Router tables are quite useful whenever you need to improve the capabilities of your router. They bring about precision, accuracy, and stability to your projects, therefore, making it easy to achieve your desired goals in half the time.
Since finding the perfect one requires a ton of research, we have assembled a list of the best router table you can find to make it easy for you.
Bosch Benchtop RA118 – Top pick
The Bosch Benchtop RA1181 features a pre-drilled mounting plate that makes it easy to use with a variety of routers. It comes with a 2 ½ inch dust port that makes clean up easy and fast. It can be used for a variety of projects plus it is designed to save space in the workshop.
9 Best Router Table Reviews of 2021
1. Bosch Benchtop RA1181 – Best Benchtop Router Table System
The Bosch Bench top RA1181 is designed for handymen and DIYers with limited space in their workshop. It easily attaches to any workbench and it has a 27 inch by 18-inch work surface.
Features
This unit comes with a pre-drilled aluminum mounting plate that makes it easy to use with a variety of routers. Its feather boards are easily adjustable and it’s tall aluminum fence offers accuracy. Although it is designed to fit small workspaces, it comes with a benchtop table design that features an extended work area.
Performance
Its adjustable feather boards mean you can achieve precision with your cuts while maintaining safety from possible kickbacks. This unit performs well to improve your cutting speed since it can be used to cut multiple boards simultaneously. Its dust collection port gets rid of debris effectively making it a decent pick for handymen that want to keep a clean workshop.
Pros
- Assembly is easy
- Ideal for small workshops
- Quality safety features
- Compatible with a variety of routers
Cons
- The fence might need some getting used to
2. KREG Precision System – Best Professional Router Table
The KREG Precision System is one of those options that won’t eat up much space in your workshop. It comes with a table measuring 24″ x 32″ with an included micro-adjustment for the fence in order to achieve precise cutting.
Features
Its steel stand is adjustable in height from 31 inches to 39 inches. The unit is easy to assemble. It comes with a router insert plate that is designed for easy compatibility with any router. You get zero-clearance support with all your projects thanks to the L-shaped aluminum extrusion on the fence. You can use it with a variety of accessories thanks to the included aluminum miter channel.
Performance
The straightforward assembly process of this unit makes it a favorite among many users. It is also quite stable, especially with the adjustable stand. You can use it with the INCRA MTL2 joint to get even more accuracy with your cuts. You can cut multiple joint since the plastic measure guides slide and stay in place without any struggle. The only quibble noted with its performance is that the dust collection hose adapter had a tendency to unclip when you adjust the fence.
Pros
- It has a sizeable tabletop
- Straightforward assembly
- Stable and easily adjustable height
- Compatible with any router
Cons
- It is pricey but worthy features
- The dust collection hose adapter could be better
3. Dremel 231 Shaper – Best router table for the money
At its price range, the Dremel 231 offers a decent alternative to budget-conscious handymen looking for a router table that can be used with a variety of routers.
Features
You get an adjustable fence with this unit making it ideal for achieving precision with each cut. The overall design makes it easy to sand and trim your edges or even shape them. With an 8 inch by 6-inch worktable, this is a decent fit for beginner woodworkers working on small projects.
Performance
It is a good alternative for beginner woodworkers learning the ropes since it can be used with a variety of tools. The adjustable fence offers versatile performance, and even though it’s not a full router table it comes with a sizeable worktable that is sufficient for any beginner.
Pros
- Inexpensive pricing
- Easily fits into regular tables
- Ideal for beginners working on basic projects
- Adjustable fence for versatile performance
Cons
- Poor tolerance for heavy duty tasks
- It moves around slightly
4. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Extension
One of the best features of the Bench Dog Tools Extension is the dual fence that enables you to maximize your work surface.
Features
The unit comes with a miter slot that enables you to handle crosscuts sleds perfectly. With a configuration that accommodates 8-1/4inch by 11-3/4 inch plates, you can use this unit to work on a variety of projects. It is designed to fit all right-tilt cabinet grade table saws with a 27 inch deep by 1-1/2 inch thick cast iron table. It’s a high-quality professional grade router table that is ideal for small workshops as well.
Performance
In terms of performance, this unit has a highly portable design making it a decent choice for those who own small workshops that require moving the router table around. It also comes with a fence design that allows for quick dismounting. In fact, you get 6 holes for mounting with a capacity to support any weight. Furthermore, aligning the router plates on this unit is fairly easy. The adjustable fence design allows you to make the smallest cuts with precision. To top it all off, the unit comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Can be used with a variety of routers
- Adjustable fence
- Ideal for small workshops
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Portable design
Cons
- Router plates are bought separately
5. Skil RAS900 Router Table
If you are still learning the ropes while being unsure about investing a fortune in a professional grade table router, getting the Skil RAS900 will be a good way to strike a balance. Its most outstanding feature is the bit height gauge that makes set up an easy task.
Features
It comes with quality feather boards and clamps for improved routing precision and accuracy. You also get a starter pin and quart for better routing support when working on curved pieces. Setting up your bits is also made easy thanks to the bit height gauge. It comes with an accessory storage compartment that allows you to get easy access to your accessories.
Performance
You will quickly notice that the Skil RAS900 is easy to assemble. It comes with a starter pin and guard support that makes it easy to carve out your pieces. It is a decent pick if you are looking for a full-sized unit on a budget. It is designed for improved bit changing with the adjustable bit height gauge. The adjustable fence offers accurate cutting and it also enables for a perfect fit no matter the material you are using.
Pros
- It is stable and reliable
- Offers ample working space
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a storage compartment for storing accessories
Cons
- Router installation might need some getting used to
6. Bosch Cabinet Style Router tABLE RA1171 – Best option for Professional
The Bosch Cabinet Style RA1171 is ideal for working on larger projects since it comes with a tall aluminum fence. This also makes it a perfect pick for achieving smooth operations on multiple workpieces.
Features
The unit comes with a rigid aluminum router mounting plate that is stable and flat for improved routing performance. The plate is pre-drilled as well making it easy to work with other routers. The adjustable feather board is attached to the fence to protect your fingers from kickbacks. It features two dust ports that get rid of sawdust and debris.
Performance
The Bosch Cabinet Style RA1171 is easy to use thanks to the two feather boards included in the unit. It comes with two dedicated dust ports as well. These two go a long way to contain dust. This makes it pretty easy to maintain a clean space in the workshop. Furthermore, the extra tall fence makes it easy to achieve precise cuts, especially with larger projects. The only deal breaker is that there were some complaints about the mounting plate being slightly uneven.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Tall fence for precision cutting
- Great protection features
- Two dust ports for easy cleaning
Cons
- Mounting plates could be better
7. Craftsman Router Combo – Best Router And Table Combo
Right out of the box, the Craftsman is designed for easy assembly. It’s also a beginner-friendly router table with reliable performance.
Features
Although it’s not compatible with a variety of routers, It is easy to assemble. It comes with a quality 1-3/4 inch cast iron router plate that is built to last. Its two feather boards offer a decent level of protection against kickback. The fence it comes with is not tall enough for big projects but easily adjustable to fit basic routing needs. You might need to move the fence before attaching the feather boards. The unit also comes with a dust collection system not to mention extra accessories that boost performance.
Performance
If you are just getting into the whole idea of routing, it will remain useful for a long time. It’s a durable unit made of cast iron router plate. It’s set up and assembly process is easily manageable. Be careful however not to tighten the edges too much during installation. This is because the edges are made of plastic pieces and they might crack. The unit comes with an accessory bag as well as a dust collector that can be hooked to a shock vacuum to clean the sawdust easily.
Pros
- Compatible with a variety of routers
- Straight forward assembly
- Conveniently placed power strip
- Reliable fence protection
Cons
- Some parts are made of flimsy plastic
8. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
The Kreg PRS2100 offers an extra large table top measuring 16 inches by 24 inches. The table also features an easy slide design and a heavy-duty steel stand for reliability.
Features
This unit presents another reliable portable router table that keeps things simple for beginners.
Its overall design combines an MDF table top with a stable steel base made with rubber feet that dampens vibrations. The fence comes with easy and quick adjustment configurations that enhance protection while offering increased support for your workpieces. You also get a full-sized router insert plate.
Performance
This unit comes with ease of use that will allow any beginner to get familiar with routing. It features a heavy-duty aluminum fence that offers reliable protection while supporting the workpieces. The aluminum makes also enables portable. Thanks to the vibration dampening rubber feet on its steel base, this unit will remain fairly quiet throughout the routing process. The precise plates make it easy to use the router table with a variety of routers.
Pros
- Reliable quiet operation
- Durable quality
- Heavy duty aluminum fence for support
- 3 precise plates to support a variety of routers
Cons
- Router mounting plate requires drilling
9. Trim Router Table
Lastly, we have the Trim Router Table that is one of the most compact router tables out there.
Features
This unit only weighs 5.72lbs with a 17.5 x 12.6 x 3.8 inches dimension. You can use is on the edge of a bench or table thanks to the pre-drilled holes. It’s a rugged trim router table that has a quick set up process not to mention the straight forward assembly. The table is made of MDF wood with vinyl coating for durability. The vinyl coating also makes it easy to slide the wood around when working with trim routers.
Performance
The unit performs pretty well for woodworkers who want to maintain a clean workspace. It comes with an optional dust port that is capable of sucking up about 95 percent of the sawdust and debris from the table which is quite impressive at its price range. Assembly is also straight forward and with its compact and portable build quality, you can carry it with your around the workshop with ease. The only downside is that it is only compatible with trim routers.
Pros
- Compact portable design
- Durable MDF with vinyl coating make
- Pre-drilled for speed and accuracy
- Powerful dust port
- Affordable
Cons
- It’s not compatible with a variety of routers
Buyer’s Guide: Factors to consider to choose a top router table
Compatibility
If you have already bought a router, you should check to see whether the router table you are picking is compatible with your router. Most manufacturers accompany their router table with corresponding routers. However, other units are created to be compatible with a variety of routers.
Safety
Another important aspect that you should have in mind when buying a router table or any other woodworking power tools is the level of safety that tool comes with. The unit must have a fence and feather boards to protect your finders from possible kickback. You can also use some paddles to keep your hands further from the blade.
Budget
They come in a variety of prices. You can spend as little as $80 on a router table and still get a reliable high-quality unit. The pricier units offer full-sized convenience and boast of a capacity to handle heavy-duty routing projects. However, if you are a DIYers looking to work on simple woodworking projects, getting an inexpensive unit that fits your budget can be a worthwhile choice.
Surface quality
It is also important to look at the table surface. Here, going with a metal tabletop will be a plus. However, not all metals surfaces are made equal; you will need to go with a cast iron table to be on the safe side. Cast iron tables usually have few warping issues plus they last longer. They, however, tend to be heavy. If portability is your priority, you might want to go with a unit featuring an aluminum surface.
Fence
The quality of the fence also matters when you are buying a router table. The fence allows you to keep the wood straight while you cut. The fence needs to be straight in order to achieve precision in the routing process.
Quality of the Baseplate
The main function of the base plate is to hold the router in place. If the base plate is bent (even slightly) the wood might get stuck when you cut through it. You will also notice that your cuts won’t be as precise as you want them to be. Fortunately, you can easily adjust the corners of the base plate to achieve better precision levels. Also, keep in mind that it is important to go with a base plate strong enough for your router.
Miter gauge
A miter gauge is used to support and hold workpieces at a set angle for precise and accurate cutting. Some units come with a miter gauge. You can also get an aftermarket miter gauge that does not struggle to achieve routing accuracy. Also, check to see whether the angle markings on your miter gauge are accurate. Basically, if you are planning to make high-quality cuts at an angle, getting a miter gauge will make the work much easier. If you need a miter saw then check out our miter saw reviews.
Faq section
Q 1. What is a router table?
It is a stationary woodworking table that allows you to mount a handheld router that will protrude through the surface of the table in order to cut or shape workpieces. They are useful when you need to increase the versatility of a handheld router.
Q2. What are the different types of router tables?
They come in different varieties including a compact benchtop router table, a floor standing router table, and an accessory bolted table saw.
Q3. How to use a Router Table?
Before you use it. You first need to set it up. During the setup process, you first need to unplug your router for safety. You will then mount your router underneath the routing table. Now install the feather boards on the miter slots. Adjust the fence to achieve zero clearance on the table saw. To install the router bit, lock the shank and drop the bit in the router. Use a wrench to tighten the bit to the router. Then set the height of the bit. Now adjust the fence clearance and check to see whether the bit aligns with the fence. With the right set up, you can now start to feed wood to the router table. Make sure you are feeding wood from right to left. Be sure to also use a block for safety while pushing the workpiece through the router bit.
Q4. Which is the option for a beginner’s workshop?
According to our review, the Bosch Benchtop RA1181 emerged as the top pick for beginners.
Q5. What are the factors that affect the lifespan of a router table?
The quality of the router table’s base plate determines its lifespan. The quality of the surface and the accessories included also determines the durability of the product.
Q6. Why Do Feather Boards Matter in a router table?
The feather board holds the workpiece in place against the fence to ensure precision and accuracy. A feather board also enables safety against kickbacks.
Q7. Is it necessary to Buy a Workbench for the router table?
A workbench is necessary since it holds your workpieces in place while routing. You can create your own workbench or buy one.
