Every woodworker understands the importance of having the best router table in the workstation. If you are relatively new to woodworking or just starting, then you are well aware that finding a router table is hard. There are many things you should look before purchasing a new one, and most of the people don’t have the time required to do the necessary testing.
Power tools always essential for woodworking, but not everyone knows what to look out for buying tools like any chainsaw or similar tools. So that’s why we have decided to do most of the work for you. So, our review will help you to choose the right router table for your workshop.
Top 5 Best Router Table – Expert’s Picks
Before writing every router table review, we have researched more than 15 products, but not every routing table deserved to get on this list. We have selected the best ones for both professionals and the hobbyists.
| Model | Preview | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 |  |
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| #2 Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171 |  |
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| #3 Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System |  |
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| #4 SKIL RAS900 Router Table |  |
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| #5 Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension |  |
#1 Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table is our first choice. It’s designed to fit a wide variety of routers and made not just with the recreational woodworker. This router table has a flat surface designed to reduce friction, and the cast aluminum table is 27 inches long and 18 inches wide. The miter slot runs along with the table and is with common miter guides or jigs.
The model has an adjustable aluminum fence that comes with a 2 & 1/2” diameter dust port placed on the rear end of the bit opening. The tall aluminum fence ensures that you won’t have any problems working with tall stock. It features a handy guard plate that helps close of part of the fence’s opening and directs airflow to remove debris better.
An ability that stands out on the Bosch RA1181 fence is the feature to do jointing. With two 1/16″ shims included, you can easily place them behind the outfeed fence face for joint work. Despite its length, the outfeed face manages to joint edges of boards even up to 3 feet long with precision.
Besides this, It also included two feather boards, which don’t always come with this type of products, mount to the horizontal part of the table as well as the fence to offer you a guide and pressure for great control of your wood stock – once adjusted and tightened they are great to work with.
The table size is sufficient for most if not nearly all routing jobs in a home woodshop. It can handle higher powered routers as well as the vibrations they bring. The aluminum router plate is pre-drilled, so if you already have a router, chances are it will fit like a glove.
- Great design and high performance.
- Very easy to maintain and sturdy.
- Aluminum fence uses tool-free adjustment with knobs.
- Sensitive off-switch and lockout feature for child safety.
- Assembly and initial setup can be difficult.
#2 Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171
Here is another best router table from Bosch. The Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table has a good balance between size and portability. It is large enough to handle most of the woodworking shops, but it is also compact enough to fit a small workshop. Setup is extremely easy because all of the cabinet parts are pre-drilled.
People working at Bosch know the importance of a fence system, and it shows with the RA1171 model. The face received with this router table is large, square, and adjustable. The fence is also removable to allow you to work with larger workpieces. You will be glad to know that all of the fence functions are controlled with finger-operated knobs.
The first thing we have noticed with the RA1171 is the slick table surface. If you coat it when it is needed, it will stay slick for a long time. The feather boards and bit guards can be used on the fence, and without the fence since the Bosch RA1171 kit comes equipped with all of the necessities. The bit guards will protect your fingers, but they are also very useful in preventing chips and splinters from flying off the bit.
The Bosch Router Table has 2-1/2″-diameter dust ports on the fence and the rear of the cabinet. The dust collection system ensures that the majority of dust is removed from the work area. We have noticed that the gaps around the door are sized right, and they allow good airflow.
- The fence system is large and adjustable.
- Bit guards prevent the splinters from flying off.
- The table surface is slick and big.
- Assembly process can be a bit difficult for some users.
#3 Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System
Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System will make your route like a professional despite looking fairly simple. Besides the gorgeous color, the self-squaring t-square style fence is another easily noticeable thing. So, it handles vibrations like a pro. This router table looks very sturdy at first glance, which is proven during the testing.
Two steel support struts reinforce the MDF table plate preventing bending over time. The Kreg PRS1045 does a very well job at reducing noise and vibrations. You will also notice that the insert plate can mount almost any router without having to resort to the Swiss-cheese type of surface. Swiss-cheese surfaces do support a lot of different routers, but the drawback is that they can easily get deformed.
T-square fences stay parallel to the miter and T-slot, automatically squaring the fence. That means you can easily make small adjustments even if you are just starting with squaring. The Kreg PRS1045 lets you utilize the miter slot to its fullest potential. The design of the Kreg PRS1045 took a look at some of the high-end models and applied the knowledge they have gained to this model.
In addition, It also has a full-length dust collection port, which is always a big plus. Dust will be collected in the dust collection port while you are working. So after your work is done, you will have no problems with removing the dust. For keeping your workshop clean, and this model has a very good system to keep your work area clean.
- Very low vibrations and noise,
- Can be used the table as a vertical jointer.
- Easy to insert plate mounts to any router.
- Reducing rings can strip the threads if you over-tighten.
#4 SKIL RAS900 Router Table
SKIL RAS900 router table is another excellent choice for woodworking. The table design is how neatly it folds up for storage. This helps immensely with storage space and neat organization. Everything is stored inside the table frame, making this router table easy to take with you if you need it somewhere besides your workshop.
Assembling is what most of the beginner woodworkers love about the SKIL RAS900 – it comes pre-assembled. It uses a folding design, which means that there aren’t many parts which need to be put together. All you have to do is insert the router, and you can start working right away. It should take around 30 minutes to set everything up.
The SKIL RAS900 Router Table shows us that mounting a router doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Installing a router is easy since the mounting plate is compatible with all of the major routers. You can only praise the Quick Clamp mount system since it saves you time and makes sure that you don’t get frustrated while mounting your router. The Quick Clamp system can also help you with changing bits.
Even tho we have praised the folding table and legs; we must say that it also makes them prone to bending. Plastic just doesn’t provide enough support for heavy-duty use, but the SKIL RAS900 is very lightweight, only 32 pounds.
- Easy to mounting and removal of a router.
- Storage boxes make sure everything stays tidy.
- Very affordable, yet performs extremely.
- Spare parts can be a bit hard to find.
- The fence might lose its straightness with time.
#5 Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension
If you don’t have the space required for a full-sized router table, then the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax could be perfect for you. The first thing we have noticed is the size. This machine is made for those of you who want a high-quality router table, but don’t have enough space in your workshop.
It is very portable – you can use it anywhere! It comes with an amazing heavy-duty bit guard with an efficient dust collection system which ensures that your work environment stays clean. The table weighs 60.8 pounds. It is compatible with all contractor-grade table saws; bear in mind that if you want to use it with a cabinet-grade table, it can’t be installed as a left extension.
The fence on the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax is built from one piece of machined aluminum, and it is very precise. The dual fence slot configuration makes it easy to move the fence, leaving you with more space to work with. MDF sub-fences accompany the ProFence, and they help out with the support and the alignment capabilities of this model.
Another easily noticeable thing is that this router table has a cast iron flat tabletop. This means that the chances of the tabletop becoming warped over time are slim to none. The Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax is an extension table for your table saw, and you might be wondering whether it will fit your saw.
- Versatile in all of the woodworking applications.
- It is very portable, and use it anywhere.
- A very cost-effective addition to your shop.
- Can’t be installed as a left extension on cabinet-grade tables.
What to consider before buying a router table?
A good quality router table is a big hand for any expert woodworker. With the help of a router, you can make wood into art. And a router table helps you to make every inch of it flawless. Here are some points given below that will help you to choose a router table. Have a look below.
Compatibility
The table you are going to choose has to be compatible with your router. If you are a newbie and do not know much about it, then don’t worry. First, learn more about your router or the one you are going to buy. Research more ask help to the expert what table goes with what routers. Infect, you will get much info while reading the instruction or features of router tables. In many cases, you are going to get them with each other.
Base table
The high-quality router contains a firm and smooth base which intend to hold the wood in one position. It’s hard to work on a shaky base and maintain clean cuts. So, a router table could be offers other things or containing many features. It is the essential thing that you need to get right.
Base plate
Machined aluminum made base plates are more durable. Generally, the base plat is flat and luge a stout develop. This plat is inflexible. The better quality plat will improve your work. And style is a significant factor here also. Use double base you can.
Miter gauge
The T lots and miter gauge- these are very crucial parts of a router. Sometimes workers don’t plan to get any accessories in the first place. But you get accessories or that you have to need these things must. Miter and T slots sustain your plume board. When you add attachments on the table, these will endure them too.
Fence
A right fence would be easy to place. It makes sure that you always get a tidy and top-notch cut as you desire. Fences are come with different verity to choose. There are two types of fencing mainly available. Like,
- One piece
- Two-piece
- The wooden block clamp to the table surface or different functions are varying in here.
- One-piece has less issue with an alignment problem. It remains constant and has no other part.
- The second one is good for work with more significant size pieces. It offers good adaptability and needs to take care of positioning.
Budget
If you need all the essential parts stable and durable, you have to make the budget high. Those who are going to buy it for the first time keep the budget in 100-250 dollars. Others can raise higher the budget. After all, it’s a long term investment. Also, check the correct router with improves the features with the old one. It will be a lot better to equipped with modern technology. Still, if you get everything in low price and the quality is ok according to your range then don’t worry and go for it. It does not mean all expensive things have to be excellent in service.
Final Words
So, using a router table as a jointer is excellent for those people who are working in a tight space, and no room for any additional equipment. Finding the best router table for money is a difficult task. There are many variables things to consider before buying a router table.
The main problem is that people do not have the time to search and compare before choosing the tools. Also sometimes it’s very tough and time wasted. So we have selected some routing table with reviews and buying guides that will help to choose the right router table. Our review will help you to compare some products, but the final decision is yours.
