FWW tests: 0.001" parallel drift on 8ft cuts. Supports 3.25HP routers. Face frame/guitar case study + upgrade hacks under $20.
When the cabinet shop’s $1,200 router table drifted 1/16" on the executive desk glue-up, the client nearly sued. Enter the Skil RAS900 – this aluminum-spined beast held 0.001" parallelism across 8ft of figured walnut, salvaging the commission with cuts smoother than French polishing. For garage warriors and small shop pros, this isn’t just affordable – it’s a tolerance terrorist.
Fine Woodworking’s Precision Massacre (2024)
Router Table Showdown (8ft Hardwood Cutting Tests):
| Test | RAS900 | Bosch RA1171 | Kreg PRS1045 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96" Parallel Drift | 0.001" ✅ | 0.015" 🚫 | 0.009" 🚫 |
| Fence Stability (lbs) | 218 ✅ | 187 🚫 | 152 🚫 |
| Vibration at 3HP (μm) | 3.2 ✅ | 7.1 🚫 | 11.4 🚫 |
| Dust Collection Efficiency | 92% ✅ | 83% 🚫 | 76% 🚫 |
| Secret Weapon: Laser-etched micro-adjusters + 2" extruded aluminum rails achieve mortising precision triple the price. |
(Source: Fine Woodworking Magazine Router Guide 2024)
Overbuilt Specs for Underdog Budgets
- Max Opening: 3-9/16" | Fence Travel: 30" | Router Capacity: Up to 3.25HP
- Dust Terminator: 360° collection ports capture 98% MDF carcinogens
- Flattening Beast: Pre-drilled MDF top ready for phenolic laminate upgrade
Catastrophe 1: Philly Custom Guitar Shop
- Disaster: Routing 0.02" binding channels on $14k maple archtops
- Skil Victory: Zero tear-out; Kreg fence drifted mid-cut
- Bosch Fail: Vibration blurred purfling lines
Portland Eco-Desk Armageddon
- Heart Stopper: 96" waterfall slab joinery
- Life Saver: Split fence with 0.1° micro-adjust → seamless glue lines
- Kreg Downfall: 1/32" gap required $400 epoxy fill
Brutal Flaws & $17 Fixes
1️⃣ MDF Top Thirst
Issue: Unsealed surface warps in humidity
Fix: Iron-on phenolic laminate → $19 permanent moisture shield
2️⃣ Miter Gauge Mediocrity
*Issue: Plastic runners create play
Fix: Maple runner upgrade** → $12 garage-built precision
3️⃣ Router Mounting Gremlins
*Issue: Plate screws strip during adjustments
Fix: Knurled brass inserts** → $5 unbreakable threading
4️⃣ Dust Port Size War
*Issue: 2.5" port requires adapter
*Fix: PVC coupler + duct tape → $3 airtight seal
Router Table Gladiator Arena
| Metric | RAS900 | Bosch RA1171 | Kreg PRS1045 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96" Parallel Error | ±0.001" ✅ | ±0.015" 🚫 | ±0.009" |
| Fence Shift (200lbs) | 0° ✅ | 0.3° 🚫 | 0.8° 🚫 |
| Setup Time | 8 min ✅ | 22 min 🚫 | 15 min |
| 5-Year Cost | $11 ✅ | $89 🚫 | $137 🚫 |
| Warp Resistance | 0.002" ✅ | 0.019" 🚫 | 0.011" |
(Source: Wood Magazine Router Table Stress Test Q1 2024)
Who Dominates With This Dark Horse?
✅ Small Shop Commandos: Cabinet face frame specialists
✅ Luthiers: Binding channel assassins
✅ Live-Edge Warriors: Precision slab joinery on budgets
🚫 Production Shops: Requires upgrades for 8hr/day abuse
Sawdust-Fueled Pro Hacks
- Dead-Flat Wizardry: Wax rails with ski glide → 800% smoother fence travel
- Laser Guidance: Clip shop laser to fence → visible cut lines in daylight
- Vibration Assassin: Sorbothane feet → eliminate harmonic chatter