Best Router Table 2017: Portable, Benchtop Reviews
When you’re a woodworking professional, DIYer, or hobbyist you know exactly how many miles you will get out of a secure and reliable router tool, so it’s equally important that the quality of your router table matches the quality of your router. Routers are ideal for making cutouts, sharp edges, cut joints, decorative surfaces and duplicating patterns. We’re here to list the top 10 router tables in today’s market that are flooded with various brands claiming to be the best. Don’t forget to view our router table buyer’s guide at the end of the post.
Best Wood Router Table Comparison
Bosch | SKIL | Kreg | Bosch | Bench Dog |
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For Professionals | Low Price | Best Value For Money | Top Quality | Portable |
Model: RAS900
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Model: RAS900 | Model: PRS2100 |
Model: RA1171 |
Model: RAS900 |
34.4 pounds | 32 pounds | 28.4 pounds | 45 pounds | 43.2 pounds |
27 x 18 x 14.5 inches | 27.7 x 17.7 x 9.5 inches | 19.2 x 30 x 4.8 inches | 4.8 x 27 x 24.2 inches | 26.8 x 22.8 x 5.1 inches |
Aluminum | Aluminum | Aircraft-Grade | Aluminum | Anodized Aluminum |
$$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ |
Ratings: 4.6 | (Low Cost)
Ratings: 3.9 |
Ratings: 4.2 | (Editors Pick)
Ratings: 4.5 |
Ratings: 4.4 |
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Bosch 15-Amp RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
Here is the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table that is engineered to be compatible with many routers available and can mount to all workbenches quickly. A router table is one of the essential parts you can have for any woodworking shop as it is incredibly versatile. The 2-1/2″ dust collection port provides the woodworker with greater dust collection for a clear workspace free of debris. The dust port will fit the standard 2-1/2″ vacuum hose.
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What Router would work best with the Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table
DeWalt: DW616, DW618 (the fixed Base only).
Hitachi: M12VC.
Makita: RF1100, RF1101.
Milwaukee: 5615, 5616.
Porter Cable: 892-895 series, 7529 plunge router, and 690 Series series (the fixed Base only).
Ryobi: R161, R162, RE170, RE180 PL
Skil: 1810, 1815, 1820, 1825.
Top Bosch Router Table Questions & Answers
Q – Can I use this with a router bit that has a 2″ cutter diameter?A – The Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table comes with three tabletop inserts: 1″ diameter for using with bits that have diameters of up to 7/8″, or 2″ diameter for using with bits up to 1-7/8″; 2-3/4″ diameter for using with bits up to 2-5/8″. No insert should be used on bits with a diameter over 2-5/8″ and up to 3-1/2″. Do not use bits that are over 3-1/2″ diameter.
Q – Could the fence opening be widened to work with wider router bits?
A – Yes, the face plates are adjustable to accommodate larger bits. The maximum fence opening is 3-3/16″.
Q – Should I buy a plunge or fixed base router?
A – Fixed based.
Q – Will this table accept T-Slot accessories?
A – No.
SKIL RSA900 Router Table
Here is the SKIL RAS900 Router Table that is conveniently pre-assembled with a built-in accessory storage bag and has a laminated MDF top. The free-standing structure offers room for essential parts such as the fence and router bits. The router table RAS900 also comes with a feather board, guard, bit inserts, and miter gauge; plus a tall fence with an adjustable laminated MDF faces. The SKIL RAS900 has a quick-release router mount that attaches and detaches in rapidly. We like the stability and convenience that the table has making the RAS900 an ideal router table for any DIYer.
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What Router would work best with the SKIL RSA900 Router Table
Top SKIL Router Table Questions & Answers
Q – What would be the best router for this table?
A – The SKIL 1817 model would be the top choice, but all Skil routers will work great with this table.
Q – Does the table come with a router?
A – No. The router and table are so separately.
Q – Could you provide a list of compatible Craftsman routers for the table?
A – The owner’s manual list these Craftsman router models as being compatible with this SKIL Router Table: 17508, 17542, 26620, 17533, 17528, 17511, 26834, 28190, 17541.
Q – What Dewalts can be used with the table?
A – Only compatible with the DeWalt models, DW616 and DW618 (fixed base only).
Q – Does this Router Table accept 1/2″ and 1/4″ in bits?
A – Yes.
Kreg PRS2100 Benchtop Router Table
Here is the Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table that delivers incredible versatility whenever you need a router table for the job site or when you want a compact router table for the shop – it can handle the job. The router table is so durable as it will withstand years of wear and tear and includes an impact-resistant Microdot surface plus a rigid aluminum fence. It also includes a rugged stamped-steel foundation and four hard-wearing rubber feet. The noise-absorbing MDF tabletop with a rigid steel base and vibration-dampening rubber feet makes this router table is so quiet that we like how a user will receive fewer distractions while working.
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What Router would work best with the Kreg PRS2100 Benchtop Router Table
Top Kreg Router Table Questions & Answers
Q – Could you tell me what the size of the pre-drilled opening in the router table (without the inserts?) is?
A – Level-Loc Insert Plate Dimensions are 9-1/4″ x 11-3/4″ x 3/8″ and the table surface dimensions are 16″ x 24″. Overall Dimensions are 20″ x 28-1/4″ x 20-1/4″.
Q – Does this router table accept a standard miter gauge in the slot from a Delta table saw, or an aftermarket coping sled?
A – It has a 3/4″ X 3/8″ wide slot.
Q – Is this Router Table compatible with a Dewalt router?
A – Yes, it has a template that lets you work with a Dewalt router.
Q – Can a feather board be used in this table, both verticle and horizontal?
A – Yes, you can use a feather board in both positions. There is a T-track in the fence to mount it vertically.
Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet-Style Router Table delivers a premium work surface for woodworking and routing and ready to handle most jobs. Designed to fit various routers and can mount on any workbench, this router table is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment that will serve as an indispensable part of any woodworking shop. And with its cabinet-style construction, it provides greater dust collection and noise reduction for a less distracting and more efficient work environment. We like the MDF face plates on the oversized aluminum fence allow taller pieces to be steadily fed through the cutting platform that is adjustable.
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What Router would work best with the Bosch RA1171 cabinet table router
Porter Cable: 690, 892-895 series, 7529
Milwaukee: 5615, 5616
Hitachi: M12VC
DeWalt: DW616, DW618
Makita: RF1100, RF1101
Top Bosch Router Table Questions & Answers
Q – Can I cut tile on this table?
A – No. It is designed solely for cutting material such as wood, plastic, laminate or solid surface materials using a router.
Q – Is there a significant difference between this RA1171 table model, and the Bosch RA1181? I work on cabinetry.
A – Table top and cabinet are the differences. I prefer the cabinet, and the table top is built to withstand many years of service – durable. The price being close I would opt for the RA1171 if cabinets are your primary job and for the incredible dust control.
Q – What is the table made of?
A – MDF. Wood with a laminate overlay.
Q – Is this table compatible with a Skil router?
A – Yes.
Q – What is the cabinet height?
A – The Bosch RA1171 cabinet table height is 14 1/2″ high and is 19 1/2″ total and that’s including the fence.
Bench Dog 40-001 Pro Top Contractor Router Table
Here is the Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table that comes in a compact, portable table loaded with full-sized features making it one of the top job site router tables in today’s market. Using a one of a kind forward offset router location and dual position fence provides with it as much free space on the surface of the table like most full-size router tables. With 15 inches of inside cabinet height, it can virtually house any router. It includes a non-marring laminate top, Bench Dog’s 22-inch ProFence with integral 2-1/2″ dust port; an aluminum miter accessory track is adjustable for a no-slop fit for every standard miter gauges. We like the conveniently pre-drilled router insert plate that fits many popular brands of routers, and an enclosed birch plywood cabinet that reduces the dust and creates less noise.
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What Router would work best with the bench dog
Craftsman: Fixed base
DeWalt: DW616/18 series, DW621, DW625
Fein: RT1800
Hitachi: M12VC (Fixed and kit)
Makita: 1100 series (includes the plunge bases)
Milwaukee: 5615/16/19 series, 5625
Porter-Cable: 690/890 series, 7529 Plunge
Ryobi: 161K, 180PL
Skil: 1823/35/40/45-02
Top Bench Dog Router Table Questions & Answers
Q – Could you tell me if there is a cutout in the cabinet where the router power cord is supposed to exit from, or do you just have to leave the front door ajar?
A – There is a cutoff.
Q – Could I offset the outfeed side of the fence to use it as a jointer for smaller boards?
A – Yes, the infeed and outfeed can adjust independently.
Q – Can the fence be removed?
A – Yes, the fence is removable.
Router Table Buyer’s Guide
A router table is one of those special additions to a workshop that are highly useful and most incredibly versatile. With the router mounted securely in a router table, your hands are free for the ultimate workpiece control experience during the cut. That extra control makes some routing operations incredibly easier such as routing grooves or edge profiles. It provides the operator with the ability to do some things you wouldn’t be safe to do when using a handheld router like routing restricted stock, making cope-and-stick joinery cuts onto the rails and stiles for cutting the raised panels or paneled doors themselves.
Things To Know When Buying A Router Table
A router table is one of the most versatile in the workshop, and there are certain features you’ll want your table to have.Let’s take a look at some of the basic essentials to having a strong and reliable router table.
Flat, Rigid Base Plate: On most router tables, the router’s attached to a base plate that will fit into a rabbeted opening in the table top. The layout and quality of the base plate can have a significant impact on how the table router will function.
The base plate needs to be flat to support the weight of the router and requires a solid body and machined aluminum and solid phenolic are ideal options.
For the best results the router needs to be compatible with the router table, and high-quality systems will deliver a range of plates that are pre-drilled specifically for certain makes and models the same goes for blank plates that are drilled to fit. One size fits all pre-drilled plates are not the best option as they have too many holes making susceptible for dust and debris that can interfere with feeding the stock.
Plate leveling system: Besides having a flat base you should aim for a table that includes a plate leveling system that will rest exactly leveled with the surface of the table and some systems will have four leveling screws that are adjusted from the underside of the table. Look for one that has more points of contact that will also include a way to lock down the plate to the table.
Miter & T-Slots: Some tasks are better handled with a miter gauge, for instance, cutting a dado across a long, narrow piece of stock. You’ll need a router table that is outfitted with a miter slot. A miter slot also comes in handy for securing feather boards along with many router table accessories.
Some tables are packed with T-slots in different locations for securing feather boards, stops and other most common router table attachments. These are machined into the front surface of the fence but can be in other locations. A slot across onto the top of the fence will provide the user with an easier attachment of a flip stop or a pair of hold-down clamps when needed.
Two-Piece or Split-Fence: When you’re routing away portions of the stock but leaving a remaining surface to ride against the outfeed fence, it will control the work. Both fences are required to be aligned in the same plane or aligned straight across.
When you’re routing away all the edge, the outfeed fence needs to be adjusted or offset to accurately support the new surface to avoid chatter and dips along with feather boards.
Here are the two ways to adjust the depth of cut: Raise the cutter into the work using a lift, or adjust the fence away from the cutter exposing more of the cutter. A continuous or sacrificial fence works best here with a zero clearance opening made for that special cutter. That helps to avoid tear out and makes the cut go smoothly.
Those were the advantages to using a two-piece or split fence.
One-Piece Fence: One-piece fence, the alignment isn’t an issue. The fence is one solid, straight piece that will cover both the infeed and outfeed sides of the table. However, the integrated alignment delivers several limitations such as the clearance hole in the fence for the bit must be large enough to work with the largest diameter bit you’re using.
When using many smaller-diameter bits, a larger opening could leave the result with significant gaps between the fence and the bit, keeping your workpiece with an unsupported maximizing the risks of it getting hung up in the opening. The infeed side of the fence will not be set at an offset from the outfeed side. If you want to have zero-clearance support for your workpiece or being able to use your router table to joint a straight edge on the board, you’ll have to add auxiliary fence faces.
Strong Sturdy Base
If you want clean, beautiful and crisp cuts, the workpiece needs to keep in regular contact with a cutter and advance it at a flat rate. Ideal cuts are hard to achieve when you’ve got a table that is wobbling or shifting around. When working on an unsteady base, you’re increasing your risk for uncertain outcomes. A router spinning a razor-sharp bit tens of thousands of times per minute could cause deliver a lot of unnecessary damage if the table were to topple over.