The Best Router Table
A durable router table is a must-have in any woodshop. A router table makes a router more versatile by allowing the tool to work upside down. The router is mounted to the table in an inverted position, allowing the user to run wood over the router as opposed to running the tool over the wood. Since a router can weigh 10 pounds or more, you can see how this makes finely-detailed woodworking a lot easier. Whether you're a professional carpenter or a DIY woodworking hobbyist, a well-made router table will take your work to the next level. They come in a variety of sizes and with many different features, and they can even be portable or stationary. Here we've rounded up a few of our favorite, so keep reading to find the one that's perfect for you.
Goplus Electric Aluminum Router Table
Tabletop Terrific
One of the coolest features of the Goplus router table is the extension tables at either end. Each one provides an additional 8″ × 18″ of working space and an easy-slide surface that helps with larger wood pieces. Made from an aluminum alloy, this router table is not only rugged and durable, but it’s also corrosion-proof. A transparent guard inserted into the fence keeps wood chips from flying around while also providing support. In combination with a jointing fence, the table can be used as a vertical jointer. A precise miter gauge helps measure angles and creates straight and predictable cuts.
Pros:
- Designed for routers with up to a 6-inch diameter base plate
- The grooved surface keeps dust and chips away from the workplace
- 450 square inches of total work space
Cons:
- Best if secured to a piece of plywood
- Table switch is poorly located
Kreg Bench Top Router Table with Accessories
Size Matters
The Kreg benchtop router table features a rugged, stamped-steel foundation. And, when combined with its four rubber feet, it provides the best in compact stability. This edge-banded tabletop with an impact-resistant micro-dot surface creates clean cuts, while the rigid aluminum fence ensures stability and straight edges. Kreg also combines a noise-absorbing MDF tabletop with vibration-dampening rubber feet and a rigid steel base to produce a router table that tests quieter than most enclosed router tables. Kreg’s special product bundle includes Level-Loc reducing rings, a router table switch, a featherboard twin-pack, and precision setup bars.
Pros:
- Also available without accessories
- Lightweight at 32 pounds
- Universal router mount included
Cons:
- Some assembly required
- The 1/4-turn lock handles are small
Kreg Precision Router Table System
The Route to Accuracy
With this one, the router insert plate is designed to mount to any router by utilizing your router’s base plate and an easy-to-use template. The tabletop is made from MDF that’s covered in easy-slide, micro-dot, high-pressure laminate, and it includes a dual aluminum T-Slot/miter channel that works with a wide variety of accessories. The fence uses an L-shaped aluminum extrusion with two fully independent fence faces to provide zero-clearance support. The multi-purpose steel stand is also powder-coated to resist corrosion.
Pros:
- Router table fence can be purchased separately
- Large 24″ x 32″ router tabletop
- Adjustable from 31 inches to 39 inches in height
Cons:
- 4-piece caster set not included
- The adjuster paddle is stiff, causing the fence to jump out of alignment
Grizzly Industrial Portable Series Router Table
Off The Beaten Route
A good, portable router table can be a double-edged sword. You need a table that’s sturdy, which means it’s heavy, solid, and balanced. But it can’t be too heavy or it’s not really portable. Grizzly Industrial solves this problem with their portable router table. With T-tracks for sliding melamine faces and two extra T-tracks — one on top and one on the front for mounting jigs and featherboards — you get heavy-duty features with lightweight portability. The canvas bag provided fits underneath the table to catch tons of sawdust and has its own 2-1/4″ dust port. It’s the perfect router table for all your off-site work.
Pros:
- Tool-free adjustable fence faces with built-in shimming bars
- On/Off safety switch and 10-foot power cord
- Ergonomically designed insert ring wrench
Cons:
- Bring your own leveler to adjust it off-site
- The plate has no mounting holes; you must drill your own
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any router be mounted to a router table?
Although you can mount nearly any handheld router in an upside-down position on a router table, some routers are better at the task than others. Make sure your router is compatible before you make the investment. If it’s not, you might be able to use a router lift instead, but these typically cost as much as a new router.
Can you use a compact router in a router table?
There’s really no reason why you couldn’t, just don’t expect a compact router to do the work of its big brother. However, the insert plate on your table may not fit smaller routers, so you may need to mark and drill the mounting holes yourself.
I’m tall. Can I fix my router table to a taller stand?
Yes, but only if you have a benchtop router. Find a stable stand and mount your router table to it. This will allow you to work without leaning over and causing back strain. Just make sure your stand offers all the functions of a workbench — and most importantly, that it’s level — so that you still create precise cuts.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.