x 32″ router table top includes a router insert plate with three molded Level-Loc reducing rings
- 36″ T-square style router table fence features a micro-adjust wheel for precise setups
- Outfeed anchor has been redesigned for more usable table space and easier removal
- Multi-purpose steel stand is adjustable from 31″ to 39″ in height
- Includes Router Table Top with insert plate, Router Table Fence and Multi-Purpose Steel Stand.
The Precision Router table from KREG is another tough model from KREG. The cost is a bit on the high side but the product is worth it.
It is made of a good steel frame and it’s a very heavy gauge . All fits very well .
If you are thinking that this is light then it is not. The building is quite solid and heavy.
You can easily use the Bosch 1617EVS router and it works like a charm .
Some other good thing about this router table is that it has sturdy casters . The casters roll quietly and easily . And all the 4 casters lock very well to keep the table in place.
You can also use it with INCRA MTL2 joint guides to cut joints in the boxes.
If you want to use a table top then Kreg professional router table top is what you can go for. It works very well with this table .
It comes with a fence that works very well and you can also mount the table top to the steel . The fence comes in great support.
Pros :
- Very good build quality.
- Sturdy casters
- Fence has a great support.
Cons :
- Cost is on the higher side.
Based on Purpose
#5 Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table
Best Router Table For Home Use/ Hobbyist / Beginners
Specifications :
- Item weight : 33 lbs
- Table Top Dimension : 26×16.5 inches
- Dust Collection : Yes
- Adjustable Featherboards : Yes
- Outlets : 2
- Aluminium Fence : Yes
Bosch RA1141 is an excellent router table that works very well with most of the routers. For eg : Dewalt 1 1/2 hp router can be attached permanently or temporarily and can cut very clean straight lines.
This router table is very compact and easy to assemble .
This table also works very well with Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router .
Also another good thing about this router is its portability. Whenever storage is a problem you can always collapse it and store it.
This router is very similar to the RAS-900 . The difference may be only in the looks or the colors.
However we need to be careful as this is not a precision router table. The folding legs design might not work for some. It might be unstable if you don’t know how to use it. After clamping it to the table there should not be a problem at all in fact.
Pros :
- Very compact.
- Easy to assemble.
- Portable.
Cons :
- Not a precision router table.
- Folding legs design might not be suitable for some people.
Based on Features
#6 Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
Best Router Table Combo
Specifications :
Router Table :
- Item weight : 30 lbs
- Table Top Dimension : 27×18 inches
- Dust Collection : Yes
- Adjustable Featherboards : Yes
- Outlets : 2
- Aluminium Fence : Yes
Router :
- Item Weight : 18.2 lbs
- Power Source : Corded Electric
- Voltage : 127 volts
- No Load Speed (RPM) : 8000-25000
- Product Dimensions(in) : 12×10.2×7.5
- Horsepower : 2.25 HP
- Wattage : 1400 watts.
This is one of the best combo router kits. Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit comes with a Bosch router.
Bosch router is very quiet in comparison to most of the routers in the same category .
The collect grabs the bits well and tight. The router also runs very smoothly. It can travel both the sides evenly and smoothly. Eats whatever is thrown to it. The results are far superior in its quality and cut. Also the plunge base is awesome.
Another good thing about this table is that it is easy to switch between plunge and fixed setups.
Also included is the edge guide/ circle cutter. This is a great addition to anyone’s tool collection
WIth decent power the unit is quite smooth and much stronger than other setups in this range.
It has two solid wrenches vs a clutch system to hold the spindle with.This is a very handy feature.
Some people have found some difficulty in untightening the collects smoothly. However this varies with person to person.
Pros :
- Quiet in comparison to its peers.
- Collect grabs the bits very well.
- Easy to switch between plunge and fixed setups.
Cons :
- Untightening the collect is not very smooth always.
FAQ
Who makes the best router table?
Bosch , Kreg makes the best router table .Rockler’s make premium tables.
There are many other companies with their own designs but lesser known in terms of the brand.
What is the best router table lift?
Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift is one of the best router lifts in the market.
What is the best router for a router table?
Bosch 1617EVSPK is one the best routers for the router table( Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181).
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Is MDF good for router table?
Yes, MDF is perfect for router table.
Conclusion
Getting a dependable router table is crucial if you want to improve your woodworking tasks. The most effective ideas and Router Table are presented in the article, which offers reliable construction, adaptable features, and accurate performance. You may improve your woodworking abilities, get precise cuts, and have a quick and easy workflow in your home or workshop with the help of these top-rated router tables.