Last Update: May, 2023
If you’re interested in woodworking, you will probably need a router. But routers, while incredibly helpful for anyone needing cuts of a variety of different shapes and angles, can be difficult to maneuver. They require a steady hand, but that’s not always easy.
A router table provides stability to your router by fixing it to the table upside down so you only need to move the material you are cutting, rather than the router itself, which will give you much greater control over your movements and the cuts you make.
Router tables are ideal for those who need to work with both small and narrow materials as well as wider diameter cuts. These are also perfect for stopping cuts halfway through or creating layers, like with raised-panel doors.
Router Table | Summary |
|---|---|
Bosch Benchtop | Featuring a thick and stable base, this Bosch model will help provide the stability you need for your projects. It’s designed to have everything you need along with plenty of extras. |
KREG Precision Router Table System | Small size and micro adjustable wheels make this perfect for hobbyists or those with small spaces. Bonus points for not taking up too much space. |
Skil RAS900 | This portable router table makes it easy to transport and store away when not being used. |
Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table | Wide frame steel base and heavy duty materials create a sturdy and easy to use router table. |
Grizzly T10432 Router Table | Made in the United States, the Grizzly router table ships fast and is made with quality in mind. |
Pros:
Cons:
More About The Bosch Benchtop Router Table
With a thick and stable base, adjustable aluminum fence, and multiple outlets, the Bosch benchtop router table is a well-equipped and well-designed addition to any workshop or hobbyist’s garage. Two adjustable feather boards, plus a dust and debris collection port will cover all your bases and give you the best bang for your buck.
>> Related Content: Best Portable Workbench
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo  | SKIL RAS800  |
Grizzly T1043 Router Table  | XtremepowerUS Deluxe Router Table  |
Pros:
Cons:
More About The KREG Precision Router Table System
Ideal for anyone who is looking to utilize a router table without having to sacrifice space, the KREG precision router table system is designed to be compact and easy to move. With micro-adjustable wheels, it can be moved from one location to the other easily and the small size makes it ideal for personal garages or backyard sheds.
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Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo | SKIL RAS800 |
Grizzly T1043 Router Table | XtremepowerUS Deluxe Router Table |
Pros:
Cons:
More about The Skil RAS900
The Skil RAS900 is a foldable router table that will provide you with the ability to both store away and transport. The small size and relatively light weight make it perfect forthose whooccasionally need to use a router table, but don’t want to have it taking up space in between uses. This model comes equipped with a quick clamp system as well as 2 containers.
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo | SKIL RAS800 |
Grizzly T1043 Router Table | XtremepowerUS Deluxe Router Table |
Pros:
Cons:
More About The Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
Designed with a wide-stance steel frame, the Kreg PRS2100 bench top routing table is sturdy and will handle heavier projects without rocking. Dust collecting and vertical jointing are built into the design and an industrial-quality aluminum fence keeps your project on track without issue.
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo | SKIL RAS800 |
Grizzly T1043 Router Table | XtremepowerUS Deluxe Router Table |
Pros:
Cons:
More About The Grizzly T10432 Router Table
Grizzly is proud to say that their products as made entirely in the United States and these products ship usually ship on the same day as the order. With a wide variety of router tables and woodworking tools available, there are Grizzly products in most woodworking shops in America.
The size of the router table is small with a wide-stance base that is made of steel, so you don’t need to worry about rocking. But with a wood table top, it is important that you examine the surface and remove any imperfections that make it uneven.
Wood allows you to sand away the imperfections down to a point, unlike other materials that can become dented with no way to fix them. So, it is important to weigh the pros and cons when choosing a table surface.
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo | SKIL RAS800 |
Grizzly T1043 Router Table | XtremepowerUS Deluxe Router Table |
How to Choose a Router Table
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional woodworker, there are differences in router tables and what you may or may not need for your work with it. But regardless of which table you get, it is important to choose a high-quality option.
The best way to do this is to break it down by parts. In this way,you compare what the model you are looking at offers which qualities a router table should have.
Compatibility
Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a router table is whether or not it will be compatible with your router. Different routers have different ways of attaching to a router table so it is not as simple as one size fits all.
It is important that you make sure that the router will fit on that table without compromising its effectiveness.
Table Top
The top of the router table needs to meet certain standards to be considered high-quality. The table top needs to be completely flat to keep your projects on the right level so cuts are even. Table tops should also be made of a strong, yet solid material that won't warp over time. It also needs to be able to withstand bending and stress.
We recommend that you choose a metal table top over a wood or plastic one because it is more durable and can provide a more stable work surface. But when going with a metal table top, you will also have a heavier weight. This makes it harder to move from place to place as you need.
Base
Stability is a must-have for a router table. Without enough stability, you may not only mess up the cuts you are trying to make, but the table can tip and fall, causing you injury.
If you don’t know what kind of base you need, consider the weight of the projects you will be working on, where your router table will be set up, and how much support you will need to keep your table safely upright.
Fence
Fences on router tables are used to guide the piece you are cutting over the router itself. While fences can be made of a variety of materials and pieces, the goal is to find a fence that is flexible and adjustable enough to move with you at a wide variety of angles. This ensures you can work on the greatest variety of projects.
Miter and T-Slots
When the fence is not going to be able to guide the piece through the router it is then necessary to use a miter or t-slot. If you are looking to do larger projects or projects that the fence cannot handle, you should look for router tables that include them.
Maintaining your Router Table
While you may think that the router itself needs the maintenance and not the router table, to keep it lasting as long as possible and running its best then you will need to do basic maintenance on it.
This includes care while using the router table and care after using it. When you are using the router table, it is important to use multiple passes to cut your material rather than forcing it through with just one cut. This will keep everything working longer and provide a smoother finish in the long run.
After you use your router table it is important that you always clean it off. You can do this with a brush or your hands first to get the majority of debris off, but you should then follow up with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust.
Cleaning it off with a dry cloth on the mechanical bits where water would be harmful will keep everything moving without having to worry about debris. This includes cleaning the router bit and base plate with a dry cloth, then lubricating the parts to keep everything running smoothly.
The fence should also be removed and cleaned. You will also need to replace the fence after it begins to wear down so it is important to check for signs of issues before and after every use of your router table.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, a router table provides you with the stability and capabilities to create a wider range of cuts and take on a larger variety of projects than you could before. Regardless of whether you want to work with wood, plastic, or metal, a router table amplifies your abilities and opens you up to many new opportunities for what you can do.
