Best Router Tables
A router table is an essential woodworking tool for professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike. It allows you to easily shape, cut, and edge wood for various projects. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the top 10 router tables available in 2023, examining their features, build quality, and overall value. Let's dive in!
Top 10 Best Router Tables of 2023:
1. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
Key Features:
- Large work surface
- Rigid aluminum fence
- Adjustable feather boards
- Accessory slot
- Dust collection port
The Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table boasts a large working surface measuring 27 x 18 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Its rigid aluminum fence ensures accuracy and precision, while adjustable feather boards provide additional support and guidance for your workpiece.
An accessory slot accepts additional accessories, such as a miter gauge, while the dust collection port helps keep your workspace clean. Overall, the Bosch RA1181 is a reliable and versatile choice for both professionals and hobbyists.
2. Kreg PRS2100 Benchtop Router Table
Key Features:
- Industrial-grade anodized aluminum construction
- Noise-reducing MDF tabletop
- Adjustable steel stand
- Full-size router insert plate
- Easy-to-use fence system
The Kreg PRS2100 Benchtop Router Table is built with an industrial-grade anodized aluminum construction, ensuring durability and stability. Its noise-reducing MDF tabletop provides a smooth and quiet work surface.
The adjustable steel stand allows for easy height customization, while the full-size router insert plate accommodates most router models. The easy-to-use fence system offers precise adjustments, and the vacuum shroud allows for efficient dust collection.
3. Skil RAS900 Router Table
Key Features:
- Compact design
- Self-contained storage
- Quick-release clamps
- Feather board and bit guard
- Starter pin and guard
The Skil RAS900 Router Table offers a compact design with self-contained storage, making it an excellent choice for those with limited workspace. The quick-release clamps allow for easy setup and dismantling, while the feather board and bit guard provide additional support and safety.
The starter pin and guard help guide curved workpieces, ensuring precise cuts every time. The Skil RAS900 is a great choice for users who prioritize space-saving features and portability.
4. Grizzly Industrial T10432 Router Table
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty steel stand
- Large MDF tabletop
- Split-fence design
- Adjustable feather boards
- Universal router mounting plate
The Grizzly Industrial T10432 Router Table features a heavy-duty steel stand, providing a stable and durable foundation. Its large MDF tabletop measures 31-7/8 x 24 inches, giving you ample space for various projects.
The split-fence design allows for easy adjustments, and the adjustable feather boards offer additional workpiece support. The universal router mounting plate accommodates most router models, making it a versatile choice for any workshop.
5. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Table
Key Features:
- Phenolic router lift
- Cam lock system
- Tab-Loc insert ring
- Adjustable fence
- Dust collection port
The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Table stands out for its phenolic router lift, which allows for precise height adjustments and smooth operation. The cam lock system ensures a secure hold, while the Tab-Loc insert ring provides easy bit changes.
The adjustable fence offers precise control, and the dust collection port helps maintain a clean workspace. The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II is an excellent choice for those seeking premium features and unmatched precision.
6. Rockler Pro Phenolic Router Table
Key Features:
- Double-layer phenolic construction
- 3/4-inch T-slot miter channel
- 4-inch dust collection port
- Adjustable steel stand
- Universal router mounting plate
The Rockler Pro Phenolic Router Table is built with a double-layer phenolic construction, providing a durable and flat work surface. The 3/4-inch T-slot miter channel allows for easy accessory integration, and the 4-inch dust collection port ensures efficient clean-up.
The adjustable steel stand offers customizable height options, and the universal router mounting plate accommodates most routers. The Rockler Pro Phenolic Router Table is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality and durable option.
7. Woodpeckers Precision Woodworking Tools PRL-V2-420 Router Table
Key Features:
- Micro-adjustable router lift
- Aluminum fence
- Phenolic router plate
- Adjustable steel stand
- Dust collection port
The Woodpeckers PRL-V2-420 Router Table features a micro-adjustable router lift, ensuring precise and smooth height adjustments. The aluminum fence offersrigidity and accuracy, while the phenolic router plate provides a durable and flat surface for smooth operations.
The adjustable steel stand allows for customizable height options, and the dust collection port helps maintain a clean workspace. With its precision-focused features, the Woodpeckers PRL-V2-420 is an excellent choice for professionals and serious hobbyists.
8. INCRA RT2436OS 24x36 Offset Router Table
Key Features:
- Offset router location
- 1-1/4-inch MDF tabletop
- INCRA's MagnaLOCK router plate
- T-slots for accessories
- Adjustable steel stand
The INCRA RT2436OS Offset Router Table features a unique offset router location, providing a larger work surface for increased versatility. Its 1-1/4-inch MDF tabletop ensures a flat and stable surface, while INCRA's MagnaLOCK router plate offers easy and secure router mounting.
The T-slots enable convenient accessory integration, and the adjustable steel stand allows for customizable height options. The INCRA RT2436OS is a great choice for users looking for a router table that offers a larger work surface and unique design.
9. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table
Key Features:
- Cast iron construction
- Dual fence slots
- Integrated T-slots
- ProFence with adjustable feather boards
- Miter gauge track
The Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table is built with a sturdy cast iron construction, providing durability and stability. The dual fence slots allow for easy fence adjustments, while the integrated T-slots enable convenient accessory integration.
The ProFence features adjustable feather boards for additional workpiece support, and the miter gauge track ensures precise cuts. The Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax is a top choice for those seeking a heavy-duty and reliable option.
10. Shop Fox W1820 Router Table
Key Features:
- Precision ground cast iron table
- Universal router mounting plate
- Quick-release, adjustable fence
- Adjustable feather boards
- Built-in dust collection port
The Shop Fox W1820 Router Table boasts a precision ground cast iron table, ensuring a flat and stable work surface. The universal router mounting plate accommodates most routers, while the quick-release, adjustable fence offers easy and precise adjustments.
The adjustable feather boards provide additional workpiece support, and the built-in dust collection port helps maintain a clean workspace. The Shop Fox W1820 is a solid choice for users seeking durability and precision in their router table.
What to Consider When Choosing the Router Tables
When shopping for a router table, consider both the size of your workshop and your brand of router. Some factors you may want to consider include the table’s size, portability, material, base plate style, and compatibility with your router. Read on to learn about these and other considerations.
Tabletop Material
The tabletop material plays a crucial role in the performance and durability of the router table. There are three common materials used for tabletops:
- MDF: Medium-density fiberboard is a budget-friendly option that provides a flat and stable surface. However, it may not be as durable as other materials and can sag over time.
- Phenolic resin: This is a solid composite material known for its durability, resistance to wear and tear, and dimensional stability. It provides a smooth and low-friction surface, but it can be more expensive than MDF.
- Cast iron: This material is heavy and extremely durable, making it ideal for professional workshops. Cast iron provides excellent stability and a flat surface, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Table Size
The size of the table will depend on the type of projects you plan to work on. Smaller tables are more portable and suitable for small workshops, while larger tables provide more workspace and support for larger workpieces. Consider your workspace and the size of the projects you typically work on when choosing a table size.
Fence System
The fence system is an important component of any router table, as it helps guide the workpiece for accurate cuts. A good fence should be:
- Easy to adjust
- Able to lock securely in place
- Straight and true for precise cuts
- Made of durable materials, such as aluminum or steel
Some fences also come with micro-adjustment features that allow for fine-tuning the position of the fence, ensuring even greater accuracy.
Router Compatibility
Ensure that the router table you choose is compatible with your router model. Some tables come with universal mounting plates that can accommodate various routers, while others may require specific mounts or adapters. Check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility.
Dust Collection
A good router table should have a dust collection system to help keep your workspace clean and maintain good air quality. Look for tables with a built-in dust port that can connect to a shop vacuum or dust collection system.
Additional Features
Some router tables come with additional features that can make your woodworking experience more efficient and enjoyable. Consider tables with:
- T-slots for attaching accessories and feather boards
- Built-in storage for router bits and accessories
- Adjustable leveling feet for stability on uneven surfaces
- A built-in router lift for easy height adjustments and bit changes
Price and Warranty
Finally, consider your budget and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Router tables can range from budget-friendly models to high-end professional options. Determine how much you're willing to spend and choose a table that offers the best value for your money. A good warranty is also a sign of the manufacturer's confidence in their product and can provide peace of mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ten router tables listed above offer a range of features, build quality, and overall value. Consider your specific needs, workspace limitations, and budget when selecting the best router table for your workshop. Whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, investing in a high-quality router table can significantly improve your woodworking projects and overall experience.