Buying Guide: Best Router Tables

 

Router tables are a fantastic tool for woodworkers and hobbyists that want to speed up their cutting and joinery. Not only do they make it easier to make accurate cuts, but they also provide a flat working surface for detailed work like installing hinges and door hardware.

Aside from their obvious advantages, they are also a fun piece of equipment to own. There are plenty of features to consider when purchasing your first router table.

Best router tables are a must-have for any woodworker. Here’s a list of the best routers to buy, along with their features, so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

Top 5 Router Tables In 2021

1. Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181

The Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 is one of the most versatile benchtop router tables currently on the market.

Its adjustable fence and more diminutive stature make it easy to work with. While other benchtop routers do not include an accessory attachment point, this product has this bonus.

The Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 is very versatile and can support many different routers. It also has a large work surface and a portable design to make the router table versatile and portable.

While it can accommodate many different router types, there are some that it will not work with. This is because of the fact that the table does not have any holes for attaching router accessories.

The Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 has a large work surface and will accommodate both long and short workpieces. This makes it ideal for both beginners and professional woodworkers alike.

Feature:

• Large aluminum top for extended work area, durability, and precision.
• Pre-drilled aluminum mounting plate that accommodates a wide range of routers
• Extra tall aluminum fence with adjustable MDF faceplates and feather boards to maximize precision and versatility.
• Easy to access dust collection port for a cleaner work environment.
• Stay clean with an accessory port that fits a standard vacuum hose.
• Aluminum mounting plate makes it compatible with all your router table needs.
• Tall fences will help you work on intricate projects.
• Keep your router secure with the rigid aluminum underside.
• Cord wrap will keep your power cord secure.
• Feather boards help you make straight, precise cuts.

Bottom Line: Overall, the Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 is an excellent option for woodworkers of all skill levels.

2. SKIL RAS900 Router Table

The SKIL RAS900 router table is a compact design with a self-contained accessory storage bag that contains all the necessary components to create accurate routing jobs. The table’s quick-release mount makes it easy to set up and takedown.

This product comes with a starter pin and guards for support when routing curved edges, two feather boards, a bit height gauge for easier bit setup and cutting precision, a bit inserts kit, an adjustable laminated MDF fence face for more accuracy during setting up the workpiece position as well as an integrated accessory storage bag.

The design of the fence is pretty cool because it extends one inch on each side allowing you enough room to move your piece without hitting the fence or cutting it in half.

Feature:

• The RAS900 comes with two accessory storage compartments — one on the left side of the table and one on the right side.
• It also is fitted with a quick-release router mount that allows for easy bit changes and no leveling required.
• It also has a self-contained structure that is pre-assembled with an integrated accessory storage bag and laminated MDF top.
• The RAS900 also has a folding design that means the table comes pre-assembled with minimal setup needed and legs fold for storage.
• The table is made of aluminum and wood composite.

Bottom Line: This is a great router table for the price, perfect for beginners or more experienced users of routers. It’s easy to set up, for beginners with this model there are instructions included.

3. Kreg PRS1045 Router Table

The Kreg PRS1045 router table is a great tool for woodworkers and DIYers. It comes with a pre-assembled stand, premium tabletop, feather boards, and includes all of the tools needed to make quality products like furniture.

The company has built its reputation on providing high-quality products at an affordable price. This router table is no exception. The Kreg PRS1045 comes with a bunch of accessories making it a great value.

Kreg’s PRS1045 Precision Router Table has an on/off switch and is easy to install. It comes complete with a storage case with drawers.

The tabletop and supporting columns are made of solid steel, and its base is made of aluminum. Both high-quality and affordable, the Kreg PRS1045 router table is a great tool for professional woodworking projects.

Feature:

• A durable, steel stand with levelers to compensate for uneven floors.
• A large, anodized aluminum fence that is easy to adjust.
• A built-in, dust port to help control dust collection.
• Two jointing rods for easy setup and adjustment.
• Multi-purpose T-Square style fence for routing and mortising
• Table with miter gauge/T-track and 4 precision insert-plate levelers
• Precision router table top with 1″-thick (25mm) MDF core, leveler sockets, and steel reinforcing struts for flatness.

Bottom Line: The Kreg PRS1045 is a quality tool that offers professional results at an affordable price. It is easy to use and comes with a bunch of accessories. Overall, it is a great tool that can help professional woodworkers create quality furniture.

4. Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171

The tall fence is great for taller stock, and the MDF faceplates and feather boards help maximize precision during use. This router table also includes two dust ports at the fence and one at the cabinet to reduce any job site dust or debris.

Finally, this router table includes many great features such as a clean laminated work surface for accuracy, an aluminum mounting plate that can be adjusted to best suit your needs depending on your router choice, and it includes two adjustable feather boards that are fully adjustable to best fit any workpiece up to 3/4 inch thick.

Feature:

• Expandable to handle a variety of files up to 48-1/4-inch wide
• Adjustable feather boards for support and accuracy
• Ideal for manufacturing, engineering, and hobbyists
• Built-in dust collection system cleans the complete table
• Aluminum router mounting plate can span different heights for compatibility with different routers
• Expanded support options include MDF faceplates, feather boards, and accessory slot
• The cabinet style construction provides sturdiness, storage, and dust collection
• Fits most standard 2 1/2 inch vacuum hoses

Bottom Line: The Bosch RA1171 Router Table is a very useful tool for all sorts of woodworking. If you are looking for a compact router table that has great precision, this is the one for you.

5. Bosch RA1141 Portable Jobsite Router Table

The Bosch RA1141 Portable Jobsite Router Table is the perfect addition to your workshop!

With the Easy Click router mount, get stability without any leveling required. This table has a versatile workspace with laminated MDF face plates for better support. Plus, there are durable storage compartments in the legs for convenience and portability.

The adjustable laminated MDF fence is tall enough to handle the bigger workpieces, and there’s a bit-height gauge for easier bit setup and increased cut precision. The large base plate has an easy mount clamp to keep the router secure.

The Easy Click router mount secures quickly and easily, and there’s a T-slot on the table for use with various miter gauges. The large base plate features an easy-to-mount clamp to help keep the router secure.

Feature:

• Foldable legs for easy transport and storage
• Laminated MDF top provides enhanced stability and support
• Variable feather boards offer extra control during the cross-cut process
• Onboard storage for router bits and other accessories
• Bistro height gauge makes it easy to set up bit height by eye
• Soft start motor for gradual speed transitions
• Full baseplate gives stability during any routing process
• Soft start motor for gradual speed transitions

Bottom Line: This is a functional router table that offers good value for the cost. It’s very portable and will fit in most spaces. However, it does require some assembly.

Router Tables: How to choose the best one for you?

Here, we will be getting into some things to consider when purchasing a router table. Router compatibility, fence, and accessories are what we will be going over. For example, will your router be compatible with the table? Or will you need a new fence to make use of the router?

Router compatibility

First, the router’s compatibility is something you should be keeping in mind. You can get an insert plate that will allow you to use your router even if it wasn’t meant to work with the table.

You can also pick up a router that comes with the table. Doing this will ensure that your router works well with the fence and table itself.

Fence

The fence needs to be made of high-quality materials, so it doesn’t warp over time. The fence should also be durable so it can last for a long time. If you’re already buying the router you will need to look at the fence.

You might also consider getting an extra fence so you can use different types of routers on your table. This is perfect if you have friends who own routers that are different from the ones that came with your router.

Accessories

Another accessory that many people like to purchase is a keyed bit holder. This is nice because you will always know where your bits are. Also, they’re fairly inexpensive so it shouldn’t break the ban.

A lot of router tables have a dust collection system included. This is great because you don’t have to purchase a separate one. However, if you already have a dust collection system, the table might not work with it so be sure to check before purchasing.

Tips

When using a router table for a large project, it’s best to have additional support surrounding the table. This is to provide additional stability for the user. Also, using a router table with a large project will also allow you to get the best routing possible.

Also, when using the router table, always be sure to use a push block or feather board. This will help to give more support to the workpiece. You can also get holders for your routers which will give you more space while working.

When choosing a router table it’s imperative that you choose one that is going to give you the best experience possible while working.

This is why I have outlined some of the factors to take into consideration when purchasing a router table. While they are not all-important, these are some of the most important aspects to consider.

Conclusion

Now that you know what the best router tables are, it’s up to you to decide which one is worth purchasing. We encourage you to do your own research before making a decision.

Router tables are an investment, after all! The more you know before you buy one, the better off you will be in the end!

You won’t regret buying any of these router tables. The quality is excellent for this price range and there are features available in each model that make them unique.

Hopefully, this article has helped you to choose the best router table for your needs. If you’ve come across another router table that can compete with our Top 5, please let us know in the comments!

We’re always looking for new and exciting things to add to our site. Feel free to share your experiences with the models we spoke about here, we want to hear from you! Thanks for reading and happy woodworking!